Honoring Heritage, Engaging Youth, and Protecting Native Voices
This October, Western Native Voice celebrated the strength, resilience, and power of Native communities across Montana in multiple ways—honoring our heritage, engaging our youth, and protecting our voices in democracy.
Our Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration in Billings was especially meaningful this year. With the recent passage of Senate Bill 224, the holiday is now officially recognized by the state, marking a historic milestone for Montana. Community members, youth, elders, and families gathered to honor culture, traditions, and history. Across Montana, from Missoula to Bozeman, towns hosted similar events, highlighting the growing recognition of Native contributions and the importance of sharing our stories statewide.
The Billings Indigenous Peoples’ Day Round Dance and Vendor Show was held at the Billings Hotel & Convention Center on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Hosted by several community organizations, local businesses, and Western Native Voice, the event was well attended, with over 25 vendors filling the outer edges of the facility. The celebration brought together community members of all ages to honor Native heritage, culture, and traditions in a vibrant, welcoming space.
Bozeman Indigenous Peoples’ Day faced cold winds, but it did not stop the community from coming out and showing their support. Pictured center is Marsha Small, one of the founders of Indigenous Peoples’ Day Montana, honoring Senator Shane Morigeau for his tireless efforts to get Indigenous Peoples’ Day officially passed in the Montana state legislature. The turnout was a powerful reminder of the community’s support for recognizing Native heritage, history, and contributions across the state.
Expanding Horizons Youth Program Highlights
Along with dozens of local business, Expanding Horizons Youth Program co-hosted its annual Trunk-or-Treat event for kids in the Billings area. Now in its third year, the event continues to grow, offering a safe, welcoming space for youth and families to come together. Beyond the fun, these events are an important way to foster connections, build trust, and encourage young people to see themselves as valued and engaged members of their communities.
Over 600 people attended Western Native Voice’s annual Trunk or Treat event in Billings—now a growing community tradition. Pictured are just a few of the many businesses who came out to take part in this annual party.
On the Frontlines of Native Voting Rights
October also brought important work on the national stage. WNV Executive Director, Ronnie Jo Horse represented Western Native Voice at the Native American Voting Rights Coalition (NAVRC) summit in Phoenix, where leaders from across the country gathered to address the unique barriers Native communities face in voting. As a member of this coalition, WNV works to ensure that Montana’s Native voices are counted. At the summit, leaders emphasized concerns about what it would mean if the Native American Voting Rights Act (NAVRA) fails in Congress—potentially delaying crucial protections for Native voters.
Together, these events demonstrate the multiple ways Western Native Voice builds community power: celebrating culture, engaging youth, and protecting civic rights. Each effort strengthens connections, uplifts Native voices, and ensures that our people continue to be seen, heard, and valued in every corner of Montana and beyond.