Love one another and take care of each other.
Chief Rocky Boy
Support Expanding Horizons
Please donate through our main Western Native Voice donation page.
After donating, please email us at info@westernnativevoice.org with the subject line “Donation for Expanding Horizons” to let us know that your gift is intended for this program.
Countdown to our Vision to Voice Youth Conference
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Our Mission
Expanding Horizons is a student-driven leadership program powered by Western Native Voice. We unite Native and non-Native youth across Montana, ages 14–18 (high school students), to explore, embrace, and celebrate their unique identities. Through mentorship, civic engagement, and cultural education, we empower young people to develop confidence, leadership skills, and a deep connection to their communities.
Our Vision
We believe in creating a supportive environment that nurtures and empowers the next generation of leaders. We strive to serve youth of all ages in meaningful ways—transcending Montana’s borders, cultural differences, and generational challenges—to inspire future changemakers.
More information on Expanding Horizons: Download Expanding Horizons Brochure.
Our Impact at a Glance
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Western Native Voice: Expanding Horizons
Expanding Horizons, launched in September 2022, was created to strengthen youth development and leadership across Native communities. Since its founding in 2011, Western Native Voice has recognized and uplifted the power, vision, and voice of young people as essential drivers of positive change.
A key example occurred in 2017, when Native youth played a pivotal role in the passage of Senate Bill 319—legislation that protects the right of Native students to wear traditional tribal regalia and objects of cultural significance at public events, including graduation ceremonies. This bill—“An act prohibiting a state agency or local government from prohibiting an individual from wearing traditional tribal regalia or objects of cultural significance at certain public events; providing definitions; and providing an immediate effective date”—was signed into law by the Montana Legislature, thanks in large part to the advocacy and testimony of Native youth leaders. The significance of this achievement, as well as similar student-led movements nationwide, was later highlighted in the National Education Association article, “Students Demand Right to Wear Native Regalia at Graduation.”
Link here https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/students-demand-right-wear-native-regalia-graduation
Youth Leadership Conference 2026
March 15-17, 2026 at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center
We are not doing individual registrations instead focusing on school participation. Please reach out to your local high school, teacher, counselor to contact for registration.
Our Programs
We bring together high school students from across Montana to champion the preservation of tribal identity and culture while creating leaders through our four programs of civic education, leadership development, civic engagement, and public policy advocacy.
Along with our four programs, students will experience the following:
- Motivational Speakers
- Hands-on Learning
- Cultural Identity Workshops
- Mental Health & Wellness
- Traditional Games & Activities
- Native American History
- Field Trips & More
Reflections from Expanding Horizons Alum
What stood out to me the most was the incredible staff who created such a safe, welcoming, and fun environment. Their support made it easy for me to feel comfortable and fully engage with everything the program had to offer.
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