June 11, 2024 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Join us at the Babcock Theatre on June 11 for a FREE screening of “Smoke Signals!” 
Doors open at 6 PM.
Become a member and get involved with your community!
RSVP for free here: https://tinyurl.com/5y5vf9v3
We’re looking for Native American arts and crafts vendors for the event! Interested? Contact Kori Wood at (406) 869-1938.
Enjoy refreshments and a great film, all while connecting with your community. See you there!
May 21, 2024 @ 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Western Native Voice invites you to a special evening at Charging Horse Casino in Lame Deer, Montana. This event combines the fun of Bingo with the importance of civic participation through our Voter Registration Drive.
Date: May 21, 2024
Time: Doors open at 5:00 pm
Location: Charging Horse Casino, Lame Deer, MT
Age: 18 and over
Event Highlights:
Bingo Games: Enjoy multiple rounds of Bingo with a chance to win exciting prizes.
Voter Registration: Register to vote and make sure your voice is heard in upcoming elections.
Free Meal: The first 100 people to walk through the door will receive a complimentary meal.
Door Prizes: More chances to win fabulous prizes throughout the evening.
Community Engagement: Join us for an evening of fun, fellowship, and empowerment.
This event is designed to welcome all community members interested in becoming active participants in shaping the future of our communities. Spend your evening with us for a mix of entertainment and civic engagement!
May 23, 2024 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Western Native Voice is excited to announce a Membership Drive event featuring Free Bingo in Fort Belknap, Montana. This event aims to engage and welcome new members 18 and over to our organization while offering an evening of entertainment, camaraderie, and prizes for the community.
Date: May 23, 2024
Time: Doors open at 6:00 pm
Location: Bingo Hall, (Industrial Building), Fort Belknap Agency
Age: 18 and over
The Membership Drive event will include:
Free Bingo Games: Enjoy multiple rounds of Bingo with exciting prizes up for grabs.
Door Prizes: Attendees will have the chance to win door prizes throughout the event.
Food and Refreshments: Complimentary snacks and refreshments will be provided to all participants.
Fun and Fellowship: Join us for an evening of fun-filled entertainment and community spirit.
This event is for new members of Western Native Voice. Current members are welcome to attend if they bring a nonmember friend.
Free membership is open to individuals who share our commitment to civic engagement, advocacy, and community empowerment. By becoming a member, you can play an active role in shaping the future of our communities and advocating for positive change.
May 16, 2024 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Let’s Go Billings! Help Western Native Voice get everyone registered to vote by attending this free training on voter registration.
***18 and over welcome to attend.***
Date: Thursday, May 16th
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Western Native Voice Office, 80 25th St West, Billings
Dinner will be served!
On May 3, Western Native Voice hosted a vibrant event to celebrate the achievements and future of the class of 2024. As an organization deeply committed to community engagement and empowerment, this event was more than just a celebration—it was a call to action for civic participation.
A Day to Remember
From the onset, the atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter and excitement. Attendees, ranging from young graduates to supportive family members and friends, were greeted with an array of activities that catered to all ages.
Games and More
The event featured a variety of games that not only entertained but also fostered a sense of community and teamwork. From classic games to interactive challenges, there was never a dull moment. These activities were not just for fun; they were a bridge, connecting attendees, encouraging conversations, and building lasting memories.
Culinary Delights
No celebration is complete without great food, and this event was no exception. We served a delightful spread of dishes that were both delicious and reflective of the diverse tastes of our community. The food stations were bustling with energy as people lined up to savor the flavors on offer, providing a perfect opportunity for attendees to mingle and enjoy casual conversations.
Prizes That Excite
The excitement peaked with the distribution of awesome prizes that brought smiles and cheers. The prizes were not just gifts but symbols of appreciation for the community’s involvement and encouragement for continued engagement.A Commitment to Civic Duty
The highlight of the event, however, was our commitment to ensuring every attendee left as a registered voter. In alignment with Western Native Voice’s mission to amplify the voices of Native peoples, our team was on hand to assist attendees with voter registration. This initiative was met with enthusiasm, as many recognized the importance of their vote in shaping the future.
This event was a testament to the spirit of the class of 2024—energetic, hopeful, and ready to make an impact. It underscored the vital role of civic engagement in our democracy and celebrated the power of community. As we look forward to more events and initiatives, we remain committed to empowering individuals through education, voter registration, and community involvement.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in making this day memorable. Here’s to the bright futures of the class of 2024 and to the continued success of our community initiatives!
This event not only celebrated the achievements of our young community members but also reinforced the importance of being registered and ready to vote. It was a day of joy, connection, and empowerment—a true reflection of what Western Native Voice stands for.
May 8, 2024 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Let’s Go Fort Peck! Help Western Native Voice get everyone registered to vote by attending this free training on voter registration. ***18 and over welcome to attend.***
Date: Wednesday, May 8th
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Sherman Motor Inn, Wolf Point
Dinner will be served!
REGISTER HERE: https://tinyurl.com/8aa587m8
May 17, 2024 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Join Western Native Voice for a vibrant celebration of our youth and future leaders!
Register for free at https://tinyurl.com/4vcmh9ce or scan the QR code in our poster!
Date: May 17
Location: Greet the Dawn Building, Poplar
Come honor our graduates with a Round Dance. We have a fun-filled evening planned with games, potato dance, pizza, and lots of door prizes!
Special appearances by Nakoa Heavy Runner as our MC and music by the Badland Singers.
Don’t miss out on the membership drive and voter registration opportunities. Let’s build a stronger community together!
On April 27, 2024, Western Native Voice took a significant step forward in the pursuit of electoral justice by participating in a “Round Table Discussion” with the House Committee on Administration. This crucial forum focused on identifying and addressing the barriers that Native Americans face when voting in non-tribal elections in Montana. Such discussions are pivotal as they bring to light ongoing challenges and pave the way for actionable solutions.
A Platform for Voices to be Heard
The event provided an opportunity for key members of our community to voice their concerns and experiences directly to those capable of making legislative changes. Two of our esteemed staff members, Ronnie Jo Horse and Alyssa LaTray, were among the contributors. Their insights and testimonies are instrumental in painting an accurate picture of the voting landscape as experienced by Native voters in our state.
Key Issues Discussed
During the discussion, several critical barriers were highlighted:
A Commitment to Change
The insights gathered during the round table are not merely for discussion; they are destined for action. All the information from this discussion will be officially reported to Congress in June. This report will play a crucial role in informing federal policy and ensuring that the issues affecting Native voters are addressed in meaningful ways.
Our Ongoing Mission
At Western Native Voice, our commitment to ensuring that every Native voice is heard remains unwavering. The round table discussion on April 27 is just one of many steps we are taking to advocate for more accessible and equitable voting processes. By engaging directly with policymakers and legislators, we are helping to shape a future where every Native American in Montana can participate fully and freely in the electoral process.
Looking Ahead
As we await the official report to Congress, we remain proactive in our efforts to educate, mobilize, and empower our community. We believe that these efforts, combined with the outcomes of our advocacy, will lead to significant improvements in how Native Americans experience and participate in elections across Montana.
A Milestone in History
This year, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of a pivotal moment in our history—the granting of citizenship to Native Americans. On June 2, 1924, President Calvin Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act, which extended citizenship to all Native Americans born within the territorial limits of the United States. At Western Native Voice, we honor this significant milestone and remain committed to addressing the ongoing challenges faced by our communities.
Reflecting on Our Journey
As the original stewards of this land, we have been integral to the narrative of what is now the United States. As the original inhabitants of this land, our presence predates the founding of the United States, yet historically, our rights were not always recognized or respected, which impacted our participation in civic processes meant for citizens. Before the 1924 Citizenship Act, some of us acquired citizenship through marriage, military service, treaty provisions, or special legislation, yet many remained disenfranchised.
Even after the enactment of the Citizenship Act, many states enacted laws that effectively barred many of us from voting, citing residency on reservations or tax status as disqualifiers. It wasn’t until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and subsequent legislation that these injustices began to be seriously addressed. Here at Western Native Voice, our continued fight for the rights and recognition of Native voters through advocacy, education, and voter engagement initiatives is a testament to our resilience and dedication.
Honoring Our Voices and Votes
As we commemorate this centennial, it is vital to celebrate the progress made while recognizing the persistent struggles. Our work at Western Native Voice is dedicated to empowering our people in Montana, promoting voter registration, education, and active participation to ensure our voices are heard loud and clear in every election.
Celebrations and Education
Throughout this anniversary year, Western Native Voice is leading and participating in various events across Montana. Through workshops, lectures, and cultural celebrations, we aim to highlight our rich history and contributions, fostering greater understanding and respect among the broader public.
Looking Forward
This anniversary reminds us of the long journey toward recognition and equality and the crucial role our organization plays in advocating for the rights and recognition of our communities. As we look ahead, we are reminded of the importance of citizenship not just as a legal status but as a recognition of belonging and an affirmation of rights.
The 100th anniversary of Native American citizenship is not just a reflection on historical achievements but also a call to action. It’s a moment to reaffirm our commitment to justice, respect, and sovereignty for all Native American communities. Let’s continue to work together, inspired by our collective efforts at Western Native Voice, to build a more inclusive and equitable future.
We are thrilled to announce the launch of an innovative tool that promises to transform how you engage with elections in Montana. The Ballot Builder, a collaborative effort between Western Native Voice and Branch Politics, is a nonpartisan platform designed to empower voters with the knowledge they need before heading to the polls this June.
Why Ballot Builder?
In the ever-changing landscape of local and state politics, understanding the impact of each vote is crucial. Western Native Voice, in partnership with Branch Politics, has developed Ballot Builder to bring transparency and clarity to the electoral process, allowing voters to make informed decisions based on detailed, unbiased information about the candidates and the issues at stake.
A Word from Our Leaders
Ronnie Jo Horse, Executive Director of Western Native Voice, expressed excitement about this initiative, stating, “Ballot Builder was created to empower Native American voters to make informed decisions about every candidate and simplify complex ballot initiatives. It’s a step towards ensuring voters feel more confident when exercising their right to vote.”
How Does It Work?
Ballot Builder simplifies the voting process in three easy steps:
Your Privacy, Our Priority
Your privacy is paramount. Ballot Builder is designed with the utmost respect for your personal information. Rest assured, we do not collect or store any details you enter on the platform. Your selections and data remain entirely private.
Stay Tuned for More Updates
We will continue to update the platform with more candidate and race information in the weeks leading up to the election. Keep an eye on our blog for the latest enhancements to the Ballot Builder.
Get Involved
Your engagement and support are vital to our mission. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out to us at 406-869-1938. Let’s make every vote count with Ballot Builder!
