Western Native Voice has recently demonstrated remarkable dedication and tireless effort in empowering Native communities across Montana through a series of successful events in July. From organizing a community lunch at South Park to hosting clothing drives and engaging Bingo nights in multiple locations, Western Native Voice’s Billings Field Team has been at the forefront of fostering community spirit, promoting civic engagement, and building strong relationships within Native communities.
Community Lunch at South Park
On July 12, Western Native Voice hosted a community lunch at South Park in Billings, Montana. This event was more than just a meal; it was an opportunity to bring community members together, share resources, and strengthen bonds. Attendees enjoyed Indian tacos, and the event served as a platform for the organization to introduce its mission and initiatives. The lunch highlighted the importance of community support and engagement, setting the stage for future events aimed at empowering Native voices and fostering deeper relationships.
Clothing Drive: Supporting the Community
On July 26, Western Native Voice organized a clothing drive at South Park, continuing on July 27 at North Park. The clothing drive was a testament to the organization’s commitment to addressing the immediate needs of the community. By providing essential clothing items to families and individuals, Western Native Voice not only offered practical support but also reinforced the message of solidarity and care within Native communities. “We had an amazing turnout. I’m happy with what the Billings team accomplished. They worked hard and got over 50 voter registrations,” said Celisa Jefferson from Western Native Voice’s field team.
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Bingo Nights: Fun, Prizes, and Civic Engagement
In addition to the lunch and clothing drives, Western Native Voice hosted a series of Bingo events in Wolf Point, Great Falls, Billings, and Browning. These events brought together community members for evenings filled with fun, prizes, and important conversations about civic engagement. The Bingo nights were more than just social gatherings; they served as platforms for promoting voter registration and participation, emphasizing the crucial role of the Native vote in the upcoming 2024 election. Voter registration is central to Western Native Voice’s mission, and these events played a key role in achieving that goal.
Research has shown that community events can significantly increase voter turnout in participating precincts (J-PAL). Each Bingo event saw enthusiastic participation, with attendees becoming more excited and engaged in the electoral process and the upcoming election. The Bingo nights in Wolf Point, Great Falls, and Browning further highlighted the collective effort to ensure Native voices are heard in the democratic process.
Dedication to Empowerment, Community, and Relationship Building
These events underscore the hard work and dedication of Western Native Voice’s Billings Field Team, who tirelessly work to register Native Americans in Montana to vote and promote civic engagement. Their efforts reflect a deep commitment to empowering Native communities, fostering a sense of unity, and ensuring that Native voices are represented and heard. The focus on community, relationship building, and giving back has been central to their success.
Western Native Voice’s recent initiatives demonstrate the power of community-driven efforts and the positive impact of dedicated advocacy. Through lunches, clothing drives, and engaging events like Bingo nights, the organization continues to inspire and mobilize Native communities across Montana, paving the way for a more inclusive and representative democratic process. By prioritizing community, building strong relationships, and giving back, Western Native Voice is making a lasting difference in the lives of Native Americans in Montana.
BILLINGS, Mont. — Western Native Voice’s Executive Director, Ronnie Jo Horse, delivered a compelling presentation at TedxBillings titled “Empowering Indigenous Voices: Reimagine Civic Engagement in Native American Communities.” This year’s TedxBillings event, themed around democracy, provided a valuable platform for Ronnie to share Western Native Voice’s mission with a broader audience and emphasize the critical role of the Native vote in the 2024 election.
Ronnie Jo Horse’s presentation focused on several key areas essential to understanding and enhancing civic engagement within Native American communities:
Historical Context: Ronnie provided a historical overview of significant events and policies that have shaped the political landscape for Native Americans. She highlighted the long journey towards achieving voting rights and the ongoing struggle for full civic participation.
Milestones in Civic Engagement: The presentation celebrated significant milestones in Native American civic engagement, including the 100-year anniversary of Native American citizenship and landmark moments that have advanced political representation for Native communities.
Challenges and Reimagining Civic Engagement: Ronnie discussed contemporary challenges faced by Native Americans in the electoral process, including voter suppression and systemic barriers. She proposed innovative approaches to reimagining civic engagement that empower Native communities and foster greater participation.
Montana Native Representation: Emphasizing the importance of local representation, Ronnie highlighted the progress and impact of Native leaders in Montana. She underscored how increased representation in state and local government leads to policies that better reflect the needs and interests of Native communities.
Native Representation on the Federal Level: The presentation also covered the significance of Native representation at the federal level. Ronnie discussed the role of Native American legislators and advocates in shaping national policies that support tribal sovereignty and address critical issues facing Native communities.
Contemporary Challenges and Making Native American Voices Heard: Ronnie concluded by addressing contemporary challenges and the urgent need to amplify Native American voices. She called for collective action to ensure that Native perspectives are included in policy decisions and electoral outcomes.
Ronnie Jo Horse’s participation in TedxBillings emphasized the importance of the Native vote in the 2024 election. By sharing Western Native Voice’s mission with a wider audience, she highlighted the organization’s commitment to education, civic engagement, leadership development, and public advocacy. Her presentation underscored the power of storytelling and advocacy in driving change and inspiring action.
For Western Native Voice, this event was an opportunity to raise awareness and inspire greater involvement in the democratic process. Ronnie’s TedxBillings presentation serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of Native communities to make their voices heard and their votes count.
At the end of July, Ronnie will be at the White House in Washington, DC, at the Convening on Native American Voting Rights to share our on-the-ground efforts to improve access to the ballot box for Native American voters.
This month, Western Native Voice has been engaging Native American communities across Montana through a series of Voter Registration Bingo events. These events, held in Wolf Point, Billings, Great Falls, and Browning, have been well attended, demonstrating a strong community interest in civic engagement and the upcoming elections.
The Voter Registration Bingo events are part of Western Native Voice’s broader efforts to mobilize Native American voters and ensure their voices are heard in the 2024 elections. By combining fun and informative activities, the organization aims to educate attendees about the importance of voting and what is at stake for Indian Country in the upcoming election cycle.
Each event began with an overview of the critical issues facing Native American communities in 2024. Western Native Voice staff highlighted the impact of various policies on healthcare, education, and tribal sovereignty. They emphasized how voting is a powerful tool for influencing these policies and ensuring that the needs of Native communities are addressed.
Attendees were also informed about the practical aspects of voting, including how to register, where to vote, and the identification requirements for voting in Montana. Western Native Voice provided resources and assistance to help participants complete their voter registration forms on-site, making the process as accessible as possible.
“These bingo events are more than just a game,” said a Western Native Voice staff member. “They are an opportunity for us to come together, learn, and take action to protect our rights and our future.”
In addition to voter registration, the events also focused on the importance of community involvement and membership in Western Native Voice. Attendees were encouraged to join the organization, which is open to everyone, including allies of Native communities. Membership provides a platform for individuals to stay informed about issues affecting Native Americans and to participate in advocacy efforts.
The turnout at each event was a testament to the community’s commitment to civic engagement. In Wolf Point, Billings, Great Falls, and Browning, the rooms were filled with enthusiastic participants who were eager to learn and take action. The interactive nature of bingo made the events enjoyable and engaging, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among attendees.
Western Native Voice’s efforts to increase voter registration and participation are crucial, especially given the historical and ongoing challenges that Native American voters face. By hosting these Voter Registration Bingo events, the organization is making a significant impact on voter turnout and ensuring that Native American voices are represented in the democratic process.
As the 2024 elections approach, Western Native Voice remains dedicated to empowering Native communities through education, engagement, leadership development, and public advocacy. The success of the Voter Registration Bingo events is a positive step towards a more inclusive and representative electoral process in Montana.
BILLINGS, Mont. — Western Native Voice has launched its Pledge to Vote campaign, a dynamic initiative aimed at mobilizing Native American voters across Montana ahead of the upcoming elections. This campaign underscores the organization’s commitment to increasing voter participation and ensuring that Native American voices are heard and represented in the political process.
Studies have shown that pledging to vote can significantly increase voter participation. For example, research by the Behavioral Insights Team found that signing a pledge to vote increased turnout by 4.2 percentage points in the Colorado general election and by 4.5 percentage points in the Pennsylvania primary. Additionally, among first-time voters, the pledge resulted in an 8.8 percentage point increase in turnout compared to those who received a standard mobilization message (PLOS) (Behavioral Scientist).
Western Native Voice’s Pledge to Vote campaign encourages individuals to commit to voting in the upcoming elections by signing a pledge. This simple yet powerful act serves as a personal commitment to participate in the democratic process and highlights the importance of every vote in shaping the future of Native communities.
However, voter turnout on Montana reservations remains a challenge. In the 2024 primary elections, Big Horn County, which includes the Crow Reservation, had the lowest turnout in the state at 23%, down from 28% in 2022. Glacier County, where the Blackfeet Reservation is located, saw a turnout of 26%, the same as in 2022 (Montana Free Press).
To address this challenge, the Pledge to Vote campaign works to improve voter turnout through a variety of outreach methods, including social media, community events, and partnerships with local organizations. By fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility, Western Native Voice aims to make voting a collective effort, reinforcing the idea that every vote can lead to significant change.
“The Pledge to Vote campaign is about more than just casting a ballot; it’s about honoring our ancestors, shaping our future, and ensuring that our voices are heard,” said a Western Native Voice staff member. “By committing to vote, we are taking a stand for our rights and our communities.”
As the campaign gains momentum, Western Native Voice is optimistic about its potential to drive significant voter turnout among Native Americans in Montana. The organization believes that the Pledge to Vote campaign will not only increase voter participation but also strengthen the sense of community and shared purpose among Native Americans.
With the Pledge to Vote campaign, Western Native Voice continues to lead the charge in empowering Native communities through education, engagement, leadership, and advocacy. As election day approaches, the organization remains dedicated to ensuring that every Native American voice is heard and counted in the democratic process.
For more information about the Pledge to Vote campaign or to sign the pledge, click here or follow Western Native Voice on social media. Together, we can make a difference.
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Mansfield Civic Center, Great Falls, MT (Gibson Room)
Dinner provided.
5 pm – Doors Open/Free meal
Everyone 18+ is invited to attend.
