community event

MONTANA — In September, Western Native Voice launched the Snag Dat Vote Tour, a crucial effort to strengthen Native political engagement in five Native communities—Blackfeet, Rocky Boy, Fort Belknap, Polson (CSKT area), and Fort Peck. Each stop was a two-day event designed to empower Native voters through education, community building, and direct action, with the ultimate goal of increasing voter turnout in the 2024 election.

The first night of each stop featured a community feed, where local residents came together to share a meal and engage in meaningful discussions about the power of their vote. The conversations went beyond just the mechanics of voting; they highlighted why every vote matters in shaping the future for Native communities. By explaining how votes are counted and discussing the real impact voting has on issues like healthcare, education, and sovereignty, the tour helped motivate attendees to participate in the election.

The second day was all about action. Western Native Voice’s field team went door-to-door, engaging with community members on a personal level. Over 100 doors were knocked at each stop, with 33% of those interactions resulting in new voter registrations. These efforts were part of a larger strategy to boost voter engagement ahead of the October 7th voter registration deadline.

“Our field team worked hard to get as many voter registrations as possible before the deadline,” said Sami Walking Bear, Western Native Voice’s Field & Outreach Director. Walking Bear noted that the team, along with community organizers, knocked on over 500 doors across the tour stops. They not only registered new voters but also provided election information and offered assistance to those needing help with getting to the polls or submitting their ballots.

To celebrate the momentum and energy from the canvassing efforts, the second night of each stop featured a voter celebration. Musicians and comedians performed, providing entertainment and reinforcing the message that voting can be both powerful and enjoyable. These events helped bring the community together and promote active participation in the electoral process.

The Snag Dat Vote Tour focused on building a culture of civic engagement within Native communities. Western Native Voice remains committed to empowering Native people to take an active role in shaping their future through voting, ensuring that every Native voice is heard in the 2024 election.