Join us for two exciting days of community engagement, voter outreach, and entertainment as we work to build Native power at the polls!
Monday, 09.16.2024 | 6-8 PM
Stick Game Arbor
All Ages Welcome | Free Community Feed
We’re kicking things off with a Community Gathering and a free meal! Learn about the importance of voting, how to register, and how you can make your voice heard. This is your chance to become a member of Western Native Voice and engage in civic discussions while enjoying great food and company!
Let’s come together for the community, enjoy the food, and Snag Dat Vote!
Join Expanding Horizons for Community Conversations: Process Grief with Dr. Sarah Keller
Date: Monday, September 9, 2024
Time: 7-8 PM
Location: MSUB Petro Theatre
Brought to you by Western Native Voice’s Expanding Horizons youth program, this event is part of our Growing Together National Suicide Prevention Week. We’re hosting an insightful session on how to process grief, led by Dr. Sarah Keller, an award-winning educator and researcher dedicated to using storytelling to promote social change and address public health concerns.
Join Western Native Voice’s Expanding Horizons for our Community Conversations: Restoring Balance – Healing from the Trauma of MMIW with MarLynn Cloud
Thursday, September 12, 2024
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
RMC Fortin Theater
Join us for an evening with MarLynn Cloud, a mental health advocate and artist dedicated to supporting Native communities. MarLynn, a graduate of MSUB and current Native Student Financial Aid Navigator, will share her experiences and insights on the MMIW crisis, mental health, and community healing.
This event is part of our Growing Together National Suicide Prevention Week events. Open to all!
Missoula, Mont.—To wrap up the summer, Western Native Voice joined forces with three other Montana-based nonprofits to collaborate with Pearl Jam for the Our Village pre-show festival in Missoula. The event, held prior to Pearl Jam’s concert, created a unique opportunity to engage concertgoers and encourage them to pledge to vote in the upcoming 2024 election.
Our Village transformed the Riverbowl Tailgate Area, near the University of Montana, into a lively festival space, where attendees could explore booths set up by more than 30 local nonprofits. Western Native Voice, along with three other nonprofits, spearheaded voter engagement efforts, urging attendees to register and pledge to vote. The partnership aligned with Pearl Jam’s ongoing commitment to social and political advocacy, bringing voter education and registration to the forefront.
The festival featured an array of interactive activities, including family-friendly games, live music from local bands, art projects, lawn games, and photo booths, which created an energetic atmosphere. Despite the fun activities, the heart of the event was its focus on civic engagement. Western Native Voice, dedicated to empowering Native communities in Montana, played a key role in elevating the importance of Native American voter participation. In 2020, Native voter turnout in Montana reached a record 66.4% in reservation precincts, a 5% increase from 2016—a clear indicator of the growing political engagement within Native communities (Montana Free Press, Montana Free Press).
Pearl Jam’s involvement amplified these efforts, drawing attention to the critical role of voter participation. The event not only highlighted voter registration but also fostered discussions on key issues facing Montanans. With art, music, and activism seamlessly intertwined, the event provided a platform for local organizations to connect with the public while focusing on the significance of the upcoming election.
Through this collaboration, Western Native Voice and its partners demonstrated how the fusion of culture, music, and activism can inspire individuals to take action. The festival was a celebration of more than just Pearl Jam’s music—it underscored the critical role voters play in shaping the future, encouraging everyone in attendance to use their voice and make a difference in 2024.
MONTANA—In August, Western Native Voice hosted three volunteer training sessions across Montana, with events taking place in Billings, Great Falls, and Missoula. These sessions were a critical part of the organization’s mission to empower Native communities and ensure their voices are heard in the upcoming elections.
Volunteers are at the heart of Western Native Voice’s efforts. Their work in registering voters, canvassing neighborhoods, and advocating for Native political participation is essential. These volunteers embody the belief that small, committed groups can drive significant change—a belief famously echoed by Margaret Mead, who once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This spirit of dedication is what fuels the organization’s work.
The trainings focused on several key areas:
Voter Registration: Volunteers were equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively register voters, with a focus on overcoming the unique challenges faced by Native communities. This training ensures that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate.
Canvassing Safety: The safety of volunteers is paramount. The training covered essential safety practices for canvassing, including strategies for navigating neighborhoods and engaging with community members.
History of the Native Vote: Understanding the history of the Native vote is crucial to appreciating the significance of this work. Volunteers learned about the long and often difficult journey toward securing voting rights for Native Americans, highlighting the importance of continuing this legacy.
As Western Native Voice looks toward the upcoming elections, the organization continues to rely on the dedication and passion of its volunteers to ensure that every Native voice is heard and every vote is counted. Volunteer trainings will continue in September with sessions in Butte and Bozeman, further strengthening the efforts to empower Native communities. The impact of this work is a testament to the power of dedicated individuals coming together to make a difference in their communities.
BILLINGS, Mont. — On August 2, the stage was set for a unique cultural experience as “Bear Grease,” a Native adaptation of the classic musical “Grease,” brought together a vibrant blend of tradition and contemporary art. Sponsored by Western Native Voice, the event captivated attendees with its creative storytelling while also serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of civic engagement within Native communities.
The centerpiece of the evening was “Bear Grease,” a reimagined version of the classic musical “Grease,” infused with Native themes, music, and dance. This adaptation, which has been gaining traction in Native communities across the country, serves as a creative vehicle for cultural expression and pride. Many in the crowd, particularly Native attendees, were visibly excited and moved to see Native actors and performers taking the stage, representing their culture and stories in such a vibrant way. The presence of Native talent on stage resonated deeply with the audience, affirming the power of representation in the arts.
The cast of “Bear Grease” dedicated the performance to their elders who, in the 1950s, were sent to boarding schools. From 1869 to the 1960s, hundreds of thousands of Native American children were forced to attend Indian boarding schools in the United States, where they were often subjected to harsh conditions, including physical and emotional abuse (U.S. Department of the Interior, 2022). The dedication added a poignant layer to the performance, transforming the evening into a powerful tribute to resilience and cultural preservation.
Before the show began, Ronnie Jo Horse, Executive Director of Western Native Voice, took the stage to address the importance of the Native vote. “Our voices are powerful, and our votes can shape the future for our communities,” she said. “As we gather here to celebrate our culture and heritage, let’s also remember the significance of participating in the democratic process. Every vote is a step towards securing our rights and our future.”
Western Native Voice took the opportunity to engage attendees in the democratic process by having members of their field team present at the event. The team was available to assist with voter registration and to remind attendees of the importance of Native voices in the electoral process.
After the performance, a meet-and-greet session was held where fans had the opportunity to meet the cast, take photos, and share their appreciation. Native children and adults alike were excited to see themselves represented on stage, and the significance of this representation cannot be overstated. The ability to see their culture and stories reflected in such a public and vibrant way provided a powerful sense of pride and validation for many attendees.
As the sun set on the Bear Grease event, the message was clear: cultural pride and civic duty are inextricably linked. For Western Native Voice, this event was not just about celebrating heritage but about empowering a community to take its rightful place in the democratic process.
In an era where Native voices are increasingly asserting their presence in cultural and political arenas, the Bear Grease event stands as a powerful example of how tradition and activism can come together to forge a stronger, more engaged community.
FORT PECK, Mont. — In a concerted effort to boost voter turnout among Native Americans in Montana, Western Native Voice, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Native communities, organized a series of voter registration Bingo events throughout August on the Fort Peck Reservation. These events, held in Fort Kipp, Brockton, Poplar, and Frazer, were part of a broader strategy to mobilize Native voters ahead of the upcoming election.
The Bingo events, which blended community engagement with civic responsibility, drew significant participation from residents across the reservation. The success of these gatherings highlights the growing momentum among Native voters, who have long been underrepresented at the polls. According to the National Congress of American Indians, only 66% of eligible Native Americans were registered to vote as of 2020, compared to 73% of the general population (NCAI, 2020). Western Native Voice’s efforts are focused on closing this gap and ensuring that more Native voices are heard in the electoral process.
Fort Kipp: A Strong Start
The series of events kicked off in Fort Kipp, where the local community gathered to participate in Western Native Voice’s voter registration Bingo. The event set a positive tone for the rest of the series, bringing together residents in a shared effort to increase voter registration. The turnout reflected the community’s growing awareness of the importance of civic engagement, with many attendees eager to ensure their voices are counted in the upcoming election.
Brockton: A Collective Effort to Empower Future Voters
In Brockton, Western Native Voice’s free voter registration Bingo event exceeded expectations. Every attendee was successfully registered to vote, marking a significant achievement for the organizers. The event underscored the community’s commitment to increasing voter participation, with many attendees expressing a renewed sense of purpose in ensuring their voices are heard in the democratic process.
Poplar: A Milestone in Civic Engagement
In Poplar, the voter registration Bingo event attracted over 149 participants, with 65 individuals registering to vote—many for the first time. The turnout was a testament to the effectiveness of community-driven initiatives in engaging first-time voters. Organizers attributed the success of the event to the diligent efforts of local volunteers, who assisted attendees in completing their registration forms and provided information on the voting process.
Frazer: A Community United in Purpose
The Bingo event in Frazer showcased the power of collective action. The community came together in large numbers, with many residents registering to vote and pledging to participate in the upcoming election. The event served as a poignant reminder of the importance of voting as a tool for change and self-determination.
Organizers expressed their gratitude for the community’s response, noting that the event was a crucial step in ensuring that Native voices are represented in the electoral process.
A Broader Effort to Mobilize Native Voters
The voter registration Bingo events in Fort Peck are part of a larger initiative by Western Native Voice to increase voter participation among Native Americans in Montana. The organization’s efforts are particularly significant in a state where Native Americans make up a substantial portion of the population but have historically been underrepresented in elections.
Reflecting on the success of the Fort Peck events, a spokesperson for Western Native Voice stated, “These events show the power of coming together as a community to make sure our voices are heard. We’re building momentum, and it’s inspiring to see so many people taking the first step towards active civic participation.”
October 31, 2024
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2:00 pm
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6:30 pm
Join Us for Our 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat! Western Native Voice’s Expanding Horizon invites you to our biggest and best Trunk or Treat yet on October 31, 2024! Location: Western Native Voice Office, 80 25th St W., Billings, MT Time: 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM Celebrate with us at our 3rd annual Trunk or Treat event, where we’ll have even more treats, fun, and community spirit. Bring your family and friends, and don’t forget to wear your best costumes! Save the Date and Spread the Word!
Join Us for a Special Free Showing of All Dogs Go to Heaven!
Sponsored by Western Native Voice’s Expanding Horizons
Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Doors Open: 5:00 PM | Show Starts: 6:00 PM
Location: Babcock Theatre, 2810 2nd Ave N, Billings, MT 59101
Event Highlights:
Heartwarming Film: Experience the beloved classic that follows Charlie’s journey through adventure, love, and self-discovery.
Mental Health Awareness: “All Dogs Go to Heaven” touches on themes of loss, redemption, and the afterlife, offering a gentle introduction to discussions about grief and emotional well-being. The movie provides a relatable way to explore these emotions, especially for younger audiences. As part of National Suicide Prevention Week, we’ll use this event to highlight the importance of mental health, offering resources and support for those dealing with grief, emotional challenges, and suicide prevention.
Community Support: Join us in creating a space where we can come together, share, and support one another in our healing journeys. Let’s foster a stronger, more connected community in Billings.
Join Us for the Growing Together Walk for Wellness!
Kick off National Suicide Prevention Week with us on September 8, 2024, at Lockwood High School Track. This FREE event, organized by Western Native Voice’s Expanding Horizons program, is all about coming together as a community to promote mental health awareness.
Thursday, September 12, 2024
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
RMC Fortin Theater
