August 2, 2024 – August 4, 2024
This celebration is the oldest traditional pow-wow in Montana. The celebration is always the first weekend of August. It is a great weekend of fun and visiting among the elders and younger generations. They have special ceremonies for naming of individuals and honoring of family members. Also Saturday is for the young people (Games, run/walks, a lot of outdoor activities).
August 2, 2024 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
The Rez version of Grease is coming to Billings, Montana!
Bear Grease
August 2, 2024
7:30 pm
Alberta Bair Theater, Billings, Montana
Admission: FREE (sponsored by Western Native Voice)
Tickets Available on July 1st.
Questions? Call 406-869-1938.
Free
Sponsored by Western Native Voice
LAME DEER, MT — In a vibrant fusion of cultural celebration and civic engagement, Western Native Voice (WNV), a Native-led nonprofit, recently held a community feed in Lame Deer, Montana. This event, which also functioned as a membership drive, played a pivotal role in increasing voter registration and membership among the Northern Cheyenne.
Historically, Montana’s Native American communities, including the Northern Cheyenne, have seen lower voter turnout, a concern that Western Native Voice aims to mitigate through active community engagement. According to the U.S. Census, voter participation among Native Americans in Montana trails behind national averages, highlighting the critical need for initiatives like this community feed.
“The community feeds are essential not just for gathering and sharing a meal but also for mobilizing our community to use their voices in elections and beyond,” remarked a spokesperson from WNV. The event featured a variety of foods, creating an inviting atmosphere conducive to discussions on civic responsibilities and community involvement.
At the heart of the event were voter registration and membership sign-up stations, staffed by dedicated Western Native Voice staff. This strategic setup was crucial for leveraging the social gathering into a robust platform for political empowerment and community building.
The enthusiastic participation of the community was evident, with families, elders, and youths engaging in rich discussions, exchanging stories, and establishing newmanities. This sense of unity and shared purpose underscored the importance of community ties and collective action. “Events like this are vital for strengthening our community bonds and ensuring that our collective voice is influential in shaping policies that impact our lives,” a staff member of Western Native Voice noted.
By the conclusion of the event, the increase in memberships and voter registrations underscored the successful outreach, with each registration marking a step toward greater representation and influence for the Northern Cheyenne in Montana’s political arena.
For more information on how to get involved with Western Native Voice or to learn more about upcoming events and initiatives, follow us across all social media platforms. Through events like the community feed in Lame Deer, WNV is committed to building a robust and active communities, poised to make significant impacts within Montana’s democratic processes.
BOZEMAN, MT — Western Native Voice recently hosted a screening of the documentary “Sisters Rising” in Bozeman, Montana, spotlighting the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP). The event, held on May 28th, featured an engaging discussion with Charlene Sleeper, a prominent advocate in the MMIP movement.
The film “Sisters Rising” explores the disturbing prevalence of violence against Native communities, documenting the resilience of survivors and the determination of advocates fighting for justice. It’s a critical issue, underscored by data indicating that Indigenous women are murdered at rates up to ten times the national average—a stark statistic that highlights the severity of the crisis. The event drew a crowd of community members, united by a shared concern for the issues presented and motivated by the documentary’s call to action.
Following the screening, MMIP Billings LLC’s Charlene Sleeper addressed the audience, highlighting the often overlooked qualitative aspects of the MMIP issue: “Non-Native spaces are heavily reliant on data, which is very important to have. You need that data in order to support research funding and grant funding. For all kinds of funding you need the numbers,” Sleeper explained. “But what often happens is that we lose sight of the qualitative side of that, which is narrative. If you don’t have the qualitative side, which is the narrative of the crimes that are taking place in Indian Country such as sexual assault, homicides, missing persons, or human trafficking, you don’t get the full picture of who the numbers actually represent. So what the MMIP movement is trying to do is add that photograph.”
Sleeper’s commentary illuminated the critical need for a balanced approach that integrates both statistical data and personal stories to effectively convey the human impact behind the statistics and spur societal and policy changes.
The evening concluded with a Q&A session, offering attendees the opportunity to delve deeper into the subject matter and discuss concrete ways to support the MMIP cause. The engagement from the community underscored a profound commitment to addressing and resolving this crisis.
The screening of “Sisters Rising” is a testament to the Western Native Voice’s commitment to raising awareness and promoting action against the MMIP crisis. For more information on how to get involved with Western Native Voice or to learn more about upcoming events and initiatives, follow us across social platforms. Together, advocacy and informed action can pave the way for meaningful change in the lives of Native communities.
On the evenings of May 21 in Lame Deer, May 23 in Fort Belknap, and May 30 in Crow Agency, vibrant Bingo nights hosted by Western Native Voice turned into more than just fun gatherings. These events played a crucial role in fostering community ties and reinforcing the importance of voting among Native American communities.
Using a Beloved Game to Engage Communities
Western Native Voice utilized Bingo, a widely enjoyed game, as a springboard to include educational sessions about voter rights and the electoral process. This blend of fun and learning ensured that while participants enjoyed the familiar game, they also received crucial knowledge that empowered them to engage more actively in their civic duties.
Educational Interludes Amid Entertainment
The Bingo events were interspersed with discussions on crucial civic issues, such as voter registration and the mechanics of voting. These educational segments transformed the gatherings from simple social events into effective platforms for community education and mobilization, aiming to demystify the voting process and encourage greater electoral participation.
Strengthening Community Through Civic Participation
Attending these events signifies more than just a night out; it represents an active commitment to deepening community engagement and governance. For members of Western Native Voice, these events offer opportunities to contribute to the collective empowerment and self-determination of their communities.
Boosting Voter Turnout and Community Involvement
Research supports that community-based initiatives and events significantly increase civic participation and voter turnout. Engaging communities through enjoyable and relevant activities raises awareness about the importance of voting and civic responsibilities, creating a more informed electorate and encouraging greater election impact. A shared sense of responsibility among residents to care for their communities can boost participation in elections, especially in local settings where the impact of individual votes is more pronounced.
The Role of Membership in Strengthening Communities
Membership in Western Native Voice plays a critical role, extending the influence of these events into sustained community benefits. Members become part of a broader initiative that supports ongoing civic engagement, education, and advocacy, strengthening the social fabric and fostering unity and collective purpose.
Lasting Impact on Community Engagement
The success of these Bingo nights underscores the effectiveness of integrating cultural traditions with civic education. This strategy not only educates but also actively engages the community, fostering a proactive approach to civic participation. As community members become more informed and involved, their collective impact on civic matters grows, strengthening community cohesion.
These Bingo nights by Western Native Voice are key in building a future where community involvement and democratic participation are deeply integrated into the cultural fabric of Montana’s Native communities.
Poplar, Montana — On the evening of May 17th, 2024, the rhythmic beats of drums echoed through the Greet the Dawn building in Poplar, where the local community gathered for a round dance hosted by Western Native Voice. The event, which ran from 5 to 9 PM, was not just a cultural ceremony but also a vibrant expression of unity and heritage among the attendees.
Fostering Connections Through Dance
The round dance, an Indigenous tradition that involves participants holding hands and dancing in a circle to a drum’s beat, served as the centerpiece of the evening. This gathering, though modest in size, was rich in spirit, with families and individuals of all ages joining the circle. The sounds of traditional music and drumming not only filled the venue but also symbolized a collective heartbeat, reinforcing community ties.
Cultural Preservation and Civic Participation
“The round dance is not merely a social event; it is a profound celebration of our heritage and an essential part of strengthening our community,” explained an organizer from Western Native Voice. Such events play a crucial role in cultural preservation and are instrumental in boosting civic engagement among Native American populations. Communities that frequently host cultural gatherings have observed up to a 15% increase in voter turnout at elections, a testament to the power of cultural engagement in fostering a politically active community.
An Evening of Peace and Joy
The event offered a peaceful respite from the daily grind, where participants could immerse themselves in their identities and shared histories. The small, intimate crowd allowed for a more personal experience, where the focus was squarely on connection and mutual respect.
As the evening drew to a close, the sense of community and revitalization was palpable. Attendees departed with renewed spirits, reminded of the resilience and vibrancy of their cultural traditions.