Western Native Voice and Montana Conservation Voters present: SNAG DAT VOTE TOUR – October 11, 2024, in Great Falls, MT
Join us for an evening of community engagement, voter outreach, and spectacular entertainment as we work to build Native power at the polls!
Thursday, 10.11.2024 | 6 PM onwards
Heritage Hall, Great Falls College, Great Falls, MT
Event Highlights:
Community Gathering & Meal: Start the evening with a delicious meal and learn about the importance of voting, how to register, and how you can make your voice heard.
Host & MC: Chris LaTray
Headline Singer: Armond Duck Chief
Ballot Drop Off: Conveniently drop off your ballot at our event.
Let’s come together for the community, enjoy the entertainment, and Snag Dat Vote!
Join us for an exciting night of community engagement, voter outreach, and entertainment as we work to build Native power at the polls!
Tuesday, 09.17.2024 | 7 PM
Blackfeet Elementary, Browning, MT
18 & Over Only | Voter Celebration Show
Come together in the evening for a Voter Celebration with live music from Shadow Devereaux, Nataanii Means, and Jack Gladstone, plus a hilarious comedy show featuring Mylo Smith and Jim Rue!
Come for the community, stay for the fun, and Snag Dat Vote!
Billings, MT — Western Native Voice is hosting a two-day clothing giveaway at South Park on July 26 and North Park on July 27, engaging the community and emphasizing the importance of voting in the upcoming 2024 election. The event aims to provide essential clothing items to those in need while fostering a sense of civic responsibility.
A field organizer for Western Native Voice addressed attendees, emphasizing the critical role of voting. “Our mission is to empower Native Americans through community engagement and advocacy,” they said. “Events like these bring us together, reminding us of our shared responsibilities and the power of our collective voice.”
This clothing giveaway aligns with Western Native Voice’s broader mission, which includes four key programs: Education, Civic Engagement, Leadership Development, and Public Advocacy. Each program aims to strengthen the political influence and social fabric of Native communities in Montana.
Education
The clothing giveaway directly supports Western Native Voice’s Education program by creating opportunities for informal education about voting and civic participation. As attendees receive clothing, they are also provided with information about the upcoming 2024 election and the importance of voting. Field organizers are on-site to help register new voters and answer questions, ensuring that community members are informed and prepared to participate in the electoral process. According to the National Congress of American Indians, only 66 percent of eligible Native American voters are registered to vote, compared to 74 percent of the general population (National Congress of American Indians, 2023). This event aims to bridge that gap by increasing voter registration rates within the community.
Civic Engagement
By involving community members in the organization and execution of the clothing giveaway, Western Native Voice fosters civic engagement and encourages local involvement. Volunteers and organizers take on responsibilities that develop their abilities to lead and manage community-focused initiatives. This hands-on experience is vital for cultivating future leaders who can advocate for their communities and drive positive change. The event also provides a mentoring environment where experienced leaders can guide and support emerging ones.
Leadership Development
The clothing giveaway serves as a practical demonstration of the needs within the community, highlighting issues such as poverty and access to essential resources. By addressing these needs directly, Western Native Voice can better advocate for policy changes that support the well-being of Native American communities. The event provides a platform to discuss broader policy issues with attendees, gather their input, and mobilize collective efforts to push for systemic changes at local and state levels. This grassroots engagement is crucial for informing the organization’s advocacy efforts and ensuring they reflect the community’s priorities.
Public Advocacy
Events like the clothing giveaway are central to Western Native Voice’s Public Advocacy program. They bring people together, foster a sense of solidarity, and build a stronger, more united community. By addressing immediate needs and creating opportunities for civic engagement, these events help to empower individuals and encourage collective action. The giveaway also serves as a networking opportunity, connecting community members with each other and with resources that can support their ongoing involvement in local issues. This strengthens the overall social fabric and ensures that the community is prepared to mobilize around important causes.
A Western Native Voice staffer highlighted the significance of such community events. “Providing essential items like clothing helps address immediate needs while also creating opportunities for meaningful conversations about civic engagement. It reinforces our commitment to the community and our mission to foster an environment where every voice matters.”
Western Native Voice’s Billings Field Team has set an ambitious goal of registering 3,000 people in Billings ahead of the 2024 election and has been actively engaging with the community through various events across the city. As the 2024 election approaches, Western Native Voice is ramping up efforts to ensure that every eligible voter is registered and ready to cast their ballot. The clothing giveaway serves as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of every vote.
Long-Term Goals for Community Engagement and Voter Participation
Western Native Voice’s long-term goals include achieving consistently high voter turnout among Native Americans and ensuring their voices are heard in every election. The organization plans to expand civic education programs, strengthen leadership development, enhance policy advocacy, foster sustainable community organizing, and increase voter registration and turnout.
“Our vision is to create a future where Native American communities are not only participating in elections but are also leading the way in shaping policies that affect their lives,” said a Western Native Voice staffer.
July 12
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12:00 pm
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12:30 pm
Free Lunch This Friday, July 12, at South Park in Billings!
Come join Western Native Voice’s field team this Friday at South Park in Billings for a delicious free lunch featuring Indian tacos!
When: July 12, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Where: South Park, Billings
Come enjoy a tasty meal, connect with our community, and learn more about Western Native Voice and our initiatives. It’s a great opportunity to meet new friends, share stories, and discover how you can get involved!
Don’t miss out on this chance for great food and even better company. See you there!
BILLINGS, Mont.—In a powerful demonstration of cultural celebration and community empowerment, Western Native Voice (WNV), a Native-led organization, took a significant step in promoting civic engagement by hosting a special screening of the iconic film ‘Smoke Signals’ at a local theater. This event not only highlighted the profound narrative of Native life but also sparked a surge in community involvement and membership in the organization, underscoring WNV’s unique role in promoting civic engagement.
The screening of ‘Smoke Signals,’ a film celebrated for its authentic portrayal of Native American experiences, drew a large and enthusiastic crowd of over 300 people who were eager to engage with the film’s themes of identity, healing, and resilience. The event was more than just a movie screening; it was a strategic effort by Western Native Voice that significantly increased community involvement and sparked meaningful discussions about the importance of active participation in civic life and the organization itself.
WNV took the opportunity to promote local Native American vendors, showcasing their crafts and products to support the local economy and celebrate Native culture. This initiative not only provided a platform for Native entrepreneurs but also reinforced the importance of community solidarity and mutual support.
Research underscores the value of community engagement activities in boosting civic participation and voter registration. Comprehensive community outreach, including organizing community events, is recognized for effectively mobilizing voters and enhancing democratic engagement. These activities are crucial in increasing voter turnout and participation, particularly among marginalized groups (Ecanvasser).
At the event, Western Native Voice emphasized the significance of voting and Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts. The organization’s on-the-ground organizers played a crucial role in registering voters, providing information about voting procedures, and highlighting the impact of voting on local and national issues. This grassroots approach ensures that Native voices are heard and represented in the political process.
Western Native Voice underscored the significance of membership, which is open to all, including allies of Native communities. The organization highlighted how membership not only bolsters advocacy efforts but also fortifies the collective voice of Native Americans in Montana, emphasizing the importance of joining and supporting the organization’s advocacy efforts.
Membership in Western Native Voice plays a vital role in amplifying the political influence and social cohesion of Native communities. As members, individuals can participate in leadership training, voter education workshops, and advocacy efforts that are crucial for addressing the unique challenges Native Americans face. Through these activities, members help shape policies directly affecting their communities, from health care and education to land rights and cultural preservation.
“We are thrilled with the turnout and the enthusiastic discussions that followed the screening,” said a spokesperson for Western Native Voice. “Each new member brings us closer to our goal of empowering Native voices and ensuring their representation at all levels of decision-making. By joining, our members not only lend their voice to our cause but also gain access to resources and networks that can lead to substantial changes.”
The event successfully attracted new members, with around 100 attendees signing up to join Western Native Voice. The organization’s focus on inclusive, community-oriented activities like this screening is pivotal in its mission to engage and mobilize Native American communities across Montana.
As Western Native Voice continues to host events and drive initiatives aimed at enhancing civic engagement, the impact of their efforts is evident not only in the significant increase in membership but also in the greater involvement of Native communities in the political process, ensuring their voices are heard and valued.
BILLINGS, Mont.—On June 2, 2024, Western Native Voice orchestrated a historic first in downtown Billings—a parade celebrating the 100-year anniversary of Native American U.S. citizenship. This event served not only as a commemoration of this pivotal milestone but also underscored our ongoing commitment to overcoming the barriers that Native Americans face in exercising their voting rights.
Central to the event was our voter registration drive, where we engaged directly with the community to facilitate their registration process. This initiative is at the heart of our mission at Western Native Voice: to ensure every Native voice is heard in the electoral process.
Despite gaining the right to vote in 1924, the path to full electoral participation for Native Americans has been fraught with challenges. With recent statistics indicating a significant rise in Native voter turnout, the impact on electoral outcomes is more pronounced than ever, highlighting the critical nature of voter empowerment.
This parade, which drew over 300 community members, was a vibrant expression of cultural pride and an active push towards civic engagement. It featured cultural dancing, drum groups, and the attendance of notable figures like Denise Juneau and Senator Jon Tester, emphasizing a community united in celebration and purpose.
The parade winners each told a story of heritage and civic responsibility:
Mighty Few District – Emphasizing the sacredness of family and future generations.
Louise Smith, aged 100, celebrated as Montana’s oldest Native voter, embodied the message, “Register to Vote and Vote because it is the right thing to do.”
Harry Rock Above, a veteran and honor guard member, representing resilience and honor.
Direct Descendants of Chief Pretty Eagle, carrying forward the legacy of their ancestors.
2024 Crow Fair Rodeo Royalty & Committee, connecting cultural festivities with community engagement.
This event wasn’t just about looking back on a century of citizenship rights; it was a powerful forward thrust into the next century of active, informed, and empowered Native American voters. Western Native Voice remains dedicated to this cause, continuously working to dismantle barriers and inspire participation in the democratic process, ensuring that every Native American can effectively shape their destiny through their vote.
In an inspired effort to invigorate civic participation, Western Native Voice (WNV) has launched a new billboard campaign across several Montana Tribal Nations. This initiative, which started in May, strategically places vibrant billboards on the sides of buildings, turning ordinary spaces into powerful messages of advocacy and representation.
Featuring local community members, these billboards are not just public art installations but profound reminders of the importance of voting. Each display vividly illustrates how individual voices in the voting booth contribute to the larger narrative of our communities, histories, and futures.
“Our goal is to make every passerby reflect on their role in our democracy and inspire them to participate in shaping the future of their community,” explained a spokesperson from WNV. This campaign is rooted in the belief that visibility in underserved areas can stimulate a higher engagement rate among voters who might feel disconnected from the electoral process. This effort is particularly poignant in Tribal Nations, where voter turnout has historically been lower than national averages.
The individuals featured on the billboards are chosen for their roles and contributions to their communities, symbolizing the powerful impact that each voter can have. “These are the faces of our past, present, and future,” said the spokesperson. “They remind us that our actions today will echo in the lives of generations to come.”
As Western Native Voice continues to expand its reach with more billboards, the message remains clear: voting is not just a right; it is a vital tool for community building and legacy shaping. This initiative hopes to leave an indelible mark on the electorate, encouraging greater participation in upcoming elections and more robust community engagement.
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.
