Little Big Horn College – 8645 South Weaver Drive, Crow Agency, Montana, 59022
April 8
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Western Native Voice will participate in the 2026 Montana Tribal College & Career Fair Circuit, connecting with Native high school and college students across Montana. These spring college and career fairs provide opportunities for students to explore education pathways, career options, and leadership development resources. Visit the Western Native Voice table to learn about civic engagement programs, youth leadership opportunities, and ways to get involved in strengthening Native communities through informed participation and advocacy.
If you would like to volunteer for this event, please call our office at 406-869-1938.
The public is invited to a special, free movie screening of Bring Them Home, narrated by Academy Award nominee Lily Gladstone. This powerful documentary tells the story of the efforts to return buffalo to the Blackfeet Nation and restore their deep cultural connection to the land.
Child welfare, language preservation, Indigenous Peoples Day among major bills passed with support from Native advocates and lawmakers.
HELENA, Mont. — The 69th Montana Legislative Session wrapped up this week with several significant advances for Native communities. These wins followed months of collaboration between lawmakers and grassroots organizations.
Western Native Voice, a Montana-based nonprofit focused on Native civic engagement and leadership development, worked closely with the Montana American Indian Caucus. Together, they helped guide a focused policy agenda through the session. Key bills passed included updates to the Montana Indian Child Welfare Act (MICWA), reauthorization of Native language preservation programs, reforms addressing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) crisis, and a bill to formally recognize Indigenous Peoples Day.
“I didn’t know what to expect coming into the 69th legislative session,” said Keaton Sunchild, Political Director at Western Native Voice. “But we were able to form a strong coalition early on that enabled us to pass meaningful legislation that will help Indian Country for generations. And at long last, we finally got Indigenous Peoples Day to the governor’s desk.”
All bills referenced now await the governor’s signature.
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Policy Wins Reflect Ongoing Advocacy
These legislative outcomes reflect years of organizing and public education led by Native communities across Montana. The updated MICWA provides stronger protections for tribal placement in child welfare cases. It also adds requirements for non-Native guardians to help children maintain cultural ties when placed outside of tribal homes.
Additionally, bills were passed to strengthen Indian Education for All (IEFA) and renew the Montana Indian Language Preservation Program. These measures emphasize tribal partnerships in curriculum development and language instruction. They are part of a long-term investment in Native youth leadership and the preservation of cultural knowledge.
Addressing the MMIP Crisis
Lawmakers also advanced reforms addressing the MMIP crisis. One bill restructures the state task force into a permanent Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Advisory Council. It also adds a dedicated investigator and commits more state resources to unsolved cases. As a result, the changes reflect growing recognition of the crisis’ impact, particularly in rural Native communities.
Cultural Recognition: Indigenous Peoples Day
Senate Bill 224, which would recognize the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day, passed with broad bipartisan support. Importantly, the measure does not eliminate Columbus Day. Instead, it creates space for Montanans to formally acknowledge Indigenous histories and cultures. The bill’s passage followed years of advocacy by Native leaders and organizations, including Western Native Voice.
Members Make a Difference
In addition to behind-the-scenes advocacy, Western Native Voice brought more than 20 people to the state capitol during the session. These visits were part of its Native Rising event and Lobby Days. The events gave members—many from rural Native communities—the opportunity to meet with legislators, learn how laws are made, and testify on issues directly affecting their lives.
“Showing up matters,” said Sunchild. “When our members walk into the Capitol and speak for themselves, it puts faces and stories to the bills under debate. It reminds lawmakers that we’re not just statistics—we’re families, leaders, and voters.”
These civic engagement efforts reflect Western Native Voice’s broader mission. That mission includes public policy education, tribal community empowerment, and preparing a new generation of leaders to shape Montana’s future.
Looking Ahead to 2027
I’m looking forward to working with our members, communities, and elected officials in the interim to come up with more meaningful legislation for 2027,” Sunchild added. “We also will be working to keep an eye on what is happening at the federal level and making sure our members are being put in a position to be successful in life.”
As the state awaits final approval on the bills passed this session, Western Native Voice remains committed to ensuring Native voices continue to shape Montana’s future.
May 28, 2025
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Join Western Native Voice for this FREE leadership & advocacy conference in Crow! We’re bringing an interactive, high-energy one-day conference to Crow on May 28th! Building Bridges, Building Power: A Day of Leadership & Change is your chance to learn, lead, and take action through powerful workshops and networking opportunities. What to Expect: Inspiring speakers & hands-on workshops Leadership & advocacy skill-building Connect with change makers & build your network Take action & make an impact in your community FREE for Western Native Voice members! Not a member yet? Sign up now for free: westernnativevoice.org/join Reserve your spot – space is limited! https://tinyurl.com/yz85n43t Let’s build power, create change, and strengthen our Native American communities together. See you there!
HELENA, Mont.—The Montana State Capitol stood against a backdrop of freezing morning air as more than 40 Western Native Voice members and youth gathered on its steps. They had come from all across the state—some from urban centers, others from tribal communities miles away—bundled in heavy coats and scarves, rubbing their hands together for warmth. For many, this was a familiar experience, another step in ongoing advocacy work. But for others, this was their first time setting foot in the halls of the legislature, their first time witnessing Montana’s government in action.
They were here for Western Native Voice’s Lobby Days, a two-day event dedicated to connecting Native communities with lawmakers, ensuring that their voices were heard on the policies that shape their daily lives.
A Seat at the Table
Inside the Capitol, attendees settled into committee hearings, watching as lawmakers debated critical issues. Among them was Senate Bill 107, introduced by Senator Susan Webber, which seeks to integrate human trafficking prevention education into Montana’s public schools.
The need for such legislation is urgent. According to the Montana Department of Justice, documented human trafficking cases in the state have surged by 1,900% in less than a decade, rising from just seven cases in 2015 to 143 in 2023.
Western Native Voice members and youth from the Expanding Horizons program filled the hearing room, offering testimony, listening intently, and taking notes. Some had never witnessed a legislative session before. Others had testified in the past and knew the process well. Each presence in the room carried weight, reinforcing that Native voices belong in these discussions—not as an afterthought, but as active participants shaping Montana’s policies.
Beyond the Chamber Doors
Throughout the two-day event, members attended House floor debates and votes, engaging with legislators and observing key discussions on Medicaid, education, and public safety. In between sessions, they walked the marble halls, meeting elected officials and taking in the grandeur of the Capitol.
For first-time attendees, there was an undeniable feeling of stepping into something larger than themselves. Conversations about policy shifted into discussions about community organizing, leadership, and the power of showing up.
A highlight of the event was the Medicaid rally in the Capitol Rotunda on January 21, where Western Native Voice members stood alongside other advocates calling for expanded healthcare protections. Their presence was a reminder that access to healthcare is more than a talking point—it’s a daily reality for Native families, elders, and future generations.
Smudging at the Capitol
As the rally concluded, the scent of burning sage filled the Rotunda—a smudging ceremony, made possible through Senator Webber’s advocacy for the recognition of cultural practices within the Capitol.
For many attendees, the moment was deeply personal. It wasn’t just about policy or legislation; it was about representation, visibility, and the affirmation that their traditions belong in Montana’s most powerful spaces. The same spaces where laws are passed, where decisions are made, and where history is written.
Carrying the Work Forward
As Western Native Voice members stepped back out into the cold and prepared for their journeys home, the conversations didn’t stop. In the Capitol hallways, in coffee shops, and in cars heading back across the state, discussions continued—about the bills they had followed, the meetings they had sat in, and the impact they could have beyond these two days in Helena.
For the first-timers, the experience had been eye-opening. For the seasoned advocates, it was a reminder that the work continues. The connections made, the lessons learned, and the voices that had filled the chambers would not fade once the event ended.
By the time the last car pulled away from Helena, it was clear: this wasn’t just a visit to the Capitol. It was a commitment to ensuring that Native voices remain a force in Montana’s future.
MONTANA—Native communities around Montana turned out in significant numbers for the 2024 election, driven by years of dedicated grassroots efforts from organizations like Western Native Voice. While voter turnout showed promising gains, challenges persist, and there is much work to be done to sustain and build upon this progress.
This year’s voter turnout in Montana reached 68.09%, a notable increase from 61% in 2016 and slightly higher than the 66% achieved in 2020 during an all-mail ballot election. Reservation precincts showed particularly strong participation, with absentee ballot returns exceeding 75%. These numbers reflect the commitment of Western Native Voice to engaging communities, even in the face of systemic barriers.
However, despite these achievements, significant gaps remain. While some areas saw increased participation, others faced setbacks, underscoring the need for continued efforts to address obstacles and engage more voters. Western Native Voice recognizes that meaningful progress requires ongoing dedication to both immediate electoral needs and the broader work of empowerment.
Beyond Election Day: Year-Round Impact
Beyond Election Day: Year-Round Impact
Western Native Voice operates year-round to build lasting change, focusing on education, leadership development, civic engagement, and public policy advocacy. These efforts aim to strengthen the foundation of Native political power, creating pathways for community members to actively shape decisions at the state and national levels.
Through initiatives like voter registration drives, leadership workshops, and community education, the organization fosters a deeper understanding of the democratic process. These programs not only help mobilize voters during elections but also cultivate a stronger sense of civic responsibility and leadership within Native communities.
Representation in Action
One significant outcome of the 2024 election was the election of 10 Native leaders to the Montana legislature: Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, Sen. Jacinda Morigeau, Rep. Thedis Crowe, Rep. Tyson Running Wolf, Rep. Frank Smith, Rep. Mike Fox, Rep. Jade Sooktis, Rep. Shelly Fyant, Rep. Donavon Hawk, and Rep. Sidney Fitzpatrick. This milestone represents meaningful progress, but it is also a reminder of the ongoing need for greater representation and equity in government.
The success of these legislators highlights the importance of advocacy organizations in cultivating a pipeline of Native leaders. By supporting candidates and engaging communities, Western Native Voice is helping to ensure that Native perspectives are represented in decision-making spaces.
Building for the Future
The 2024 election has provided valuable insights into the successes and challenges of mobilizing Native voters. While the increased turnout is encouraging, the uneven results across communities signal a need for continued investment in outreach, education, and barrier reduction.
Western Native Voice is committed to using these lessons to refine its strategies and strengthen its impact. By focusing on long-term goals alongside immediate electoral outcomes, the organization is working to ensure that Native voices are not only heard during elections but also hold enduring influence in shaping the future.
For Montana’s Native communities, the work continues. The progress seen in 2024 is a foundation to build upon, driven by a collective determination to create a more inclusive and equitable democratic process.
November 5, 2024
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Need a ride to vote? Call 406-869-1938!
Western Native Voice’s trusted organizers are ready to give you a ride to the polls or will safely deliver your ballot to the election office!
Be a super voter! Let’s get the Native Vote out this election. Our voices matter!
BILLINGS, Mont. — On October 14, 2024, Western Native Voice, in partnership with Indigenous Peoples Day Montana, hosted a day-long celebration in Billings, Montana, for Indigenous Peoples Day. This event brought together community members and allies for a meaningful recognition of Indigenous history, culture, resilience, and a tribute to all Indigenous people of all cultures.
Tracie Garfield, Communications Director at Western Native Voice, emphasized the importance of the celebration, stating, “When we don’t know our past, we don’t know where to aim for the future. Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day helps us understand our roots and envision a brighter future together.”
Embracing History and Reflection
The day began with a teepee art installation by artist Ben Pease at Black Otter Trail, overlooking Billings—a visual tribute to Indigenous strength and connection to the land. Community members gathered at Boothill Burial Ground for an opening reflection and a moment of global Indigenous recognition, paying respect to shared histories and achievements. A symbolic Silent Walk followed, tracing a historic path to Black Otter Trail and honoring the enduring stories of the history of Billings and the Indigenous people and immigrants who contributed the city.
Celebrating Culture and Community
In the afternoon, the event moved to the Bighorn Resort Conference Center, where a vendor show featured Indigenous artisans, cultural demonstrations, and guest speakers. A shared meal brought attendees together, reinforcing the value of community gathering and cultural traditions. Western Native Voice facilitated this space as a reminder of the importance of celebrating heritage and unity within Indigenous communities.
Evening Performances and Indigenous Artistry
The evening’s entertainment, hosted by “Krazy” Kasey Nicholson, showcased Native humor and creative expression. Headlined by comedian Tatanka Means, with additional performances by “Beef” Donovan Archambault and Tonia Jo Hall, the evening embraced Indigenous artistry. Musicians Foreshadow, Nataanii Means, Joel Wood, and Armond Duck Chief filled the room with songs of pride and storytelling, while a fashion show by Brocade highlighted contemporary Indigenous style.
Western Native Voice’s Indigenous Peoples Day celebration in Billings not only honored Indigenous culture and traditions but also underscored the importance of community and resilience. Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates our shared history in Montana and honors the rich contributions of Indigenous peoples from all regions. This day honors the collaboration and coexistence that have shaped our state.
MONTANA — In a sweeping campaign to galvanize voter turnout across Montana’s Native communities, Western Native Voice concluded its “Snag Dat Vote” tour, a two-day voter education and engagement event that reached every Montana reservation and the city of Great Falls. At a time when Native voters face unique barriers to participation, the tour blended community gatherings, informational sessions, and entertainment to empower Native communities with the tools and knowledge to participate in the 2024 election.
Research highlights the effectiveness of grassroots organizing, particularly when it is community-centered. Studies on relational organizing, a strategy that leverages interpersonal relationships, show it can increase voter turnout by up to 11% among communities that often face additional voting barriers (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2023; Progressive Turnout Project, 2021).
Each tour stop’s second day kicked off with Western Native Voice’s field team canvassing directly in the community, engaging residents to encourage voter registration and answer questions about the upcoming election. Through these face-to-face interactions, the team connected with hundreds of voters and collected over 300 new registrations across all stops, underscoring the impact of direct voter education and engagement in fostering civic participation.
“Our Field Team worked tirelessly in the lead-up to the October 7th registration deadline, securing 328 new voter registrations during the tour,” said Sami Walking Bear, Outreach and Field Director. “We canvassed over 500 doors, sharing election information and offering assistance to voters needing help with ballots or transportation to the polls.”
Each evening culminated in a high-energy celebration, headlined by Native comedians and musicians whose performances underscored the importance of the Native vote in shaping Montana’s future. The shows fostered a vibrant, inclusive environment that reinforced the significance of civic participation, reminding attendees of their role in creating positive change.
Western Native Voice’s approach aligns with these findings, highlighting the value of connecting people not only to voting resources but also to each other.
With absentee ballots set to start hitting mailboxes on October 11, Native voters across Montana are being encouraged to prepare by using Ballot Builder, an online tool designed to simplify the voting process. Western Native Voice, a nonprofit organization focused on increasing Native political participation, is promoting the tool as part of its broader civic engagement efforts ahead of the 2024 election.
What is Ballot Builder?
Ballot Builder allows voters to create a personalized sample ballot based on their home address. The tool provides users with a detailed look at the candidates, ballot initiatives, and issues that will appear on their local ballot. By offering accessible information in a straightforward format, Ballot Builder helps voters make informed decisions before heading to the polls or mailing in their absentee ballots.
Why Ballot Builder is Important for Native Voters
Western Native Voice has consistently highlighted the unique challenges faced by Native voters, including limited access to polling locations and a lack of information about candidates and policies that affect Native communities. Ballot Builder is designed to address these challenges by providing easy access to relevant, community-focused information.
For Native voters, this tool can be especially helpful in understanding how candidates’ positions on issues like healthcare, education, and tribal sovereignty will impact their communities. By making the voting process more transparent, Western Native Voice aims to empower Native voters to participate confidently in the electoral process.
How to Use Ballot Builder
Voters can access Ballot Builder by visiting wnv.branch.vote. Once on the site, users simply input their address to receive a personalized sample ballot. The platform provides detailed descriptions of each candidate and ballot initiative, allowing voters to review and make informed decisions.
The tool is mobile-friendly and can be accessed on any device, making it easy for voters to use at their convenience.
Western Native Voice’s Broader Mission
Ballot Builder is just one aspect of Western Native Voice’s efforts to increase Native voter turnout and participation. The organization has been actively involved in voter registration drives, educational events, and Get Out the Vote (GOTV) campaigns, all aimed at helping Native communities engage more fully in the political process.
For more information about Ballot Builder, visit wnv.branch.vote.
