Join Western Native Voice for this FREE leadership & advocacy conference in Fort Belknap! We’re bringing an interactive, high-energy one-day conference to Fort Belknap on April 3! 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!
This month, we connected with Cheryl Horn, a citizen of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, who has been at the forefront of MMIP awareness and community empowerment. A member of the Fort Belknap community, Cheryl has spent years working in tribal workforce development and advocacy, ensuring that Native voices are heard in justice reform, civic engagement, and healing initiatives. Her leadership has gained national recognition, including being named a USA Today National Woman of the Year. Cheryl’s work is rooted in collaboration, healing, and the belief that Native communities can create lasting change through collective action. In this interview, she shares her journey, insights on leadership, and the importance of strengthening Native voices through advocacy and engagement.
Tell us a bit about your background—your tribe, where you grew up, family, schools you attended, and what you’re doing now.
My name is Cheryl Horn. I’m Fort Belknap, and I grew up here in Fort Belknap. I attended Harlem School and Hays School and later went on to Aaniiih Nakoda College, where I earned a business degree. Right now, I work for the tribe in the TERO department, where we focus on contractors, employment, and building our workforce. Over the past decade, our workforce has declined significantly, and we’re working to bring training to our community and get people into stable jobs.
You’ve been recognized as a leader in advocacy, including being named a USA Today National Woman of the Year. What did that recognition mean to you, and how has it shaped your work?
I never really talk about the award, but when people reach out to me, they often say, “I Googled you,” and that’s how they learn about my work. The recognition has helped build a platform for MMIP advocacy, especially on the East Coast, where people are still largely unaware of what’s happening in Native communities. It has allowed me to share our stories and ensure that MMIP issues are gaining the national attention they deserve.
Western Native Voice focuses on empowering Native leaders. What advice do you have for young Indigenous people who want to step into leadership roles in their communities?
If you want to step into leadership, remember that there is always someone willing to help—you just have to ask. Reach out for directions, guidance, and mentorship. There are leaders who want to pass down their knowledge and see new leaders emerge. Don’t stop dreaming, and manifest your goals. You are where you put yourself, and you have the ability to build something great. Leadership is about positive thinking, self-growth, and lifting others along the way.
You serve on the Montana Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force and work with organizations like the ACLU. How do you approach collaboration, and what do you look for in allies working toward justice for Native communities?
I see myself as a contact person rather than a resource, and over time, I’ve built a network of people who genuinely follow through with their promises. When working with allies, I look for those who actively listen, show up, and do the work. Collaboration is about bringing people together to heal, sharing what has worked for others, and ensuring that advocacy efforts remain community-driven and not performative.
Beyond MMIP, what are some of the biggest challenges facing Native communities today, and where do you think more attention needs to be focused?
One of the biggest challenges is the justice system—our courts and law enforcement are underfunded and understaffed, which impacts how crime is addressed, including drugs and alcohol abuse. That, in turn, affects employment and economic stability. We need systemic changes that support our communities in a way that allows them to heal and thrive.
Civic engagement is a core part of strengthening Native voices. How do you encourage Indigenous people to get involved in voting, policy-making, and advocacy work?
Voting is critical. I’ve been involved in voter registration efforts since the Obama administration and always try to encourage people to participate. I also push for jury duty participation in tribal courts because without a strong jury pool, crimes often go unpunished. Beyond voting, we need to make civic engagement a family tradition—talk about it at home, bring your kids into the conversation, and make it a shared responsibility.
Your advocacy work is deeply personal. How do you balance the emotional weight of your work while ensuring you take care of your own well-being?
Through my past work at OPI, I was able to get trauma-informed care training, which helped me address my own healing. Self-care is essential, and I take mental health days when needed. I also believe in surrounding myself with positive energy and practicing mindfulness. You have to prioritize yourself in order to be effective in helping others.
During difficult times, what brings you joy or gives you strength to keep going? Are there people, traditions, or activities that help you stay grounded?
My grandkids bring me joy. Being able to support them and my children keeps me motivated. I also participate in community events and maintain strong family connections. Knowing that I can help people, even in small ways, keeps me going.
What do you think are the biggest misconceptions people have about MMIP cases, and what do you wish the general public better understood?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that someone always “stole” them, when in reality, many of these cases involve larger systemic issues like trafficking, substance abuse, and a lack of proper investigations. People don’t realize that MMIP affects all communities, not just Native people. We want justice and accountability, just like any other family searching for answers.
What’s next for you—any new projects or directions in advocacy or outreach?
I’m stepping into facilitating grief and healing groups, including talking circles and wellbriety sessions. These circles incorporate culture, identity, and healing practices to help individuals and families work through trauma. We’re also launching youth-focused healing programs because our children need these resources just as much as adults. We have to heal as a community and break the cycle for future generations.
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.
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.
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.
September 24, 2024
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7:00 pm
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10:00 pm
Join us for an exciting night of community engagement, voter outreach, and entertainment as we work to build Native power at the polls!
Tuesday, 09.24.2024 | 7 PM
Red Whip Gym
18 & Over Only | Voter Celebration Show
Join us for a Voter Celebration featuring live music from Shadow Devereaux and Nataanii Means, plus a comedy show with Mylo Smith and Larry Omaha!
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 good food as we work to build Native power at the polls!
Monday, 09.23.2024 | 6-8 PM
Red Whip Gym
All Ages Welcome | Free Community Feed
We’re starting the tour 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 meaningful civic discussions while enjoying great food!
Let’s come together for the community, enjoy great food, and Snag Dat Vote!
This month we visited with Debbie Desjarlais, an enrolled member Turtle Mountain Chippewa and an Assiniboine descendant from both the Fort Peck and Fort Belknap tribes. Debbie is a committed advocate and leader who uses her talents to support Native communities. As the co-founder of NativeWellness.Life magazine and Keya Advertising, she combines her skills in business and graphic design to promote health and wellness. Debbie’s deep-rooted connections inspire her ongoing efforts to make a positive impact.
Please start with your background, tribe, where you grew up, family, schools attended, what you are currently doing now, etc.
I’m an enrolled Turtle Mountain Chippewa and an Assiniboine descendant from both the Fort Peck and Fort Belknap tribes.
I was born in San Francisco because my parents were part of the Indian Relocation Program that encouraged Native Americans to move from reservations to cities back in the ’60s. After two years, we moved back to the Fort Peck Reservation. Then, when I was in first grade, we moved to Billings, MT.
I graduated from Billings Senior High, then went to Montana State University, Bozeman, and graduated with a Business Finance degree. I left the state and received a second degree from South Dakota State University in Graphic Design 10 years later. After 26 years, I returned to Montana 9 years ago.
In 2019, I started NativeWellness.Life magazine with my older brother, Orville Desjarlais, Jr. Then, in 2023, we started Keya Advertising.
Debbie Desjarlais headshot.
What motivated you to pursue your current career or path?
I’m motivated by helping our people. My last job as a business developer introduced me to working with our Native people and I loved it. I want to continue working with our people and to help them. I feel like our magazine reaches them in a way no other magazine ever has.
What inspired you to co-found NativeWellness.Life magazine, and what is its primary mission?
My brother and I were looking at ways to reach our people. The thought of creating a Native magazine intrigued us, so we decided to give it a try. Our mission is to deliver a professional “positive” magazine to our people for free. The plan is for large organizations to pay for the subscription and give the magazine out for free.
How does NativeWellness.Life magazine contribute to community advocacy and wellness?
We make our magazine each month to improve the health and welfare of our tribes. The way we do that is by getting our magazines into homes where multi-generational families can enjoy the stories and graphics we struggle to provide every month. There is something for everyone in the magazine, including children.
Lack of healthcare faculties, isolation, and economic factors forces our Indigenous communities to take a personal stake in taking better care of themselves and their families. NativeWellness.Life magazine is influential in getting families more active and aware of disease prevention, like diabetes. It’s more than just a magazine. It’s a health and wellness tool for our communities.
I’m motivated by helping our people. My last job as a business developer introduced me to working with our Native people, and I loved it. I want to continue working with our people and to help them.
Photo featuring Zero Suicide Video Shoot with Thumbprint LLC, Debbie Desjarlais, and Orville Desjarlais.
How can creative professionals use their skills to organize and uplift their communities?
The challenge with being a creative professional is the lack of awareness about professional graphics and writing. These are professions that are taught in college and take a lifetime to master. Yet, everybody “has a cousin who can do a logo for $100.” Or, assume anybody can write.
Usually, a logo is just one item of many that an advertising agency or marketing company is going to provide. It’s a small part of a bigger strategy.
Our tribal communities need more people and organizations to invest in outreach in every sector. Tribes and organizations have great ideas about how to care for their communities, yet many fail in their outreach efforts.
I get asked to do logos all the time, but I’m done with one-and-done jobs. That’s not an effective way to conduct outreach.
Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that shaped your journey?
I met with a Department of Agriculture professional who told us not to target the food commodity program known as the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. Having used the FDPIR program as children, we wanted to work with that organization from the start. So, in our first issue, five years ago, I wrote a bison recipe with FDPIR recipients in mind. I publish recipes that include ingredients available to the average reader. I write and test each recipe before it gets published.
The pivotal moment came two years ago when the FDPIR regional director of the mountain plains region purchased magazines for 29 of her field offices in eight states, including Montana. That proved to me that a big organization like the Department of Agriculture can count on us to provide sound nutrition education every month to their patrons.
Who were your role models or sources of inspiration throughout your career?
My grandma, Sylvia Roberts (Campbell), and my mom, Wilma “Billy” (Campbell) Desjarlais, and Orville Desjarlais, Sr., inspired my work ethic and compassion for our Native people. They were all hard-working.
Debbie Desjarlais candid photo.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing challenges or opportunities for Native communities today?
The challenges are many. It’s always been a bit overwhelming.
I believe change starts with you. You need to decide to treat yourself better. To commit to better nutrition and a healthier lifestyle. If you think your community needs change, then look in the mirror first. You have the power to affect positive change. Your actions influence everyone around you. Everyone needs to know that they can be a change-maker. Quit sitting on the sidelines. Get involved.
I think we also need more women in leadership roles in healthcare. As outsiders, we go to many healthcare conferences and see that it’s composed of 90% women. However, most of the leaders are men. Women lead differently than men. I’m encouraging more women to take on leadership positions. It just makes sense.
What projects or initiatives are you currently working on?
We are passionate about food sovereignty, Native American veteran PTSD, Native American suicide prevention, and more.
We pick projects based on our passions and the people we’ll be partnering with. Even if someone is willing to offer us a lot of money for our services, if they look like difficult clients, we’ll turn them down. Life is too short to have to put up with grief.
Our small team has more than 100 years of experience in every aspect of communications, from print to digital. You’ve got to respect that.
What is one thing you wish you had known or done differently when starting your career?
The only thing constant in life is change.
Everyone makes you think to have to pick a career in college and stick with that for the rest of your life.
To me, that’s crazy talk.
Don’t think you have to limit yourself to one ice cream flavor. Taste them all! I got a finance degree and then a graphics design diploma. Who knows what’s next? Much of what I learn is not in college.
My advice is for people to be more flexible and open to change. Seek opportunities to learn. And don’t be afraid of failure. That’s when the magic happens. Learning from your mistakes teaches you perseverance and increases confidence.
Our mission is to deliver a professional ‘positive’ magazine to our people for free. The plan is for large organizations to pay for the subscription and give the magazine out for free.
Misty Kuhl and Debbie Desjarlais.
How can people balance their ambitions with self-care and a healthy lifestyle?
Take it one day at a time. Find something you’re passionate about in life. Each day, do some kind of exercise for 45 minutes to 1 hour. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you do it.
How do you see the role of storytelling in advancing community wellness and organizing efforts?
I think storytelling comes in different mediums. Our relatives told stories verbally, then came the written word. Now storytelling is told in digital media.
In our magazine, storytelling takes on many forms. Everything in the magazine is there for a reason. Photos and graphics are designed to grab your attention. Headlines and photo captions tease you into reading the article. The story’s beginning should be attention-getting. Each element works in harmony with one another. Advertising and marketing use these skills. We dedicate about 60% of our magazine to graphics and design because our people are very visual.
