July 23 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
FREE BINGO AT SILVER WOLF CASINO!
PRIZES | DRAWINGS| MEAL
Date: Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
Doors open at 5 pm
Location: Silver Wolf Casino, Wolf Point
Free
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.
August 2 – August 4
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).
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.
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.
May 8 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Let’s Go Fort Peck! Help Western Native Voice get everyone registered to vote by attending this free training on voter registration. ***18 and over welcome to attend.***
Date: Wednesday, May 8th
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Sherman Motor Inn, Wolf Point
Dinner will be served!
REGISTER HERE: https://tinyurl.com/8aa587m8
Free
May 17 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Join Western Native Voice for a vibrant celebration of our youth and future leaders! 
Register for free at https://tinyurl.com/4vcmh9ce or scan the QR code in our poster!
Date: May 17
Location: Greet the Dawn Building, Poplar
Come honor our graduates with a Round Dance. We have a fun-filled evening planned with games, potato dance, pizza, and lots of door prizes!
Special appearances by Nakoa Heavy Runner as our MC and music by the Badland Singers.
Don’t miss out on the membership drive and voter registration opportunities. Let’s build a stronger community together!
Free
June 28 @ 8:00 am – June 30 @ 5:00 pm
Celebrate native culture and traditions through dancing, food, crafts and fellowship.