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).
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, 2024 @ 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, 2024 @ 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, 2024 @ 8:00 am – June 30, 2024 @ 5:00 pm
Celebrate native culture and traditions through dancing, food, crafts and fellowship.
June 13, 2024 @ 8:00 am – June 16, 2024 @ 5:00 pm
June 2, 2024 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Honoring a Century of Recognition
Date: Sunday, June 2, 2024
Time: Parade starts at 11 AM
Location: Parade along the Downtown Billings Route, followed by activities at the DoubleTree
Join us in downtown Billings for a momentous celebration marking the centennial of The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924. This historic event honors the legacy and rights of Native Americans and we are proud to invite all Montana Tribal Nations and community members to participate.
Parade Details
The parade will feature a traditional route through downtown Billings, starting promptly at 11 AM. Spectators can enjoy a display of vibrant floats, cultural performances, and the spirited participation of various Montana Tribal Nations.
Post-Parade Celebration
Following the parade, we invite everyone to gather at the DoubleTree for an afternoon of community engagement, cultural activities, and networking among tribes. Although we will not host food vendors, a variety of other Native American vendors will be available, along with a communal lunch.
Participate
We are looking for engaging floats and vendors to make this event truly special:
Float Entries: Showcase your creativity and culture. Prize money for the top 5 best floats Register your float at https://tinyurl.com/5n967ja7.
1st place: $4000
2nd place: $3000
3rd place: $2000
4th place: $1000
5th place: $500
Vendors: Enhance the experience with Native American arts, crafts, goods, or services. Please note, food vendors are not permitted. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/89c2hzyh
Get Involved
This is more than a parade; it’s a platform for unity, recognition, and celebration. We encourage all Montana tribes and local communities to get involved:
Volunteer: Join our team to help make this day unforgettable. Sign up to volunteer at https://tinyurl.com/yc4wtsxb.
Contact Us
Have questions or need more information? Contact us at info@westernnativevoice.org.
Celebrate with us as we honor a century of history, culture, and rights. Secure your spot, participate, and be part of something extraordinary!
Free