Join Expanding Horizons for Community Conversations: Process Grief with Dr. Sarah Keller
Date: Monday, September 9, 2024
Time: 7-8 PM
Location: MSUB Petro Theatre
Brought to you by Western Native Voice’s Expanding Horizons youth program, this event is part of our Growing Together National Suicide Prevention Week. We’re hosting an insightful session on how to process grief, led by Dr. Sarah Keller, an award-winning educator and researcher dedicated to using storytelling to promote social change and address public health concerns.
Join Western Native Voice’s Expanding Horizons for our Community Conversations: Restoring Balance – Healing from the Trauma of MMIW with MarLynn Cloud
Thursday, September 12, 2024
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
RMC Fortin Theater
Join us for an evening with MarLynn Cloud, a mental health advocate and artist dedicated to supporting Native communities. MarLynn, a graduate of MSUB and current Native Student Financial Aid Navigator, will share her experiences and insights on the MMIW crisis, mental health, and community healing.
This event is part of our Growing Together National Suicide Prevention Week events. Open to all!
Missoula, Mont.—To wrap up the summer, Western Native Voice joined forces with three other Montana-based nonprofits to collaborate with Pearl Jam for the Our Village pre-show festival in Missoula. The event, held prior to Pearl Jam’s concert, created a unique opportunity to engage concertgoers and encourage them to pledge to vote in the upcoming 2024 election.
Our Village transformed the Riverbowl Tailgate Area, near the University of Montana, into a lively festival space, where attendees could explore booths set up by more than 30 local nonprofits. Western Native Voice, along with three other nonprofits, spearheaded voter engagement efforts, urging attendees to register and pledge to vote. The partnership aligned with Pearl Jam’s ongoing commitment to social and political advocacy, bringing voter education and registration to the forefront.
The festival featured an array of interactive activities, including family-friendly games, live music from local bands, art projects, lawn games, and photo booths, which created an energetic atmosphere. Despite the fun activities, the heart of the event was its focus on civic engagement. Western Native Voice, dedicated to empowering Native communities in Montana, played a key role in elevating the importance of Native American voter participation. In 2020, Native voter turnout in Montana reached a record 66.4% in reservation precincts, a 5% increase from 2016—a clear indicator of the growing political engagement within Native communities (Montana Free Press, Montana Free Press).
Pearl Jam’s involvement amplified these efforts, drawing attention to the critical role of voter participation. The event not only highlighted voter registration but also fostered discussions on key issues facing Montanans. With art, music, and activism seamlessly intertwined, the event provided a platform for local organizations to connect with the public while focusing on the significance of the upcoming election.
Through this collaboration, Western Native Voice and its partners demonstrated how the fusion of culture, music, and activism can inspire individuals to take action. The festival was a celebration of more than just Pearl Jam’s music—it underscored the critical role voters play in shaping the future, encouraging everyone in attendance to use their voice and make a difference in 2024.
MONTANA— A growing coalition of Native-led organizations and advocates is working to establish Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an officially recognized holiday across Montana. Western Native Voice, in collaboration with tribal governments, advocacy groups, and community leaders, is part of this effort to honor and celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of all Indigenous peoples in the state.
Montana is home to 12 distinct Native tribes, including the Gros Ventre, Assiniboine, Blackfeet, Crow, Northern Cheyenne, Cree, Kootenai, Pend d’Oreille, Salish, Lakota & Dakota Sioux, and Little Shell. These tribes have deep-rooted connections to the land, and their contributions continue to shape Montana’s cultural and historical landscape. The recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day seeks to honor these legacies and the ongoing impact of these communities.
As of 2023, 20 states and over 130 cities have officially recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day, sometimes alongside other holidays. This growing recognition reflects the increasing national awareness and respect for the cultural and historical contributions of Indigenous peoples (Wikipedia, Pew Research Center).
The movement for Indigenous Peoples’ Day reflects a collective desire to create space for education and reflection on the rich heritage of all Indigenous peoples in Montana and beyond. Various groups are coming together with a shared goal of ensuring that Native communities’ stories and achievements are recognized and appreciated.
Across the state, community forums, educational events, and cultural celebrations have helped raise awareness of the importance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. These gatherings have fostered collaboration among tribal leaders, grassroots organizers, and allies who are committed to promoting greater understanding and respect for Indigenous communities.
Several Montana cities and counties have already adopted Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an official holiday, signaling growing support for the initiative. Advocates continue working with lawmakers and public officials to encourage broader recognition at the state level.
Education is a key focus of the movement. Supporters emphasize that Indigenous Peoples’ Day presents an opportunity for all Montanans to learn about the ongoing contributions of Native peoples. By focusing on education, the movement seeks to build unity and promote deeper understanding between Native and non-Native communities.
As the movement for Indigenous Peoples’ Day continues to grow, advocates remain optimistic that more communities will adopt the holiday and embrace its message of recognition and celebration. Ongoing efforts include engaging local schools, civic groups, and organizations in discussions about Indigenous history, while organizing events that showcase the cultural diversity and resilience of Native communities.
The recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day is viewed as an important step toward fostering respect and acknowledgment of Montana’s Native heritage. It serves as a reminder of the enduring contributions of all Indigenous peoples and their role in shaping the state’s past, present, and future.
FORT PECK, Mont. — In a concerted effort to boost voter turnout among Native Americans in Montana, Western Native Voice, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Native communities, organized a series of voter registration Bingo events throughout August on the Fort Peck Reservation. These events, held in Fort Kipp, Brockton, Poplar, and Frazer, were part of a broader strategy to mobilize Native voters ahead of the upcoming election.
The Bingo events, which blended community engagement with civic responsibility, drew significant participation from residents across the reservation. The success of these gatherings highlights the growing momentum among Native voters, who have long been underrepresented at the polls. According to the National Congress of American Indians, only 66% of eligible Native Americans were registered to vote as of 2020, compared to 73% of the general population (NCAI, 2020). Western Native Voice’s efforts are focused on closing this gap and ensuring that more Native voices are heard in the electoral process.
Fort Kipp: A Strong Start
The series of events kicked off in Fort Kipp, where the local community gathered to participate in Western Native Voice’s voter registration Bingo. The event set a positive tone for the rest of the series, bringing together residents in a shared effort to increase voter registration. The turnout reflected the community’s growing awareness of the importance of civic engagement, with many attendees eager to ensure their voices are counted in the upcoming election.
Brockton: A Collective Effort to Empower Future Voters
In Brockton, Western Native Voice’s free voter registration Bingo event exceeded expectations. Every attendee was successfully registered to vote, marking a significant achievement for the organizers. The event underscored the community’s commitment to increasing voter participation, with many attendees expressing a renewed sense of purpose in ensuring their voices are heard in the democratic process.
Poplar: A Milestone in Civic Engagement
In Poplar, the voter registration Bingo event attracted over 149 participants, with 65 individuals registering to vote—many for the first time. The turnout was a testament to the effectiveness of community-driven initiatives in engaging first-time voters. Organizers attributed the success of the event to the diligent efforts of local volunteers, who assisted attendees in completing their registration forms and provided information on the voting process.
Frazer: A Community United in Purpose
The Bingo event in Frazer showcased the power of collective action. The community came together in large numbers, with many residents registering to vote and pledging to participate in the upcoming election. The event served as a poignant reminder of the importance of voting as a tool for change and self-determination.
Organizers expressed their gratitude for the community’s response, noting that the event was a crucial step in ensuring that Native voices are represented in the electoral process.
A Broader Effort to Mobilize Native Voters
The voter registration Bingo events in Fort Peck are part of a larger initiative by Western Native Voice to increase voter participation among Native Americans in Montana. The organization’s efforts are particularly significant in a state where Native Americans make up a substantial portion of the population but have historically been underrepresented in elections.
Reflecting on the success of the Fort Peck events, a spokesperson for Western Native Voice stated, “These events show the power of coming together as a community to make sure our voices are heard. We’re building momentum, and it’s inspiring to see so many people taking the first step towards active civic participation.”
BILLINGS, Mont. — Western Native Voice’s Executive Director, Ronnie Jo Horse, delivered a compelling presentation at TedxBillings titled “Empowering Indigenous Voices: Reimagine Civic Engagement in Native American Communities.” This year’s TedxBillings event, themed around democracy, provided a valuable platform for Ronnie to share Western Native Voice’s mission with a broader audience and emphasize the critical role of the Native vote in the 2024 election.
Ronnie Jo Horse’s presentation focused on several key areas essential to understanding and enhancing civic engagement within Native American communities:
Historical Context: Ronnie provided a historical overview of significant events and policies that have shaped the political landscape for Native Americans. She highlighted the long journey towards achieving voting rights and the ongoing struggle for full civic participation.
Milestones in Civic Engagement: The presentation celebrated significant milestones in Native American civic engagement, including the 100-year anniversary of Native American citizenship and landmark moments that have advanced political representation for Native communities.
Challenges and Reimagining Civic Engagement: Ronnie discussed contemporary challenges faced by Native Americans in the electoral process, including voter suppression and systemic barriers. She proposed innovative approaches to reimagining civic engagement that empower Native communities and foster greater participation.
Montana Native Representation: Emphasizing the importance of local representation, Ronnie highlighted the progress and impact of Native leaders in Montana. She underscored how increased representation in state and local government leads to policies that better reflect the needs and interests of Native communities.
Native Representation on the Federal Level: The presentation also covered the significance of Native representation at the federal level. Ronnie discussed the role of Native American legislators and advocates in shaping national policies that support tribal sovereignty and address critical issues facing Native communities.
Contemporary Challenges and Making Native American Voices Heard: Ronnie concluded by addressing contemporary challenges and the urgent need to amplify Native American voices. She called for collective action to ensure that Native perspectives are included in policy decisions and electoral outcomes.
Ronnie Jo Horse’s participation in TedxBillings emphasized the importance of the Native vote in the 2024 election. By sharing Western Native Voice’s mission with a wider audience, she highlighted the organization’s commitment to education, civic engagement, leadership development, and public advocacy. Her presentation underscored the power of storytelling and advocacy in driving change and inspiring action.
For Western Native Voice, this event was an opportunity to raise awareness and inspire greater involvement in the democratic process. Ronnie’s TedxBillings presentation serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of Native communities to make their voices heard and their votes count.
At the end of July, Ronnie will be at the White House in Washington, DC, at the Convening on Native American Voting Rights to share our on-the-ground efforts to improve access to the ballot box for Native American voters.
This month, Western Native Voice has been engaging Native American communities across Montana through a series of Voter Registration Bingo events. These events, held in Wolf Point, Billings, Great Falls, and Browning, have been well attended, demonstrating a strong community interest in civic engagement and the upcoming elections.
The Voter Registration Bingo events are part of Western Native Voice’s broader efforts to mobilize Native American voters and ensure their voices are heard in the 2024 elections. By combining fun and informative activities, the organization aims to educate attendees about the importance of voting and what is at stake for Indian Country in the upcoming election cycle.
Each event began with an overview of the critical issues facing Native American communities in 2024. Western Native Voice staff highlighted the impact of various policies on healthcare, education, and tribal sovereignty. They emphasized how voting is a powerful tool for influencing these policies and ensuring that the needs of Native communities are addressed.
Attendees were also informed about the practical aspects of voting, including how to register, where to vote, and the identification requirements for voting in Montana. Western Native Voice provided resources and assistance to help participants complete their voter registration forms on-site, making the process as accessible as possible.
“These bingo events are more than just a game,” said a Western Native Voice staff member. “They are an opportunity for us to come together, learn, and take action to protect our rights and our future.”
In addition to voter registration, the events also focused on the importance of community involvement and membership in Western Native Voice. Attendees were encouraged to join the organization, which is open to everyone, including allies of Native communities. Membership provides a platform for individuals to stay informed about issues affecting Native Americans and to participate in advocacy efforts.
The turnout at each event was a testament to the community’s commitment to civic engagement. In Wolf Point, Billings, Great Falls, and Browning, the rooms were filled with enthusiastic participants who were eager to learn and take action. The interactive nature of bingo made the events enjoyable and engaging, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among attendees.
Western Native Voice’s efforts to increase voter registration and participation are crucial, especially given the historical and ongoing challenges that Native American voters face. By hosting these Voter Registration Bingo events, the organization is making a significant impact on voter turnout and ensuring that Native American voices are represented in the democratic process.
As the 2024 elections approach, Western Native Voice remains dedicated to empowering Native communities through education, engagement, leadership development, and public advocacy. The success of the Voter Registration Bingo events is a positive step towards a more inclusive and representative electoral process in Montana.
July 12, 2024
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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.—Held at Rocky Mountain College, Western Native Voice’s Expanding Horizons Youth Summer Academy provided 40 Native students from across Montana with a unique two-week college experience, with an emphasis on the organization’s key programs: civic engagement, civic education, advocacy, and leadership development.
According to the program director, integrating these essential elements into the academy prepares students for active and informed participation in their communities. The holistic educational approach is a core part of Western Native Voice’s mission to empower Native youth.
Civic Engagement: The academy’s class sessions focused on enhancing students’ understanding of their roles within their communities, highlighting the importance of participation in various civic activities.
Civic Education: The classes touched on governance and civic responsibility aspects, fostering a basic understanding of how these systems can impact their lives and communities.
Advocacy: The program included discussions on community issues, emphasizing the importance of advocating for their rights and interests.
Leadership Development: The program focused on developing personal leadership and self-confidence, which are essential for future success in any field.
A trip to Yellowstone National Park connected students with environmental science and Native stewardship of the land, reinforcing lessons in leadership and civic responsibility. This excursion exemplified how educational themes are integrated with cultural identity.
Seeing these young leaders engage with each element of the program was a clear indication that they were not just preparing for college but also for meaningful roles in their communities. The initiative continues to be a cornerstone of Western Native Voice, providing foundational experiences that nurture the academic, civic, and cultural aspirations of Montana’s Native youth, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to succeed in college and contribute effectively to their communities, ensuring a promising future for these students.
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.
Thursday, September 12, 2024
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
RMC Fortin Theater
