leadership

Western Native Voice’s field team plays a critical role in empowering and engaging Native communities. This dedicated group of individuals works directly within these communities, using a culturally informed approach that respects and honors their unique traditions and voices. Here’s a look at how our field team operates and connects within Native communities.

Cultural Connection and Respect
A fundamental aspect of the work done by our field team is the deep cultural connection they maintain with the Native communities they serve. Since many of our team members come from these communities themselves, they carry an intrinsic understanding of the cultural nuances, languages, and traditions that define each group. This inside knowledge ensures that all outreach and engagement efforts are conducted with the highest level of respect and appropriateness, aligning with community values and expectations.

Building Trust Through Presence
A fundamental aspect of the work done by our field team is the deep cultural connection they maintain with the Native communities they serve. Since many of our team members come from these communities themselves, they carry an intrinsic understanding of the cultural nuances, languages, and traditions that define each group. This inside knowledge ensures that all outreach and engagement efforts are conducted with the highest level of respect and appropriateness, aligning with community values and expectations.

Trust is a cornerstone of effective community engagement, and our field team builds it by being consistently present and involved. They attend community events, partake in local traditions, and make themselves available to listen and respond to the community’s needs. This ongoing presence helps establish strong relationships and shows that Western Native Voice is genuinely invested in the community’s well-being and success, not just during election cycles but year-round.

Education and Empowerment
Education is a powerful tool for empowerment, and our field team places a strong emphasis on educating Native communities about their voting rights, the electoral process, and how their participation can influence issues directly affecting them. Workshops, informational sessions, and informal discussions are organized to demystify the voting process and highlight the tangible impact that civic participation can have on local and national policies.

Engaging Younger Generations
Engaging the younger members of Native communities is another critical focus for our field team. By reaching out to young people through schools, youth groups, and community centers, the team works to ignite a passion for civic involvement from an early age. They provide resources and training on leadership, advocacy, and the importance of voting, aiming to cultivate a new generation of informed voters and community leaders.

Addressing Community-Specific Issues
The issues facing each Native community can vary significantly, and our field team tailors their approach accordingly. Whether it’s advocating for better healthcare and education, addressing land rights and environmental concerns, or preserving cultural heritage, the team works closely with community leaders and members to prioritize and tackle these issues effectively.

Facilitating Voter Registration and Turn Out

A key part of our field team’s role is to facilitate the voter registration process and encourage strong voter turnout. They make registering to vote accessible and straightforward, often bringing the necessary resources directly to community members at convenient locations. Additionally, they organize transportation to polling places and provide information on mail-in ballots and early voting options to ensure everyone has the opportunity to vote.

Through their dedicated work, the Western Native Voice field team not only strengthens the fabric of Native communities but also ensures that their voices are amplified in the political arena. Their commitment to culturally respectful engagement, education, and advocacy underscores the profound impact of grassroots efforts in driving meaningful change.

Montana’s primary elections provide a platform for Native Americans to influence decisions and policies that affect our communities and lands. Given the historical challenges in voting access, our participation in primary elections is essential for ensuring candidates representing our voices and interests move into the general election. Here’s how we build Native power when we vote in the Montana primary:

1. Building Influence Through Representation:
   Montana boasts the highest number of Native representatives in its state legislature compared to any other state, with 11 Native representatives who served in the 2023 State Legislature. Leaders such as Shane Morigeau, Susan Webber, and Jonathan Windy Boy have made significant strides in addressing key issues, from legal reforms to education and cultural preservation. Their involvement underscores the power of Native voters to elect representatives who genuinely reflect our community’s values and needs. This strong representation is a testament to our communities’ active engagement and influence in Montana’s political process. When we vote in the primary, we build long-term political influence by choosing candidates who come directly from our communities and represent our unique needs. 
   
   
2. Impact Local and National Policies:
   Native American participation in Montana’s primaries and general elections has a profound impact on both local and national policies. When we vote, we influence not only the selection of representatives but also the policies those representatives will prioritize. Here are key ways our vote matters:
   
   Advocacy for Tribal Sovereignty and Rights: We have the power to support candidates who champion tribal sovereignty and our rights. This includes backing initiatives that protect land rights, ensure responsible resource management, and uphold treaty obligations. Legislative victories, such as the strengthening of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in Montana, underscore the importance of electing leaders committed to these principles.
   
   Enhanced Healthcare and Education: The termination of healthcare coverage for over 20,000 of our community members, including 11,500 children, in a recent year highlights the critical need for responsive health policies. Voting for candidates who understand and commit to improving healthcare access and quality for our communities can lead to substantive changes. Similarly, we can influence educational policies to better serve tribal schools and support cultural education, essential for preserving our heritage and improving academic achievement.
   
   Economic Development and Job Creation: Economic issues are paramount, especially in areas with significant Native populations. By engaging in the electoral process, we can push for policies that promote economic development, support Native-owned businesses, and create jobs within reservations. This also includes advocating for fair employment practices and equitable economic opportunities.
   
   Environmental Protection: Many of our communities are directly affected by environmental issues due to our ancestral and cultural ties to the land. We can influence environmental policies to ensure sustainable management of natural resources and protection against harmful industrial impacts. Supporting candidates who prioritize environmental justice can lead to stronger conservation efforts and respect for our tribal lands.
   
   Addressing the MMIW Crisis: The issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) has gained national attention, but much remains to be done. By participating in elections, we can ensure that this crisis remains a priority for lawmakers. Electing officials who will allocate resources, improve law enforcement practices on reservations, and collaborate with tribal authorities can help address this pervasive issue.
   
   
3. Strengthening Sovereignty:
   Voting in elections is crucial for Native communities because it’s a key way we express and maintain our sovereignty. By participating in elections, we have a say in choosing leaders who understand and respect our rights to manage our own affairs and resources. Each vote from our community is a powerful statement: “We are here, and we demand to govern ourselves.” Voting ensures that laws and policies reflect our needs and uphold our treaties with other governments. For example, the Crow Tribe in Montana has been very active in working with both state and federal governments to manage natural resources effectively. Their involvement in elections has been key to electing officials who respect and support these important discussions. This not only strengthens their sovereignty but also ensures their rights to manage their resources. Moreover, by voting, we strengthen our ability to form alliances with different groups and governments, enhancing our support network. This collaboration is essential in safeguarding our sovereign rights and independence.
   
   
4. Setting a Precedent for Future Generations:
   When we vote, we do more than just select our leaders. We set an example for the younger members of our community, showing them the importance of participating in our democracy. Every election is an opportunity to teach our youth about the power of their voice and the role they play in shaping our future. Engaging in elections isn’t just about the here and now; it’s about laying the groundwork for future generations. Our involvement demonstrates to our children and teenagers that their culture, rights, and voices matter. It instills a sense of responsibility and pride, encouraging them to stay informed, to stand up for their beliefs, and to participate actively in political processes as they grow. Moreover, by voting, we help ensure that the leaders we choose today are those who will consider the long-term well-being of our community. We’re not just voting for current benefits, but for a sustainable future that respects our traditions, protects our lands, and upholds our rights.
   
   
5. Addressing Specific Community Needs:
   Voting empowers us to tackle the unique challenges within our communities. By engaging in elections, we ensure that our specific needs—like healthcare, education, or infrastructure—are addressed by our leaders. Take, for example, the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana, which struggled with access to clean water and healthcare services. Through active voting, the community elected representatives who prioritized and successfully secured funding for these critical areas, improving daily life for residents. Our votes influence leaders to focus on solutions that directly benefit us, ensuring our communities receive the necessary support and attention.
   
   
   Our engagement in Montana’s electoral processes is more than a civic duty; it’s a powerful form of advocacy for our communities. By voting, we not only influence the present—ensuring our needs and rights are addressed—but we also lay the groundwork for future generations. Each election is an opportunity to strengthen our sovereignty, address our unique community needs, and set a powerful example for our youth.
   
   The act of voting embodies our resilience and commitment to self-determination. It is essential that we continue to participate actively in every election, ensuring that our voices are heard and that our influence in shaping policies remains strong. Let’s empower our communities by showing up at the polls, for every primary and general election, to make certain our rights, traditions, and future are safeguarded and respected.

Western Native Voice Celebrates Landmark Victory in Voting Rights Lawsuit

In a historic decision, the Montana Supreme Court ruled in favor of a coalition of Native American organizations and tribes, affirming that two state laws impeding Native American participation in the electoral process violate the fundamental right to vote under the Montana Constitution. The case, Western Native Voice et al. v. Jacobsen et al., was consolidated with a challenge brought by the Montana Democratic Party and various youth voting organizations.

The laws in question, HB 176 and HB 530, aimed to restrict Election Day registration and prohibit paid third-party ballot assistance, respectively. Native American voters, particularly those living on reservations, rely heavily on both Election Day registration and ballot assistance to exercise their right to vote in Montana. The Montana Supreme Court’s ruling recognized that these laws disproportionately burdened Native American voters, citing the challenges they face in accessing polling places and mailing absentee ballots.

The decision upholds a September 2022 ruling from the Thirteenth Judicial District Court, which permanently enjoined both HB 176 and HB 530 as unconstitutional. Plaintiffs in the case, including Western Native Voice, Montana Native Vote, and several tribes, were represented by the Native American Rights Fund, American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Montana, and Harvard Law School’s Election Law Clinic.

Western Native Voice Executive Director Ronnie Jo Horse expressed profound satisfaction with the court’s decision, stating, “Today’s landmark ruling by the Montana Supreme Court stands as a testament to justice prevailing in defense of the rights of Montanans, especially those of Native American communities. By striking down laws that impede Native American participation in our electoral process, the court reinforces the principle of equitable access to voting services and the protection of the rights for all voters, especially those residing on reservations where voting barriers are much higher.”

The decision represents a significant victory for voting rights advocates and Indigenous communities in Montana. As NARF Staff Attorney Jacqueline De León noted, “Today’s decision is a resounding win for tribes in Montana who have only ever asked for a fair opportunity to exercise their fundamental right to vote. Native voices deserve to be heard, and this decision helps ensure that happens.”

Alex Rate, deputy director of the ACLU of Montana, echoed these sentiments, stating, “This decision affirms one of our most cherished fundamental rights — the right to vote – which is particularly important to Indigenous voters who already face multiple barriers to the ballot box.”

The ruling underscores the importance of protecting and expanding access to the ballot for all citizens, reaffirming the principle that every voice matters in the democratic process. As Western Native Voice and its allies celebrate this milestone victory, they remain committed to defending voting rights and advocating for equitable participation in the electoral process for all Montanans.

Advocating for Indigenous Representation in the Nation’s Capital

In the bustling corridors of Washington, D.C., the team from Western Native Voice (WNV) made their presence felt, advocating tirelessly to ensure that Native American voices remain front and center in the conversations shaping policy and legislation. Led by Ronnie Jo Horse, WNV’s executive director, the team embarked on a mission to engage with Montana representatives and policymakers, highlighting the pressing issues facing Indigenous communities and advocating for meaningful change.

Advocating for Native Voices:

Armed with a commitment to amplifying Native voices, the WNV staff descended upon Capitol Hill, meeting with Montana representatives to advocate for policies that address the unique needs and challenges of Native American communities. From healthcare and education to environmental protection and tribal sovereignty, the team left no stone unturned in their efforts to ensure that Native voices are heard and respected in the halls of power.

Expanding Native American Electoral Power:

One of the highlights of WNV’s visit to Washington was a panel discussion on “Expanding Native American Electoral Power,” featuring Ronnie Jo Horse alongside esteemed panelists Saundra Mitrovich from the National Congress of American Indians and Jayne Parrish of Arizona Native Votes. Moderated by Denise Juneau, former Superintendent of Public Instruction in Montana, the panel explored strategies for increasing Native American voter engagement and participation, empowering Indigenous communities to wield greater influence in the political process.

A Commitment to Change:

As the meetings concluded and the panel discussion wrapped up, the team from Western Native Voice returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Their advocacy efforts in Washington served as a powerful reminder of the importance of ensuring that Native voices are not only heard but also heeded in the corridors of power. With Ronnie Jo Horse and her team leading the charge, Western Native Voice remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for meaningful change and empowering Indigenous communities to shape their own futures.

In the dynamic landscape of Washington politics, Western Native Voice continues to serve as a tireless advocate for Native representation and empowerment. As they work to ensure that Native voices remain at the forefront of the national conversation, the impact of their advocacy efforts will be felt far and wide, driving positive change for Indigenous communities across the country.