Little Shell

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.

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.