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BILLINGS, Mont. — On October 14, 2024, Western Native Voice, in partnership with Indigenous Peoples Day Montana, hosted a day-long celebration in Billings, Montana, for Indigenous Peoples Day. This event brought together community members and allies for a meaningful recognition of Indigenous history, culture, resilience, and a tribute to all Indigenous people of all cultures.
Tracie Garfield, Communications Director at Western Native Voice, emphasized the importance of the celebration, stating, “When we don’t know our past, we don’t know where to aim for the future. Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day helps us understand our roots and envision a brighter future together.”
Embracing History and Reflection
The day began with a teepee art installation by artist Ben Pease at Black Otter Trail, overlooking Billings—a visual tribute to Indigenous strength and connection to the land. Community members gathered at Boothill Burial Ground for an opening reflection and a moment of global Indigenous recognition, paying respect to shared histories and achievements. A symbolic Silent Walk followed, tracing a historic path to Black Otter Trail and honoring the enduring stories of the history of Billings and the Indigenous people and immigrants who contributed the city.
Celebrating Culture and Community
In the afternoon, the event moved to the Bighorn Resort Conference Center, where a vendor show featured Indigenous artisans, cultural demonstrations, and guest speakers. A shared meal brought attendees together, reinforcing the value of community gathering and cultural traditions. Western Native Voice facilitated this space as a reminder of the importance of celebrating heritage and unity within Indigenous communities.
Evening Performances and Indigenous Artistry
The evening’s entertainment, hosted by “Krazy” Kasey Nicholson, showcased Native humor and creative expression. Headlined by comedian Tatanka Means, with additional performances by “Beef” Donovan Archambault and Tonia Jo Hall, the evening embraced Indigenous artistry. Musicians Foreshadow, Nataanii Means, Joel Wood, and Armond Duck Chief filled the room with songs of pride and storytelling, while a fashion show by Brocade highlighted contemporary Indigenous style.
Western Native Voice’s Indigenous Peoples Day celebration in Billings not only honored Indigenous culture and traditions but also underscored the importance of community and resilience. Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates our shared history in Montana and honors the rich contributions of Indigenous peoples from all regions. This day honors the collaboration and coexistence that have shaped our state.
MONTANA — In a sweeping campaign to galvanize voter turnout across Montana’s Native communities, Western Native Voice concluded its “Snag Dat Vote” tour, a two-day voter education and engagement event that reached every Montana reservation and the city of Great Falls. At a time when Native voters face unique barriers to participation, the tour blended community gatherings, informational sessions, and entertainment to empower Native communities with the tools and knowledge to participate in the 2024 election.
Research highlights the effectiveness of grassroots organizing, particularly when it is community-centered. Studies on relational organizing, a strategy that leverages interpersonal relationships, show it can increase voter turnout by up to 11% among communities that often face additional voting barriers (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2023; Progressive Turnout Project, 2021).
Each tour stop’s second day kicked off with Western Native Voice’s field team canvassing directly in the community, engaging residents to encourage voter registration and answer questions about the upcoming election. Through these face-to-face interactions, the team connected with hundreds of voters and collected over 300 new registrations across all stops, underscoring the impact of direct voter education and engagement in fostering civic participation.
“Our Field Team worked tirelessly in the lead-up to the October 7th registration deadline, securing 328 new voter registrations during the tour,” said Sami Walking Bear, Outreach and Field Director. “We canvassed over 500 doors, sharing election information and offering assistance to voters needing help with ballots or transportation to the polls.”
Each evening culminated in a high-energy celebration, headlined by Native comedians and musicians whose performances underscored the importance of the Native vote in shaping Montana’s future. The shows fostered a vibrant, inclusive environment that reinforced the significance of civic participation, reminding attendees of their role in creating positive change.
Western Native Voice’s approach aligns with these findings, highlighting the value of connecting people not only to voting resources but also to each other.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MONTANA — In September, Western Native Voice launched the Snag Dat Vote Tour, a crucial effort to strengthen Native political engagement in five Native communities—Blackfeet, Rocky Boy, Fort Belknap, Polson (CSKT area), and Fort Peck. Each stop was a two-day event designed to empower Native voters through education, community building, and direct action, with the ultimate goal of increasing voter turnout in the 2024 election.
The first night of each stop featured a community feed, where local residents came together to share a meal and engage in meaningful discussions about the power of their vote. The conversations went beyond just the mechanics of voting; they highlighted why every vote matters in shaping the future for Native communities. By explaining how votes are counted and discussing the real impact voting has on issues like healthcare, education, and sovereignty, the tour helped motivate attendees to participate in the election.
The second day was all about action. Western Native Voice’s field team went door-to-door, engaging with community members on a personal level. Over 100 doors were knocked at each stop, with 33% of those interactions resulting in new voter registrations. These efforts were part of a larger strategy to boost voter engagement ahead of the October 7th voter registration deadline.
“Our field team worked hard to get as many voter registrations as possible before the deadline,” said Sami Walking Bear, Western Native Voice’s Field & Outreach Director. Walking Bear noted that the team, along with community organizers, knocked on over 500 doors across the tour stops. They not only registered new voters but also provided election information and offered assistance to those needing help with getting to the polls or submitting their ballots.
To celebrate the momentum and energy from the canvassing efforts, the second night of each stop featured a voter celebration. Musicians and comedians performed, providing entertainment and reinforcing the message that voting can be both powerful and enjoyable. These events helped bring the community together and promote active participation in the electoral process.
The Snag Dat Vote Tour focused on building a culture of civic engagement within Native communities. Western Native Voice remains committed to empowering Native people to take an active role in shaping their future through voting, ensuring that every Native voice is heard in the 2024 election.
This month, we visited with Jen Murphy, an enrolled member of the Chippewa-Cree tribe from Rocky Boy. Known by her Indian name, Sweetgrass Lodge, Jen is a dedicated photographer and advocate for raising awareness about the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIW/P). This ongoing tragedy refers to the disproportionate rates of violence, abduction, and murder experienced by Indigenous women and people in the U.S. and Canada. Through Jen’s work as a photographer, author, filmmaker, and advocate, she uses her talents to educate and inspire action within Native communities and beyond.
Please start with your background, tribe, where you grew up, family, schools attended, what you are currently doing now, etc.
I grew up in Havre, MT with a lot of family on our reservation in Rocky Boy (Chippewa-Cree). I attended and graduated High School from Havre High School in 1999. I then attended Montana State University Northern, where I graduated with a BA in Community Service/Communication. I am currently enrolled and am attending Montana State University – Bozeman, working on my Graduate Certificate in Native American Studies. I have worked as a Juvenile Detention Officer, a Child Protection Specialist, A Felony Parole Officer, a Tribal Liaison and an Executive Producer. Currently, I am an Executive Producer, children’s book author, an Associate for AMBER Alert in Indian Country, and a Tribal Liaison.
Could you share the moment or experience that inspired you to use photography as a tool for raising awareness about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) issue?
On June 16, 2018, Jermain Charlo went missing out of Missoula, MT. She was an enrolled tribal member. Living in Missoula at the time, I watched as the case unfolded and all of the errors and lack of response that happened. I wanted to do something to bring awareness to this issue and I always loved to take pictures. Photography has the unique ability to say a million things without saying a word. It is a medium you can look at and FEEL what is being said.
Your work spans different mediums, from photography to film. How do you decide which medium best conveys the message you want to share about MMIW?
Photography has always been my chosen medium. Just recently, I was introduced to film and what a great way to tell a story; our people have conveyed storytelling since the beginning of time and this is just another way to get the awareness out.
You recently authored a children’s book on MMIW. How do you approach the challenge of introducing such a sensitive issue to young readers?
As I have been doing this awareness work, I noticed a huge gap and that was in reaching our youth. My children’s book titled, “More Like Her,” is a simple book that allows families or educators to start introducing this topic to our children. You have the ability to help them understand the issue in a non-threatening way and begin this conversation, hopefully bringing awareness to them and hopefully make them aware that this does happen to our people.
Photography has the unique ability to say a million things without saying a word. It is a medium you can look at and FEEL what is being said.
What has the response been like to your short film, Not Afraid, as it travels through film festivals? Have any moments of feedback particularly stood out to you?
The responses have been really good. What stands out to me is that, still, after all of these years, people are stunned that this is happening to our people. Many still do not know that this is an issue, still today. It has been amazing to use this platform to help educate people on the topic.
Could you tell us more about the domestic violence Fatality Review commissions you’re involved with? What impact do these commissions have on legislative changes for Native communities?
The Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commissions have two teams, the State Team and the Native American Team. I am appointed by the Montana Attorney General to sit on both teams. This team is a multidisciplinary team of law enforcement, community members, judges, victim advocates, ect. and we look at trends of domestic violence homicides and make recommendations for legislative changes. These commissions when dealing with our communities in general, help us understand where victims are missed and what gaps need to be filled and paid attention too.
When collaborating with families affected by MMIW, what is the most important message you hope to convey through your work?
When working with families affected by MMIW/P, the most important message that I hope to convey is the power of being WITH them. That they are not alone, they are seen and their loved one deserved better.
How do you believe educating the general public on the history of MMIW can contribute to finding solutions to the crisis?
By bringing the right people to the table. It brings awareness to this crisis. I always say, you don’t know what you don’t know, until you know it. But, once you do, you should do better.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your work advocating for MMIW, and how do you stay motivated despite those challenges?
The most challenging thing about working as an advocate for MMIW is that I am not always going to please everyone. What I say to that is, I am doing what I believe that Creator has called me to do. I show up everyday with a warrior spirit and pray about everything I do. I talk with elders, I am open to feedback and I never pretend to be an expert at any of this. What I do is done with humility and a good heart.
I show up every day with a warrior spirit and pray about everything I do. I talk with elders, I am open to feedback, and I never pretend to be an expert at any of this.
What are your hopes for the future of MMIW awareness, especially with the next generation, through efforts like your children’s book?
My hope is that by bringing awareness, the public will start to understand that our people are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for the same treatment. We should be looked for the same, and our perpetrators should be punished the same way, etc. I hope that I inspire our youth to be a loud voice surrounding this issue. I pray that our youth find their voice, be a roaring lion on this issue, and stand up for what is right, even if their voice shakes.
If you could change one thing about the way society addresses domestic violence and MMIW today, what would it be and why?
Believing victims and their families. If we took victims and their families seriously from day one, I truly believe this would affect how things are done.
For more information about Jen’s work, visit www.mmiwproject.org or contact TveraaPhotoMT@gmail.com.
Join us for an exciting night of community engagement, voter outreach, and entertainment as we work to build Native power at the polls!
Thursday, 09.19.2024 | 7 PM
Northern Winzs Casino
18 & Over Only | Voter Celebration Show
Come together in the evening for a Voter Celebration with live music from Shadow Devereaux and Nataanii Means, plus a comedy show featuring Chance Rush and Larry Omaha!
Come for the community, stay for the fun, and Snag Dat Vote!
Join us for an exciting night of community engagement, voter outreach, and good food as we work to build Native power at the polls!
Wednesday, 09.18.2024 | 6-8 PM
Rocky Boy Multi-Purpose Building
All Ages Welcome | Free Community Feed
We’re kicking things off with a Community Gathering and a free meal! Learn about the importance of voting, how to register, and how you can make your voice heard. This is your chance to become a member of Western Native Voice and engage in civic discussions while enjoying great food and company!
Come for the community, stay for the fun, and Snag Dat Vote!
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:
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.
This month we visited with Dion Stump, an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe. Dion is a dedicated advocate and leader who has used her experiences to inspire and uplift others. As the Office Manager for Western Native Voice’s Great Falls office, a full-time student at Montana State University-Northern, and an advocate for youth in foster homes, Dion balances her professional responsibilities with her studies in Criminal Justice.
Please start with your background, tribe, where you grew up, family, schools attended, what you are currently doing now, etc:
My name is Dion Stump. I am an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree tribe in Rocky Boy, Montana. I grew up in Great Falls and Rocky Boy. I grew up in the foster care system and didn’t have much stability in my childhood. I went to many different schools but ultimately graduated from Great Falls High School a semester early. I earned my Associate’s degree from Great Falls College MSU and am currently a student at Montana State University-Northern. I have two semesters of school remaining before I earn my Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. I am working full-time as the Office Manager for Western Native Voice and attending school full-time. In addition, I continue to raise my two younger brothers, whom I adopted when I turned 20.
What motivated you to pursue your current career or path?
One thing I missed in my life was having a positive role model. I aspire to be an example for children who face similar challenges. I want to inspire them and demonstrate that if I can succeed, they can, too. My motivation to pursue my current career path stems from the desire to be a role model for youth who share my background. I aim to be the person I needed when I was younger.
What does community organizing mean to you?
Community organizing means that individuals with shared interests in improving their community come together to find solutions to common issues.
How can young people use creativity to organize and change their communities?
Young people can use creativity to organize and change their communities through technology and social media platforms. We are more connected than ever. These platforms can be great tools for creating change in our communities.
Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that shaped your journey?
A pivotal moment in my journey was when I got the chance to attend a summer camp for foster youth. This camp was special to me because it was filled with people who genuinely cared for kids like me. For the first time, peers with similar experiences surrounded me, which inspired me to become an advocate for myself and others who need someone to speak on their behalf.
What challenges did you face along the way, and how did you overcome them?
I have faced numerous challenges on my journey to where I am today, with the biggest being my time in the foster care system. Statistically, foster children often struggle to overcome the obstacles they face. Despite these odds, I wanted to prove that kids like me can succeed.
Who were your role models or sources of inspiration when you were younger?
Role models were scarce when I was younger, but I found inspiration from various people I encountered in the foster care system. One person, in particular, significantly impacted my life—she works with Kairos Youth Services. She demonstrated unwavering support, assuring me that she would always be on my side no matter my path. She also showed me that nothing is impossible if I put my mind to it. Alongside her is a group of strong, resilient women who have consistently shown me compassion and support.
I want to inspire and demonstrate to children facing similar challenges that if I can succeed, they can too.
What advice would you give a young person unsure about their future career or goals?
Showing up and doing the work is half the battle. Even when times are difficult, and it seems the world is against you, you keep taking steps forward.
How do you stay motivated and driven, even when faced with setbacks?
When I encounter setbacks, I stay motivated by stepping back to practice self-care. Self-care is crucial, especially when life becomes overwhelming. I have to take care of myself to continue caring for others.
Can you share an example of when you had to step out of your comfort zone? What did you learn from that experience?
An example of stepping out of my comfort zone was when I began my journey of doing foster care advocacy. I wanted to give a voice to myself and others who lack the opportunity to be heard. Through this experience, I boosted my self-confidence and learned the importance of speaking up for social change.
What skills or qualities are most important for young people to develop to succeed in their chosen paths?
Leadership, self-awareness, integrity, and self confidence.
How do you balance personal passions and professional responsibilities in your life?
I balance personal and professional responsibilities by maintaining a schedule. This approach helps me keep track of everything simultaneously and reduces feelings of overwhelm.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing challenges or opportunities for young people today?
One approach I use to advance in my field is to inquire and remain receptive to acquiring new knowledge. Among the challenges confronting young people today is the challenge of navigating social media and peer pressure. There’s often pressure to conform to unrealistic standards online, leading individuals to portray themselves differently than who they truly are in order to keep up with social media trends.
Social media can impact mental health, especially when young people compare their lives to the idealized representations of others, which often do not reflect reality.
How do you envision the future, and what role do young people play in shaping it?
When I envision the future, I hope I will be someone young people can count on. I want to be the person I wish I had growing up. I also want to inspire and teach others.
Can you share advice or a mantra that has guided you throughout your journey?
Something that has guided me through my journey is letting go of the past, moving forward, and forgiving those who did wrong by you. Don’t forgive them for them but for yourself.
What projects or initiatives are you currently working on that could inspire or involve young people?
I involve myself in as many projects as possible. A few projects I have been a part of would be the lived experience panel, a foster parent panel, and various other panels and workshops that involve inspiring youth and bringing change to the foster care system. I was also a part of JROTC in high school, which involved serving the community through various volunteering opportunities. I am also a family partner with Habitat for Humanity in Great Falls. My family and I built our own house and helped build homes for others. We have also spoken at Habitat for Humanity events.
How can young individuals get involved in causes or fields they’re passionate about, even if they feel like they’re just starting?
Young people can get involved in causes they are passionate about by researching and reaching out to different organizations.
In your experience, how has mentorship or guidance from others contributed to your success?
Mentorship from others has greatly contributed to my success because, without help, I wouldn’t have had the guidance and support I needed to succeed. We all need someone we can count on, who always answers the phone and truly cares about the outcome.
What is one thing you wish you had known or done differently when you were younger?
Life plays out as it should. I wouldn’t have done anything differently. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I hadn’t had all of the experiences I have had, the good and the bad.
Even when times are difficult, and it seems the world is against you, you keep taking steps forward.
How can young people balance their ambitions with self-care and a healthy lifestyle?
Young people can balance their ambitions with self-care and a healthy lifestyle by incorporating schedules, regular exercise, eating well, and being involved in a community where they feel connected.
What message would you like to convey to young individuals facing self-doubt or uncertainty about their potential?
A message that I would send to young individuals facing self-doubt is that no matter what attempt they make, even if it is a failed attempt, they should be proud of themselves for making the effort. The only way we fail is when we never try at all.
Is there a story or lesson from your journey that you’d like to share to inspire young people?
The narrative of my journey illustrates that regardless of one’s background or life circumstances, anyone can overcome adversity and achieve their goals.
What is one change you would like to happen in your hometown community?
One thing I would like to change in my hometown community is more recognition for foster youth. By this, I mean more programs or funding. These programs are necessary for foster youth to receive the assistance they need to succeed.
