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.
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.
Join Western Native Voice at The Help Lodge in Rocky Boy for a fun-filled evening of BINGO! 
June 6, 2024 | 
Doors open at 5:30 PM, Bingo starts at 6:00 PM.
This is a first come, first serve event, as space is limited.
Attention current members: Bring a non-member friend to sign up with Western Native Voice, and both of you will receive a FREE bingo packet!
Enjoy prizes, drawings, and snacks! Must be 18+ to participate.
Don’t miss this chance to register to vote and strengthen our community.
See you there for a fun filled night of community and bingo!
Annual powwow at MSU-Northern.
This month we visited with Rebekah Jarvey, an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe. Rebekah is a fashion designer who has used her creativity to take the world by storm. Last year, she designed the 2023 N7 Nike shoe and took her unique collections all the way to France to walk the red carpet. Currently, Rebekah is designing a collection for Native youth as part of Western Native Voice’s 2024 Beyond Survival Youth Conference.
Please start with your background, tribe, where you grew up, family, schools attended, what you are currently doing now, etc:
I’m Rebekah Jarvey, an artisan, fashion show coordinator, and designer, proudly representing my Chippewa, Cree, and Blackfeet heritage as an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe in North Central Montana. I was born and raised on the Rocky Boy Reservation, attended Rocky Boy public schools, and graduated from Rocky Boy High School in 2005.
After high school, I pursued higher education at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, earning a dual degree in Business Administration and Psychology. Currently, I am a full-time employee for the Chippewa Cree Tribe, serving as the Human Resource Generalist while also dedicating my time to my passion for fashion on a part-time basis.
My love for fashion has been a constant in my life, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, I created the Night & Day Mask, which gained viral attention. This unexpected success led to a calling for my work, prompting me to start my business and launch my website officially. Now, I’m excited to share my designs with the world.
What does community organizing mean to you?
It takes a community to help put on a community event.
Every time I plan the Honor Our Legacy Fashion Show, the community is my top priority because I’m putting on the fashion show for them. The fashion show engages the community by having them participate in various ways, such as singing (host drum group), flag bearers in our local post, and local announcers.
Community members are the judges for the categories and also take registration. The show’s target market is young people, and those are usually the people who enter the fashion show as models. They usually enter both the competition piece and showcase. These events give them a lot of motivation and fun drug-and-alcohol-free events to look forward to. Some of them have been modeling since the first fashion show.
I pride myself on taking on this meaningful community project; it’s incredible to see the fashion show grow and expand every year. This year will be the 8th annual Honor Our Legacy and it will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Northern Winz Hotel and Casino.
How can young people use creativity to organize and change their communities?
Young people can drive change through their creativity. As an Indigenous person, embracing one’s cultural identity is a powerful way for the youth to contribute positively to their communities. In 2022, my “Being Indigenous is So Beautiful” collection aimed to convey this message.
The collection’s narrative revolves around the idea that every Indigenous person harbors unique gifts, whether in beading, sewing, singing, language learning, or dancing. Even if individuals are unaware of their talents, the key lies in practice and exploration. The essence of being Indigenous is beautifully encapsulated in the process of discovering and nurturing these gifts.
Encouraging young people to explore their cultural heritage and express it creatively fosters a sense of pride and serves as a catalyst for positive change. Whether it’s through art, storytelling, or other creative mediums, young people can effectively communicate their experiences, challenges, and aspirations, thereby mobilizing their communities toward collective progress and understanding. By embracing creativity, Native youth can amplify their voices, promote cultural richness, and contribute significantly to the betterment of their communities.
Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that shaped your journey?
A pivotal moment that significantly shaped my journey occurred on June 4, 2020, when the Night & Day Mask I designed went viral on social media. This unexpected surge in popularity became a turning point, serving as a powerful motivation for me to take my passion for fashion design more seriously and make the leap toward establishing it as a business in fashion and design.
Within a month of the Night & Day Mask gaining widespread attention on social media, I took the initiative to start my website, enabling me to showcase and sell my designs internationally.
Going from a cool social media moment to having my own international platform was a big deal, and it showed me that when you go after your passions with dedication, cool things can happen!
By embracing creativity, Native youth can amplify their voices, promote cultural richness, and contribute significantly to the betterment of their communities.
What challenges did you face along the way, and how did you overcome them?
Navigating the journey in a rural area posed its own challenges, particularly the lack of spaces or venues for vendors to sell their products. Additionally, participating in vendor markets required extensive travel, often spanning several hours, which came with its own financial burden.
To overcome these challenges, I had to get creative and resourceful. Establishing an online presence through my website allowed me to reach a wider audience without geographical limitations, which reduced the need for physical spaces and opened up global opportunities to connect with customers.
Adapting to the limitations of a rural setting requires strategic thinking and finding innovative solutions. Embracing the digital landscape and finding cost-effective ways to participate in markets were key steps in overcoming these geographical challenges.
Who were your role models or sources of inspiration when you were younger?
My role models were powwow dancers. I enjoyed watching them when I traveled to powwows, especially if they had beautiful outfits and were champion dancers.
What advice would you give a young person unsure about their future career or goals?
For a young person unsure about their future career or goals, I suggest considering traveling as a valuable and enriching experience. Joining youth groups or clubs at school and participating in fundraising activities can open up travel opportunities.
Traveling as a youth has played a significant role in shaping my character and helping me identify my interests. These experiences broaden your perspective and help you discover what resonates with you. Moreover, the connections you make during your travels can become valuable resources in your journey. Networking with people from different backgrounds can offer mentorship, guidance, and potential career opportunities.
My advice is to embrace the physical and social opportunities to explore. Traveling can catalyze personal and professional growth, helping you understand your passions and aspirations.
How do you stay motivated and driven, even when faced with setbacks?
I stay focused on the biggest goal. Motivation can be lost quickly, and when things happen, it could be an easy reason to quit. But resetting my mind and focusing on the bigger goal can be a game changer. It has allowed me to stay focused on my biggest goal.
Can you share an example of when you had to step out of your comfort zone? What did you learn from that experience?
Sharing my designs and putting myself out of my comfort zone was a significant step. I never pursued it earlier in my life due to the fear of judgment and what people might think of me. However, as I began sharing my creations and traveling the world, I learned a valuable lesson.
Stepping beyond my comfort zone allowed me to discover a supportive community and like-minded individuals who appreciated my work. The fear of judgment gradually faded, replaced by a sense of empowerment and fulfillment. I realized that by embracing vulnerability, I found my voice in the fashion world and connected with people who resonated with my journey.
This experience taught me that growth often lies just beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones. It’s where we find the courage to express our true selves, pursue our passions, and connect with others who appreciate our authenticity. Sharing my designs has become a source of joy and inspiration, proving that taking risks and stepping into the unknown can lead to meaningful and transformative experiences.
Sharing my designs has become a source of joy and inspiration, proving that taking risks and stepping into the unknown can lead to meaningful and transformative experiences.
What skills or qualities are most important for young people to develop to succeed in their chosen paths?
One crucial skill for young people to develop to succeed in their chosen paths is discipline. It’s no secret that friends and family might invite you to various social events, and while those are undoubtedly enjoyable, balancing social life with your aspirations can be challenging. Discipline becomes the key to navigating this balancing act.
The discipline to stay focused on your goals, even when faced with tempting social invitations, is essential for long-term success. It requires putting in the hard work and dedication consistently. While saying ‘no’ to certain social events may be tough, the rewards of staying committed to your dreams can be incredibly fulfilling.
How do you balance personal passions and professional responsibilities in your life?
I’ve found creating and adhering to a structured schedule, attempting to allocate dedicated time for both aspects of my life. I have been navigating this for four years. It’s an ongoing journey of finding harmony between personal and professional pursuits, recognizing that adaptability is key to navigating the complexities of a busy life.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing challenges or opportunities for young people today?
There are a bunch; however, drugs and alcohol are still the most pressing challenges.
I feel like if our communities had control over drugs and alcohol, our young people could have more opportunities in life. Most challenges in my life came from drugs and alcohol, and that’s why today I’m proud to say that I live a drug-and-alcohol-free life.
How do you envision the future, and what role do young people play in shaping it?
I envision a future marked by numerous successful Indigenous individuals seamlessly integrated into mainstream spaces. Young people play a pivotal role in shaping this future by actively contributing to and participating in these spaces. They can break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and redefine what success looks like. By embracing their unique perspectives, cultures, and talents, young people can pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse world. As I see it, the future is a canvas waiting to be painted by the aspirations, achievements, and collective impact of the younger generation to prove that being Indigenous is so beautiful.
Can you share advice or a mantra that has guided you throughout your journey?
Growing up, my mother often instilled pride in me about my tribal identity. She would say, “You are a Chippewa Cree girl.” I carried this pride when I left home to attend university in North Dakota by bringing my traditional clothes. Through this encouragement, I began to understand the importance of representing my people and being proud of myself as an Indigenous woman.
Today, some Native American youth do not receive similar encouragement. They are lost and do not have confidence or pride in their identities. To combat this issue, I want to continue implementing fashion shows across Indian Country by promoting self-confidence and pride in our identities. The mantra of being proud of who we are and where we come from serves as a guiding light in my mission to empower and uplift Indigenous voices.
Don’t let self-doubt hold you back, and be ready to seize opportunities that come your way. Embrace the unexpected, trust in your abilities, and know that sometimes, the most extraordinary paths are forged from the most unexpected turns.
What projects or initiatives are you currently working on that could inspire or involve young people?
I am working on the “Survival to Fashion” collection, a project designed specifically for youth empowerment. This collection features upcycled elements as part of its ready-to-wear line, combining sustainability with style. The aim is to blend tradition and modernity, seamlessly weaving cultural elements into everyday fashion. Through this initiative, I aspire to inspire confidence and nurture a strong cultural identity among young individuals who wear the pieces. The “Survival to Fashion” collection serves as a platform to celebrate heritage, encouraging the younger generation to embrace their roots while staying fashion-forward.
What is one thing you wish you had known or done differently when you were younger?
One thing I wish I had known or done differently when I was younger is not to listen to the negative things people told me. As a teenage mother, I faced numerous challenges, and unfortunately, I let the negative opinions of others affect my mental health. Believing and internalizing the judgments of adults had a significant impact on my well-being during that time. Looking back, I wish I had been more resilient and confident in my abilities, disregarding the negativity surrounding me. Learning to trust my instincts and believe in my own strength could have spared me unnecessary mental stress and empowered me to navigate challenges with greater resilience.
How can young people balance their ambitions with self-care and a healthy lifestyle?
Juggling big dreams and self-care is all about keeping it real with a schedule and discipline. Balancing ambition and self-care is all about finding your chill while chasing those dreams.
What message would you like to convey to young individuals facing self-doubt or uncertainty about their potential?
Just keep creating or working on your craft. And if you are around people who don’t encourage you, stay away from them. Or if you can’t stay away from them, find someone who believes in you and then take that belief they have for you and start believing in yourself.
Is there a story or lesson from your journey that you’d like to share to inspire young people?
In the early stages of my career, I faced self-doubt and hesitated to embrace my passion for fashion design fully. It took a pivotal moment—the viral success of the Night & Day Mask during the COVID-19 pandemic—to propel me into taking my dream seriously. This unexpected turn of events taught me the power of embracing opportunities, even when they come unexpectedly.
The lesson here is to be open to unexpected twists in your journey. Sometimes, it’s the unplanned moments that lead to the most significant breakthroughs. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back, and be ready to seize opportunities that come your way. Embrace the unexpected, trust in your abilities, and know that sometimes, the most extraordinary paths are forged from the most unexpected turns. Your journey is unique, and every twist and turn has the potential to shape an incredible story.
