Child welfare, language preservation, Indigenous Peoples Day among major bills passed with support from Native advocates and lawmakers.
HELENA, Mont. — The 69th Montana Legislative Session wrapped up this week with several significant advances for Native communities. These wins followed months of collaboration between lawmakers and grassroots organizations.
Western Native Voice, a Montana-based nonprofit focused on Native civic engagement and leadership development, worked closely with the Montana American Indian Caucus. Together, they helped guide a focused policy agenda through the session. Key bills passed included updates to the Montana Indian Child Welfare Act (MICWA), reauthorization of Native language preservation programs, reforms addressing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) crisis, and a bill to formally recognize Indigenous Peoples Day.
“I didn’t know what to expect coming into the 69th legislative session,” said Keaton Sunchild, Political Director at Western Native Voice. “But we were able to form a strong coalition early on that enabled us to pass meaningful legislation that will help Indian Country for generations. And at long last, we finally got Indigenous Peoples Day to the governor’s desk.”
All bills referenced now await the governor’s signature.
Policy Wins Reflect Ongoing Advocacy
These legislative outcomes reflect years of organizing and public education led by Native communities across Montana. The updated MICWA provides stronger protections for tribal placement in child welfare cases. It also adds requirements for non-Native guardians to help children maintain cultural ties when placed outside of tribal homes.
Additionally, bills were passed to strengthen Indian Education for All (IEFA) and renew the Montana Indian Language Preservation Program. These measures emphasize tribal partnerships in curriculum development and language instruction. They are part of a long-term investment in Native youth leadership and the preservation of cultural knowledge.
Addressing the MMIP Crisis
Lawmakers also advanced reforms addressing the MMIP crisis. One bill restructures the state task force into a permanent Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Advisory Council. It also adds a dedicated investigator and commits more state resources to unsolved cases. As a result, the changes reflect growing recognition of the crisis’ impact, particularly in rural Native communities.
Cultural Recognition: Indigenous Peoples Day
Senate Bill 224, which would recognize the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day, passed with broad bipartisan support. Importantly, the measure does not eliminate Columbus Day. Instead, it creates space for Montanans to formally acknowledge Indigenous histories and cultures. The bill’s passage followed years of advocacy by Native leaders and organizations, including Western Native Voice.
Members Make a Difference
In addition to behind-the-scenes advocacy, Western Native Voice brought more than 20 people to the state capitol during the session. These visits were part of its Native Rising event and Lobby Days. The events gave members—many from rural Native communities—the opportunity to meet with legislators, learn how laws are made, and testify on issues directly affecting their lives.
“Showing up matters,” said Sunchild. “When our members walk into the Capitol and speak for themselves, it puts faces and stories to the bills under debate. It reminds lawmakers that we’re not just statistics—we’re families, leaders, and voters.”
These civic engagement efforts reflect Western Native Voice’s broader mission. That mission includes public policy education, tribal community empowerment, and preparing a new generation of leaders to shape Montana’s future.
Looking Ahead to 2027
I’m looking forward to working with our members, communities, and elected officials in the interim to come up with more meaningful legislation for 2027,” Sunchild added. “We also will be working to keep an eye on what is happening at the federal level and making sure our members are being put in a position to be successful in life.”
As the state awaits final approval on the bills passed this session, Western Native Voice remains committed to ensuring Native voices continue to shape Montana’s future.