Western Native Voice is proud to name Jana Peterson as our 2025 Member of the Year, celebrating her commitment to civic engagement, inclusive community-building, and the belief that change happens when people show up with heart.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Jana has called Montana home for nearly two decades. Her children are fifth-generation Montanans through their father’s family, and she’s intentional about grounding them in the full story of the place they call home. For Jana, that means honoring the truth of Montana’s history and uplifting the voices of those who have long stewarded the land.
She explains, “It’s important to me that my children grow up with an honest history of Montana’s origins—that includes learning about and honoring the Native tribes who have cared for this land long before it became the Big Sky State.”
Jana first became a member of Western Native Voice in 2022 while completing her graduate studies. The more she studied the concepts of place and agency, the more she felt called to take action within her own community. What she found in WNV was a collaborative, grassroots organization that not only made space for her, but invited her to grow.
“Western Native Voice gave me a place to plug in,” she says. “Their model brings together all twelve of Montana’s federally recognized tribes. It’s an expansive community—and I’m so thankful to be part of it.”
Since joining, Jana has testified at the Montana Legislature, served on the membership committee, and helped educate others about civic participation. One of her most memorable contributions this year was helping organize a spring round dance in collaboration with Montana State University’s American Indian Council. Though she initially felt unsure of how to lead such an effort, especially as a white ally, she leaned into the trust that had been placed in her.
“Honestly, I was confused about how to accomplish it,” she recalls. “But WNV trusted me. That gave me the confidence to reach out, collaborate, and learn. The event ended up being really fun—complete with a cakewalk and potato dance. I hope we can do it again next year.”
Of all her experiences, the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Native American U.S. citizenship last June in Billings stands out. It was a full day of speakers, dancers, food, and community—an event that balanced both complexity and celebration.
“I’ll never forget that day,” she says. “It was full of all the things worthy of celebration. I acknowledge the complexity of celebrating U.S. citizenship for communities whose history long predates the United States, but I can’t imagine a Montana without these friends and neighbors. Their leadership is invaluable.”
Jana is honest about the challenges of staying motivated, especially in a state as large and sometimes isolating as Montana. But she finds energy and encouragement in the growing network of people she’s met through WNV—people working across the state to make sure every voice is heard.
“When I feel discouraged, I take a deep breath and remember all the new friends I have who are working in their corners of the state,” she says. “And I don’t feel so alone.”
She finds hope in the progress she’s witnessed firsthand. This year, Montana officially recognized Indigenous People’s Day at the state level, following years of local wins and advocacy.
“One by one, cities adopted Indigenous People’s Day,” she notes. “Now we’ll get to celebrate across the whole state—for the first time ever. I’m already looking forward to it.”
She’s also inspired by the young people she’s met through WNV’s Expanding Horizons youth program. “More than 50 youth from across the state came together this spring to learn, play, and dream about their futures. Some of them want to serve in the legislature someday—and I can’t wait to see it. That’s a Montana I’d love to be part of.”
Jana’s advice for anyone considering getting involved is straightforward: just begin. “Fold shirts. Write postcards. Learn how to register voters,” she says. “We need you. There is room for you here.”
Looking ahead, Jana hopes to see more people recognize their power in the democratic process—and use it. She’s confident that Western Native Voice will continue to lead the way in protecting that power.
“There are folks who aren’t invested in making sure every vote counts,” she says. “But there are many more who are. I hope we continue to band together to create a more equitable world where everyone belongs and every community flourishes.”
Jana Peterson embodies what it means to lead with humility and purpose. Her journey with Western Native Voice is a reminder that leadership can start with a single decision to get involved—and that when we come together, real change becomes possible.