Missoula, Mont.—To wrap up the summer, Western Native Voice joined forces with three other Montana-based nonprofits to collaborate with Pearl Jam for the Our Village pre-show festival in Missoula. The event, held prior to Pearl Jam’s concert, created a unique opportunity to engage concertgoers and encourage them to pledge to vote in the upcoming 2024 election.
Our Village transformed the Riverbowl Tailgate Area, near the University of Montana, into a lively festival space, where attendees could explore booths set up by more than 30 local nonprofits. Western Native Voice, along with three other nonprofits, spearheaded voter engagement efforts, urging attendees to register and pledge to vote. The partnership aligned with Pearl Jam’s ongoing commitment to social and political advocacy, bringing voter education and registration to the forefront.
The festival featured an array of interactive activities, including family-friendly games, live music from local bands, art projects, lawn games, and photo booths, which created an energetic atmosphere. Despite the fun activities, the heart of the event was its focus on civic engagement. Western Native Voice, dedicated to empowering Native communities in Montana, played a key role in elevating the importance of Native American voter participation. In 2020, Native voter turnout in Montana reached a record 66.4% in reservation precincts, a 5% increase from 2016—a clear indicator of the growing political engagement within Native communities (Montana Free Press, Montana Free Press).
Pearl Jam’s involvement amplified these efforts, drawing attention to the critical role of voter participation. The event not only highlighted voter registration but also fostered discussions on key issues facing Montanans. With art, music, and activism seamlessly intertwined, the event provided a platform for local organizations to connect with the public while focusing on the significance of the upcoming election.
Through this collaboration, Western Native Voice and its partners demonstrated how the fusion of culture, music, and activism can inspire individuals to take action. The festival was a celebration of more than just Pearl Jam’s music—it underscored the critical role voters play in shaping the future, encouraging everyone in attendance to use their voice and make a difference in 2024.