Western Native Voice’s Executive Director Ronnie Jo Horse Presents at TedxBillings

BILLINGS, Mont. — Western Native Voice’s Executive Director, Ronnie Jo Horse, delivered a compelling presentation at TedxBillings titled “Empowering Indigenous Voices: Reimagine Civic Engagement in Native American Communities.” This year’s TedxBillings event, themed around democracy, provided a valuable platform for Ronnie to share Western Native Voice’s mission with a broader audience and emphasize the critical role of the Native vote in the 2024 election.

Ronnie Jo Horse’s presentation focused on several key areas essential to understanding and enhancing civic engagement within Native American communities:

1. Historical Context: Ronnie provided a historical overview of significant events and policies that have shaped the political landscape for Native Americans. She highlighted the long journey towards achieving voting rights and the ongoing struggle for full civic participation.
2. Milestones in Civic Engagement: The presentation celebrated significant milestones in Native American civic engagement, including the 100-year anniversary of Native American citizenship and landmark moments that have advanced political representation for Native communities.
3. Challenges and Reimagining Civic Engagement: Ronnie discussed contemporary challenges faced by Native Americans in the electoral process, including voter suppression and systemic barriers. She proposed innovative approaches to reimagining civic engagement that empower Native communities and foster greater participation.
4. Montana Native Representation: Emphasizing the importance of local representation, Ronnie highlighted the progress and impact of Native leaders in Montana. She underscored how increased representation in state and local government leads to policies that better reflect the needs and interests of Native communities.
5. Native Representation on the Federal Level: The presentation also covered the significance of Native representation at the federal level. Ronnie discussed the role of Native American legislators and advocates in shaping national policies that support tribal sovereignty and address critical issues facing Native communities.
6. Contemporary Challenges and Making Native American Voices Heard: Ronnie concluded by addressing contemporary challenges and the urgent need to amplify Native American voices. She called for collective action to ensure that Native perspectives are included in policy decisions and electoral outcomes.

Ronnie Jo Horse’s participation in TedxBillings emphasized the importance of the Native vote in the 2024 election. By sharing Western Native Voice’s mission with a wider audience, she highlighted the organization’s commitment to education, civic engagement, leadership development, and public advocacy. Her presentation underscored the power of storytelling and advocacy in driving change and inspiring action.

For Western Native Voice, this event was an opportunity to raise awareness and inspire greater involvement in the democratic process. Ronnie’s TedxBillings presentation serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of Native communities to make their voices heard and their votes count.

At the end of July, Ronnie will be at the White House in Washington, DC, at the Convening on Native American Voting Rights to share our on-the-ground efforts to improve access to the ballot box for Native American voters.