BILLINGS, Mont. — On the evening of July 25, 2024, Western Native Voice hosted a special movie night as part of their Expanding Horizons youth program, offering a free screening of the animated film Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron at the historic Babcock Theatre in Billings. The event drew a diverse crowd of families, providing an opportunity for the nonprofit to connect with the community and promote its mission of fostering unity and relationship building.
The screening of Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, a film that celebrates freedom, resilience, and the spirit of the West, was chosen for its thematic resonance with Native American values and heritage. Western Native Voice’s Expanding Horizons used this event to highlight their commitment to education, civic engagement, and leadership development.
Research supports the importance of engaging young people in community events and activities. Programs that foster connectedness and provide opportunities for youth to engage with pro-social adults are shown to enhance their development. Authentic youth engagement helps build self-esteem, leadership, advocacy, and professional development skills while increasing their influence and personal stake in the community (Youth.gov).
Expanding Horizons aims to empower Native American youth to lead with purpose and identity. The program is student-driven and steered by Western Native Voice, bringing together middle school and high school students to champion the preservation of tribal identity and culture and foster relationships between tribal and urban Native Americans. The movie night served as an engaging platform to reach out to families and young people, reinforcing the message that every voice matters. Through family-oriented events like these, Expanding Horizons informs and empowers Native youth about the importance of civic participation.
The event also emphasized the organization’s civic engagement efforts, which focus on ensuring that Native American voices are heard and represented in the political process. By bringing the community together for a free, family-friendly event, Western Native Voice demonstrated their dedication to fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Leadership development is another cornerstone of Western Native Voice’s mission. The Expanding Horizons program, under which the movie night was organized, aims to cultivate the next generation of Native leaders. Events like these provide an opportunity for families to come together, for young people to learn, grow, and be inspired to take on leadership roles within their communities.
The family-centric nature of the movie night created an inviting atmosphere where community members could connect, share experiences, and build stronger relationships. Western Native Voice continues to prioritize events that bring families together, reinforcing the importance of community, unity, and collective growth.