Western Native Voice

05/30/2026

Important! There are a lot of absentee ballots still out there. Do not mail your ballot. It is too late. You must hand deliver it to a drop box or election office. Make sure yours is one that gets counted. Return by June 2 to your election office.

05/29/2026

Primary election is June 2, 2026. Make sure your voice is heard in every election. They all matter!
If you haven't mailed in your ballot, please hand deliver it to the election office, it is too late to mail it.
Questions on voting or need resources? Call Western Native Voice at 406-869-1938 or visit https://voterportal.mt.gov/WhereToVote.aspx to check your voter registration.

05/27/2026

The Fort Belknap Indian Community in Montana is opposing a proposed settlement between the state and mining companies accused of illegally operating at the Zortman Mine area and contributing to ongoing water contamination. The tribe argues the penalty—reduced to about $200,000 with no admission of wrongdoing—is far too small given the environmental damage and decades of pollution already affecting the region. They say the deal fails to hold the companies accountable or fully address cleanup needs, especially in a place where taxpayers have already spent tens of millions of dollars on remediation. The tribe, with support from environmental advocates, is pushing back in court to seek stronger enforcement and better protection of water resources.

Story link is in the comments.

05/26/2026

05/23/2026

Western Native Voice is proud to feature, Matteo Putra, a graduating Billings high school senior and a strong example of youth leadership in action. As a participant in the Expanding Horizons Youth Program, Matteo has shown a deep commitment to civic engagement, community involvement, and creating positive change.

With goals of one day running for office, Matteo represents a new generation of young leaders who are stepping up, using their voices, and helping shape the future. We asked Matteo to share, in his own words, what inspires him and why being involved in the community matters to him.

Story link in the comments.

05/21/2026

There’s a reason buffalo means so much to us.

They fed our people, but they also shaped the land itself. Buffalo naturally helped prairie ecosystems stay healthy by grazing, fertilizing the soil, spreading seeds, and creating balance on the plains long before fences and highways existed.

A lot of people do not realize how connected buffalo are to the health of the land.

And even today, people are still making decisions in Montana about buffalo management, grazing, hunting, Tribal access, and restoration efforts.

That’s why voting matters. We are their voices.

Our vote is bigger than just us — it is also for the future of the land and the relatives that have sustained us for generations.

Make a plan to vote, vote early and take someone with you to vote.

Primary election is June 2, 2026. Make sure your voice is heard in every election. They all matter!

Questions on voting or need resources? Call Western Native Voice at 406-869-1938 or visit https://voterportal.mt.gov/WhereToVote.aspx to check your voter registration.

05/20/2026

For generations, songs carried teachings, identity, and the strength of the people.

Drumming together reminds us that no one stands alone — every voice matters, and every person has a responsibility to the community.

Voting is one way to carry that responsibility forward.

When people show up and use their voice, they help protect the future for the next generation. Because a vote is bigger than one person — it carries the hopes of the community and the generations still to come.

Primary Election is June 2, 2026.
Make a plan to vote. Vote early. Take a friend to vote.

Every election matters.

Need more info? Call Western Native Voice at 406-869-1938.

05/19/2026

Many people do not know that before 2017, Native students in Montana could be told they were not allowed to wear tribal regalia or culturally significant items at graduation.

On April 21, 2017, Senate Bill 319 was signed into law, protecting the right of Native students to wear traditional regalia at graduations and public ceremonies.

A beaded graduation cap is not just decoration.

Every bead carries meaning—family, identity, culture, prayer, sacrifice, and pride. But it also tells another story: the power of student voices to create change.

This law passed because Native youth spoke up. Students shared why culture should never be separated from education or success. Their courage and the support of Western Native Voice helped Montana recognize that Native identity belongs on graduation stages, in classrooms, and in every space where Native students achieve their goals.

Young voices made history.

Now all across the United States, more and more states are passing a regalia bill.

Our traditions belong in every space where Native students succeed.

Western Native Voice sends a huge congratulations to the Class of 2026! 👏

Learn more: westernnativevoice.org/join

05/19/2026

1. Primary elections shape Montana’s future before November

Many key decisions and candidates are determined during the primary election—not just the general election.

2. Montana communities deserve representation that understands local needs

From rural infrastructure and healthcare to education, agriculture, tribal communities, and public lands, primary elections help decide who will speak for Montana communities.

2 Every vote carries more weight in a primary

Turnout is usually lower, which means individual voters have an even greater impact on the outcome.

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Check your voter registration: https://voterportal.mt.gov/WhereToVote.aspx

Make a plan to vote. Vote early. Primary Election is June 2.

Join us and start learning how you can make a difference in your community! westernnativevoice.org/join

05/18/2026

Breaking News: An attorney for the Native American Rights Fund, Lenny Powell, said sending the case back was the right call, and vowed to “keep fighting to ensure that Native voters have the ability to vote and effect change in their communities.”

Story Link in Comments.