Daines meets with tribal leaders; speaks at powwow

U.S. Rep. Steve Daines R-Mont., attended and even danced in the first grand entry of the Rocky Boy Winter Celebration powwow Friday evening.

As Daines followed the colorgard and eagle staff, he stepped in time with the music and let loose a little, tapping his feet in front of him like many of the dancers circling him in the Montana State University-Northern gym.

"Props to Steve Daines for actually dancing," said Master of Ceremonies Ruben Little Head of Ashland. Most politicians who attend grand entries never dance, Little Head said to the spectators.

"That (the grand entry) was impressive," said Daines after he took the podium. "It's good to see Montana Indian people from all over the state."

Daines told the crowd in the gymnasium he had been meeting with tribal leaders in the past few days to ensure they are able to develop their resources.

He also gave a special thanks to Native American veterans and soldiers. He told spectators there are 5000 Native American veterans in Montana alone and no other ethnic group in the United States has a higher percentage of people serving than the Native Americans.

Daines ended his address with the promise of the continued push for a Native American monument to be built in Washington D.C.

Bruce Meyers, a tribal member, said he supported Daines.

"To address all the tribes shows he's showing interest in Indian culture," Meyers said. "To say 'I'm interested in issues, but also the solutions to the issues.' I see him being very positive, looking for positive solutions. He's a breath of fresh air."

After leaving the podium, Daines said he was excited that every tribe in Montana had representatives at the powwow, in addition to representative from neighboring tribes. He spoke of his push with Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., to get federal recognition of the Little Shell Tribe. If the Little Shell tribe succeeds in gaining federal recognition, it would be Montana's eighth federally recognized tribe. Daines said the tribe has been working to achieve this since the 1930s.

"The Little Shell tribe has submitted thousands of pages of paperwork to Washington D.C." Daines said. "Both parties agree it should happen. Let's just make it happen."

Daines' schedule took him to Harlem, Box Elder, Great Falls and Havre Friday. At Rocky Boy, he met with the Chippewa Cree to talk about the North Central Montana Rural Water Project earlier that day.

"We need to get that project completed," Daines said.

Daines said the Rocky Boy powwow was one of the best parts of his trip through Montana, which took him to Lame Deer and the Crow Agency at the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.

"The powwow has been the big highlight of the day," Daines said. "I appreciation the warm welcome. It's a really special night."