Legislative Community Tour kicking off at Fort Belknap, Rocky Boy

An organization created to empower Native American communities has announced that it is starting a community tour this week with elected officials in north-central Montana.

Western Native Voice said its Legislative Community Tour will start Wednesday with stops on Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, continuing Thursday on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation.

The tour aims to foster meaningful dialogue between elected officials and community members, promoting legislative accountability and strengthening civic engagement, a release from Western Native Voice said. The Legislative Community Tour will visit rural and urban areas across Montana, allowing constituents to engage directly with their elected representatives, discuss important issues and voice their concerns. 

“We are excited to embark on this journey of legislative accountability,” Western Native Voice Deputy Director Ta’jin Perez said in the release. “By bringing together community members and elected officials, we aim to create an open and inclusive space for dialogue, fostering understanding of the state legislative process, and provide valuable input on the issues that matter to people.”

The tour also includes stops at the other six tribal nations and the Billings area. 

The first stop is at Kills at Night Recreation Center in Hays, from noon to 1:30 p.m., the release said

“Engage with elected officials, voice your concerns, and enjoy a complimentary meal,” it said. “Promote civic participation and ensure indigenous voices are heard. Don’t miss out on this empowering event.”

The next stop is at the Enemy Killer Recreation Center, also known as Chief Nosy Gym, in Lodge Pole from 3-4:30 p.m.

All of the events Wednesday and Thursday include a free community feed, including the stop in Lodge Pole, with all events inviting residents to engage with elected officials, discuss important issues, and have their voices heard, the release said.

The next stop is at the Fort Belknap Agency Community Center from 6-7:30 p.m.

Thursday starts with a stop at the Rocky Boy Senior Center from 3-4:30 p.m., followed by a stop at Stone Child College from 6-7:30 p.m., the release said.