A letter to Tim Sheehy

Mr. Sheehy,

The Montana American Indian Caucus cannot express how let down we are by your remarks, where we can hear you disparaging the Crow Nation. You said that roping and branding with a member of the Crow Tribe was “… a great way to bond with all the Indians out there while they’re drunk at 8:00 a.m., and you’re roping together.” On other occasions, you talked about attending the Crow Fair parade, saying that “they’ll let you know when they like you or not if Coors Light cans fly by your head.” Your words perpetuate the damaging and racist stereotype of “the drunken Indian.” This stereotype, and others like it, hurts our young people and contributes to limitations on their opportunity to succeed. It also highlights how important it is that we continue to provide Indian Education for All to help end these kinds of anti-Indian prejudices in Montana.

As a candidate for office in Montana, you have a responsibility to know and respect the Indian communities you are running to represent. You are also responsible for using your platform to advocate for that respect to your political supporters. Instead, you have chosen to disrespect the original Montanans as a strategy to pander to the non-Indian vote and political funders. 

Your remarks have only further alienated the tribal people from your party.

The MAIC comprises members from all seven Montana reservations and 12 tribes. The Crow Nation should be admired for its efforts to bring its people out of 200 years of systemic socioeconomic neglect by the federal and state governments. Your words are wrong, derogatory, and hurtful to a racial population that is fighting for equality and to improve their homeland.

Sen. Susan Webber, SD8

Sen. Mike Fox, SD 16

Sen. Shane Morigeau, SD 42

Rep. Tyson Running Wolf, HD 16

Rep. Sharon Stewart Peregoy, HD 42

Rep. Donavon Hawk, HD 76

Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy, HD 32

Rep. Frank Smith, HD 31