Bullock Holds Virtual Meeting With Montana Tribal Leaders

Governor Steve Bullock held a virtual town hall Monday, Oct. 12, with Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board councilwoman Patricia Iron Cloud, president Andy Werk Jr. of Fort Belknap, chairman Tim Davis of the Blackfeet Tribe, Rep. Sharon Stewart-Peregoy of the Crow Tribe and president Rynalea Whiteman-Pena of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe.

During the event, Bullock and tribal leaders discussed how to address the systemic problems facing Indian Country, Bullock’s record of working with Native leaders and his plans to continue representing tribal communities in the Senate.

The Oct. 12 event coincided with the Columbus Day holiday, celebrated among event attendees as Indigenous People’s Day.

“Today, we recognize and pay homage to the Indigenous communities and culture that certainly has been damaged at times throughout history due to historical injustices,” Bullock said. “The fabric of our state is so deeply woven with the contributions of our First Nations people.”

Bullock’s campaign said via press release that he has worked alongside Native legislators and leaders in Montana to invest in tribal colleges, fund Native language preservation, address the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and provide funding for Native Americans who own a small business.

Bullock visited community testing events at the seven reservation communities in the spring and has continued to work with tribal leaders to ensure they have the resources they need during the COVID-19 pandemic.