As Montana’s tribal leaders and American Indian legislators it is our responsibility to advocate on behalf of our state’s First Nation families, and that is why we take exception to the misleading letter state Rep. Bruce Meyers wrote in a recent opinion column.
Gov. Steve Bullock has been a strong advocate and ally for Montana’s tribal members – that’s a fact.
Under Bullock’s leadership, we have been able to take major steps forward to increase access to health care, strengthen education, and create more good-paying jobs in Indian Country.
Bullock is helping close the health gaps on reservations by establishing the Office of American Indian Health, and because of his leadership tens of thousands of Native Americans now have access to health insurance because of the bipartisan HELP Act.
He also created the Indian Country Economic Development Program, and through that new initiative, he has helped tribes secure $1.6 million to date to help Native Americans entrepreneurs start their own business.
Bullock also signed into law the Montana Indian Language Program and the Culture Integrity Commitment Act, to better ensure our kids and grandkids can share the same cultural identity as our parents and grandparents. He personally met with tribal leaders and native language speakers to develop the law and program because it was important to them.
We know that Bullock will continue to be a strong advocate for families in Indian Country.
Unfortunately, we can’t say the same for his opponent.
When Meyers brought New Jersey millionaire Greg Gianforte to Indian Country, Mr. Gianforte talked only out of one side of his mouth. It has been reported that behind closed doors, Gianforte tells folks that Native Americans don’t have a culture that celebrates success or the ability to create thriving businesses.
Also, Meyers was quick to promote Gianforte’s secret plan to create jobs, but during September’s gubernatorial debate Gianforte failed to provide any specifics about how he would strengthen the economy in Indian Country.
Meyers was right about one thing in his column, candidates running for office often make empty promises to folks in Indian Country during election season and it is clear to us that that during this campaign, the candidate with the empty promises is Greg Gianforte. Also it shouldn’t be surprising that Meyers says Gianforte only visited six out of seven reservations, we wonder which one he skipped.
We need a governor who believes in the potential of our Native people, and that is why we are standing alongside Gov. Steve Bullock.
Chairman Harry Barnes
Chairman Vernon Finley
President Mark Azure
Chairman Gerald Gray
State Senator Lea Whitford
State Senator Sharon Stewart-Peregoy
State Senator Jonathan Windy Boy
State Representative George Kipp III
State Representative Carolyn Pease Lopez
State Representative Bridgete Smith