Nora Mabie
@noramabie.bsky.social
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đ„ 1052
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Indigenous affairs reporter at Montana Free Press
reposted by
Nora Mabie
Montana Free Press
16 days ago
Last month, Roosevelt County Sheriff Jason Frederick wrote a letter to a federal judge vouching for an undocumented immigrant heâd only met once before. In doing so, he became one of at least seven sheriffs nationwide who have taken a public stance against immigration policies since January.
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The rural Montana sheriff who went to bat for one undocumented immigrant
Actions like Roosevelt County Sheriff Jason Frederickâs are becoming more common as the Trump administration detains more undocumented immigrants without criminal histories.
https://montanafreepress.org/2026/05/11/why-sheriff-went-to-bat-for-one-undocumented-immigrant/
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Montana is aiming to limit which foods low-income families can purchase with SNAP. Researchers say many of the costs for SNAP waivers fall on grocery stores, and that the restrictions donât help improve health outcomes for low-income people.
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Montana wants to ban âjunk foodâ from SNAP. Experts warn the waiver could backfire.
Researchers say many of the costs for SNAP waivers fall on individual grocery stores, and that the restrictions donât help improve health outcomes for low-income people.
https://montanafreepress.org/2026/04/09/montana-wants-to-ban-junk-food-from-snap/
about 2 months ago
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Montana-based awardees called the terminations âdevastatingâ â and said they were based on a false presumption that tribal initiatives fall under Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. "Itâs so, so, so cruel,â Neal Rosette said of a canceled grant meant to support the Chippewa Cree Tribe.
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Tribes in Montana lose millions after USDA kills farm grants
Montana-based awardees called the terminations âdevastatingâ â and based on a false presumption that tribal initiatives fall under DEI.
https://montanafreepress.org/2026/04/02/tribes-in-montana-lose-millions-after-usda-kills-farm-grants/
about 2 months ago
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Protesters line the streets in Hamilton, MT for the latest No Kings demonstration. Hamilton, a town of around 5,000 residents, is in Ravalli County, which favored Trump by a 41-point margin in 2024.
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about 2 months ago
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NEW: Trumpâs DEI crackdown spurred university regents to expand Montanaâs tuition waiver for Native students. Some tribal lawmakers say the action confuses race with political identity.
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Changes to Native tuition waiver could expand access to higher education for thousands. Was it inspired by a misunderstanding?
Trumpâs DEI crackdown spurred university regents to expand Montanaâs tuition waiver for Native students. Some tribal lawmakers say the action confuses race with political identity.
https://montanafreepress.org/2026/03/26/changes-to-native-tuition-waiver-could-expand-access-to-higher-education-for-thousands/
2 months ago
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reposted by
Nora Mabie
Montana Free Press
2 months ago
Two of the four bail bondsmen involved in the fatal shooting of a fugitive in Missoula were unlicensed, having failed the required test numerous times, and the other two had received temporary licenses less than a month before the shooting, according to the Montana State Auditorâs office.
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Billings bail bond company under licensing investigation before Missoula fatal shooting
The state auditorâs office has suspended the licenses of the bondsmen involved in the shooting earlier this month and ordered their employer, Mr. Bail, to cease operations in Montana.
https://montanafreepress.org/2026/03/25/billings-bail-bond-company-under-licensing-investigation-before-missoula-fatal-shooting/
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reposted by
Nora Mabie
Montana Free Press
3 months ago
MTFP reporter
@noramabie.bsky.social
joined Today, Explained to talk about what happens when Border Patrol comes to a tiny Montana town. Listen here đ§
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When Border Patrol comes to town
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4zy5HuGtl4guJN2nsjWJNg
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NEW: After their neighbor was arrested by Border Patrol, residents of Froid, MT wore shirts to support him. The shirts are now a common sight in the tiny town, worn by youth and adults not typically prone to taking public stances on immigration.
#mtnews
#Friod
#Orozco
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With shirts, Froid residents show support for neighbor after Border Patrol arrest
The shirts and sweatshirts have also sparked some pushback, highlighting the complicated dynamics around immigration enforcement unfolding in one small Montana town.
https://montanafreepress.org/2026/02/10/froid-residents-show-support-for-neighbor-after-border-patrol-arrest/
3 months ago
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reposted by
Nora Mabie
Garrett Bucks
3 months ago
Oh my god you all, please read
@noramabie.bsky.social
's ongoing reporting about the town of Froid, Montana, the Orozco family, and the national battle over who gets to be considered a neighbor.
montanafreepress.org/2026/02/10/f...
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With shirts, Froid residents show support for neighbor after Border Patrol arrest
The shirts and sweatshirts have also sparked some pushback, highlighting the complicated dynamics around immigration enforcement unfolding in one small Montana town.
https://montanafreepress.org/2026/02/10/froid-residents-show-support-for-neighbor-after-border-patrol-arrest/
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NEW: Border Patrol just arrested one of this conservative townâs 195 residents. Neighbors, forced to reckon with their own complicated views on immigration, are now fighting back.
montanafreepress.org/2026/01/28/f...
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When Border Patrol arrested a beloved mechanic in Froid, Montana, neighbors were forced to reckon with national immigration policy
Roberto Orozco-Ramirezâs detainment has brought the Trump administrationâs national immigration crackdown to a small, conservative town in Montana. As community members rally to support their neighbor...
https://montanafreepress.org/2026/01/28/froid-montana-border-patrol-arrest-immigration/
4 months ago
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Fraudsters transported Native Americans to other states and billed insurance companies for treatments that did not occur or were not needed.
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At least 80 Native Americans in Montana victimized in health care scheme
Fraudsters transported Native Americans to other states and billed insurance companies for treatments that did not occur or were not needed.
https://montanafreepress.org/2026/01/22/at-least-80-native-americans-in-montana-victimized-in-health-care-scheme/
4 months ago
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Following their brother's death, two sisters on the Blackfeet Reservation are creating a horse-based alternative to talk therapy.
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After brother's suicide, Blackfeet sisters are creating a horse-based alternative to talk therapy
After a death in the family, Blackfeet sisters turn to horses and culture to help heal a community in crisis
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/12/18/blackfeet-sisters-horse-therapy-suicide-prevention/
5 months ago
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NEW: A proposal by the Crow tribal chair could dramatically change who counts as a Crow tribal member under the âblood quantumâ standard, a concept created by White settlers and rooted in assimilation tactics.
montanafreepress.org/2025/12/05/c...
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Crow Tribe looks to âreset the clockâ on blood quantum requirements, expand enrollment
The proposed legislation would change the lives not just of the 14,289 enrolled Crow tribal members but also potentially thousands of descendants who would be more likely to qualify as tribal members ...
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/12/05/crow-tribe-looks-to-reset-the-clock-on-blood-quantum-requirements/
6 months ago
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The federal government recently directed states to stop issuing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits in November. That means more than 77,000 Montanans â and potentially 41 million Americans â could lose access to food assistance if the federal government shutdown continues.
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Shutdown could stop SNAP benefits for 77,000 Montanans
Montana food bank leaders say the disruption of benefits would hurt individuals, families and communities statewide.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/10/21/77000-montanans-could-lose-access-to-food-assistance-if-government-shutdown-continues/
7 months ago
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NEW: After years of legislative debate, today marks the first time the state of Montana - home to 12 tribes and 7 reservations - has officially observed Indigenous Peoples' Day as a legal holiday.
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For the first time, Montana officially celebrates Indigenous Peoplesâ Day
After years of legislative debate, Oct. 13 marks the first time the state has officially observed the day as a legal holiday.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/10/13/for-first-time-montana-officially-celebrates-indigenous-peoples-day/
8 months ago
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It was my pleasure to join tribal housing experts on Native America Calling this morning. We spoke about the causes and consequences of Indian Country's housing crisis and heard from a listener about their experience.
open.spotify.com/episode/0xyq...
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Monday, October 6, 2025 â Tribal housing advocates work against a tide of obstacles
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0xyqbr5FQzmLS1xD055q08?si=tMdpMWvJSPCkvJiXmitdMQ
8 months ago
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I've spent more than a year investigating housing insecurity in tribal communities across Montana. Part 1 of our series, The Shelter Gap, explains how the housing shortage thwarts the development of a middle class on reservations, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
montanafreepress.org/2025/09/29/h...
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No roads home: How a chronic housing shortage keeps reservation communities in crisis.
Part 1 of a three-part series examining barriers to buying, renting and building homes on reservation land and highlighting the community benefits of secure housing.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/09/29/how-a-chronic-housing-shortage-keeps-reservation-communities-in-montana-in-crisis/
8 months ago
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reposted by
Nora Mabie
Montana Free Press
9 months ago
UPDATE: Results released just after midnight Wednesday show both bonds passing, each by only a few hundred votes.
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Helena voters narrowly approve $283M school bonds
Results released just after midnight Wednesday show both bonds passing, each by only a few hundred votes.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/09/09/helena-voters-narrowly-approve-283m-school-bonds/
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Scoop: The state health departmentâs highest-ranking official focused on American Indian health is resigning from her position. Stephanie Iron Shooter said "recent events" led to her resignation, according to an email obtained by MTFP.
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High-ranking tribal official resigns from state health department, cites ârecent eventsâ as reason in an email
Stephanie Iron Shooterâs tenure at the state Department of Public Health and Human Services was mired in controversy, as she repeatedly fielded concerns from tribal leaders about the agency.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/09/04/high-ranking-tribal-official-resigns-from-state-health-department-cites-recent-events-as-reason-in-an-email/
9 months ago
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reposted by
Nora Mabie
Montana Free Press
9 months ago
While the cityâs âhousing sprintâ was a success, officials say the closure of the 165-bed facility will strain Missoulaâs remaining shelter, especially as the weather cools.
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Missoulaâs Johnson Street homeless shelter closes
While the cityâs âhousing sprintâ was a success, officials say the closure of the 165-bed facility will strain Missoulaâs remaining shelter, especially as the weather cools.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/09/02/missoulas-johnson-street-homeless-shelter-closes/
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Although Native Americans are exempted from many of the new state and federal requirements, representatives from tribal governments and Urban Indian Organizations raised red flags about the risks of increased bureaucracy.
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âMore questions than answersâ: Tribal representatives caution state health officials against plan for Medicaid work requirements
The stateâs draft plan comes months ahead of the federal timeline laid out by the Trump administrationâs domestic policy bill. Tribal representatives urged Montana officials to slow down.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/07/30/more-questions-than-answers-tribal-representatives-caution-state-health-officials-against-plan-for-medicaid-work-requirements/
10 months ago
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IndigiPalooza, a 2-day event in Missoula, MT, brings together more than a dozen Native artists, musicians and writers for panel discussions, live music, an art market and more.
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New âIndigiPaloozaâ event to celebrate Native art, storytelling
IndigiPalooza brings together more than a dozen Native artists, musicians, writers and creators for panel discussions, live music, an art market and more.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/07/21/montana-festival-to-celebrate-indigenous-art-storytelling/
10 months ago
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âOur doors would have to closeâ: Tribal college leaders in Montana say Trumpâs proposed cuts threaten their institutions and would harm the state's economy.
#mtnews
#mtpol
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âOur doors would have to closeâ: Trumpâs proposed cuts threaten tribal colleges
The threat of federal cuts is already impacting students and staff.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/07/03/our-doors-would-have-to-close-trumps-proposed-cuts-threaten-tribal-colleges/
11 months ago
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The group of tribal plaintiffs argue that changes to Election Day voter registration laws disproportionately harm Native Americans in rural and tribal communities who already face significant barriers to voting.
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Tribes move to join lawsuit challenging Montana election laws
âItâs racism to try and enact the same laws over again,â said Fort Belknap Indian Community President Jeffrey Stiffarm.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/06/25/tribes-move-to-join-lawsuit-challenging-montana-election-laws/
11 months ago
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Montana's state budget includes several new investments for Indian Country â a historic increase in funding for tribal colleges and $367,000 to support repatriation efforts at UM.
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State budget includes new investments in tribal colleges, repatriation
The stateâs budget includes a historic increase in funding for tribal colleges and appropriates more than $367,000 to a team at the University of Montana dedicated to repatriating cultural items to tr...
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/06/24/state-budget-includes-new-investments-in-tribal-colleges-repatriation/
11 months ago
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Facing darkness head-on is the guiding principle of a new semester-long class at two schools on the Blackfeet Reservation.
#mtnews
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Using (very) heavy metal to prevent suicide and process grief
A new class on the Blackfeet Reservation helps students engage with art to cope with distress and make meaning from pain.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/06/19/how-educators-on-the-blackfeet-reservation-are-using-very-heavy-metal-to-prevent-suicide-and-process-grief/
11 months ago
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reposted by
Nora Mabie
Grant Marek
12 months ago
The Aiuppa family was told their daughter had 2,000% more lead in her bones than an average child. She began breaking bones in 2022 & hasnât stopped. Sheâs had a broken finger, forearm and a tibial spiral fracture in her leg â twice. via
@thatsmohrlikeit.bsky.social
www.sfgate.com/national-par...
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'Biggest regret of our lives': Kids allegedly lead poisoned in Yellowstone
Yellowstone let a family live in lead-contaminated housing, a new lawsuit alleges.
https://www.sfgate.com/national-parks/article/yellowstone-employee-housing-lead-lawsuit-20349622.php
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Tribal leaders say the funding cuts disrupt critical healing processes for boarding school survivors, families and tribes, and keep the general public from learning the truth about what happened at these schools.
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âSlap in the faceâ: Trump cuts halt Indian boarding school digitization effort
Tribal leaders say the funding cuts have serious implications for boarding school survivors, their families and the general public.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/06/03/trump-cuts-halt-indian-boarding-school-digitization-effort/
12 months ago
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NEW: Members of Montanaâs American Indian Caucus say the 2025 legislative session may have been the groupâs most successful yet. The caucus successfully advanced legislation establishing Indigenous Peoples Day, extending child welfare protections, bolstering state efforts to combat
#MMIP
and more.
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Montanaâs American Indian Caucus touts historic success in 2025 legislative session
Members of Montanaâs American Indian Caucus say the 2025 legislative session may have been the groupâs most successful yet. Rep. Thedis Crowe, a freshman legislator from Browning, said the group âbeca...
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/05/30/montanas-american-indian-caucus-touts-historic-success-in-2025-legislative-session/
12 months ago
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Native Americans in Montana are four times more likely to be reported missing than their counterparts. Several new laws aim to address the crisis.
#mmip
#mmiw
#mtnews
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New laws address Montanaâs missing and murdered Indigenous people crisis
Native Americans in Montana are four times more likely to be reported missing than their counterparts. Several new laws aim to address the crisis. The new laws aim to bolster the stateâs Missing and M...
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/05/28/new-laws-address-montanas-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-people-crisis/
12 months ago
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A new law professionalizes doula care in Montana. Supporters believe it will expand access to maternal care and improve health outcomes, particularly in rural and tribal communities.
montanafreepress.org/2025/05/14/g...
#mtnews
#mtpol
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Governor signs new law professionalizing doula care
Supporters say the new law will expand access to maternal care in Montana, particularly in rural and tribal communities.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/05/14/governor-signs-new-law-professionalizing-doula-care/
about 1 year ago
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Breaking: After a decade-long fight, the state of Montana â home to 12 tribes and 7 reservations â will now recognize Indigenous Peoples Day.
#mtnews
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At long last, Montana to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day
After a decade-long fight, the state of Montana will now recognize Indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday in October.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/05/09/bill-establishing-indigenous-peoples-day-in-montana-becomes-law/
about 1 year ago
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BREAKING: A group of Montana students, families and tribes recently reached a settlement agreement with the Montana Board of Public Education â a major development in a years-long class action lawsuit regarding the implementation of Indian Education for All.
#mtnews
#mtpol
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Under settlement, Montana Board of Public Ed vows to improve how state teaches Native American history and culture
A group of Montana students, families and tribes reached a settlement agreement with the Montana Board of Public Education â a major development in a years-long class action lawsuit regarding the impl...
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/05/05/under-settlement-montana-board-of-public-ed-vows-to-improve-how-state-teaches-native-american-history-and-culture/
about 1 year ago
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May 5 is a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. As groups lead marches, panels, protests and other events nationwide, a Blackfeet father demands justice in his daughterâs case.
#mmip
#mmiw
#mmiwg2s
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On MMIP day of awareness, Blackfeet father demands justice
Jadie Butterfly is one of thousands of Indigenous people who go missing or are murdered each year, a crisis so prevalent it has its own acronym, MMIP.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/05/05/on-mmip-day-of-awareness-blackfeet-father-demands-justice/
about 1 year ago
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NEW: Funding challenges have crippled the Medicine Bear Lodge homeless shelter on the Blackfeet Reservation. Looming federal cuts could threaten its existence.
#mtnews
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Funding issues compounded by possible federal cuts threaten future of Blackfeet homeless shelter
The Medicine Bear Lodge homeless shelter on the Blackfeet Reservation is surviving on a shoestring budget. Looming federal cuts could threaten its existence.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/04/21/with-federal-cuts-looming-future-of-blackfeet-homeless-shelter-in-limbo-amid-funding-challenges/
about 1 year ago
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NEW: This year will likely make history, as a bill establishing Indigenous Peoples Day in Montana is poised to become law. Senate Bill 224 now heads to the governor's desk â marking the most significant progress the legislation has made in a decade.
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After a decade of failed attempts, bill establishing Indigenous Peoples Day poised to become law
Senate Bill 224 now heads to Republican Gov. Greg Gianforteâs desk.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/04/10/bill-establishing-indigenous-peoples-day-in-montana-poised-to-become-law/
about 1 year ago
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NEW: Blackfeet tribal members are suing the federal government, alleging Trump's tariffs on Canada violate the Constitution and tribal treaty rights. It's the latest example of tribes flexing their sovereign status to oppose new federal policy.
#mtpol
#mtnews
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Blackfeet tribal members sue feds over Canada tariffs
The lawsuit â filed one day before thousands of people participated in nationwide protests against the Trump Administration â is the latest example of tribes flexing their sovereign status to oppose n...
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/04/07/blackfeet-tribal-members-sue-feds-over-canada-tariffs/
about 1 year ago
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Almost exactly one year into the job, Montanaâs Missing Indigenous Persons coordinator has left the post. While the DOJ spokesperson said the task force will continue to meet while the position is open, staffing issues have stalled the groupâs work in the past.
#MMIW
#MMIP
#mtnews
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Top role in Missing Indigenous Person Task Force vacant as lawmakers consider bills combating crisis
While a Montana Department of Justice spokesperson said the task force will continue to meet while the position is open, staffing issues have stalled work in the past.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/04/02/top-role-in-missing-indigenous-person-task-force-vacant-as-lawmakers-consider-bills-combating-crisis/
about 1 year ago
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Frustrated with persistent violence, Fort Peck community members are demanding change. 400 miles away in Helena, members of Montana's American Indian Caucus are pushing for legislation that aims to bolster public safety in Indian Country.
#mtnews
#mtpol
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Frustrated with persistent violence, Fort Peck community members demand change
Tribes in Montana have long argued that federal law enforcement funding doesnât come close to meeting community needs.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/03/31/frustrated-with-violence-fort-peck-community-demands-change/
about 1 year ago
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NEW: Senate Bill 319 could increase access to doula care in Montana. Advocates say it would transform maternal care in rural and tribal communities.
#mtnews
#mtpol
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Bill could increase access to doula care in Montana
While a growing body of research shows doula care can improve health outcomes for mothers and children, doulas statewide say people who need their services most cannot afford them. A new bill before t...
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/03/25/montana-bill-would-increase-access-to-doula-care/
about 1 year ago
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From last week's Lowdown newsletter: Tribes across the nation are issuing IDs to more of their members, responding to Trump's immigration orders and reports that Navajo tribal members have been questioned and detained in recent sweeps.
#mtpol
#mtnews
about 1 year ago
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NEW: 2 bills aim to resolve a long-standing law enforcement dispute between the state of Montana, Lake County and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
montanafreepress.org/2025/03/18/b...
#mtpol
#mtnews
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2 bills aim to resolve law enforcement dispute between state, Lake County and CSKT
At the center of the conflict is Public Law 280, a federal law that shifts jurisdiction on some Indian reservations from the federal government to certain states.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/03/18/bills-aim-to-resolve-law-enforcement-dispute-between-montana-lake-county-and-cskt/
about 1 year ago
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Salish and Blackfeet hip-hop artist Shadow Devereaux (known on stage as Foreshadow) said that while his new album has been in the making âfor forever,â it wouldnât have been possible without support from a new grant available in Montana. "Perfect Timing," Foreshadow's first solo album, is out today.
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Blackfeet, Salish rapperâs new album celebrates culture, identity
Rapper Foreshadowâs new album promotes language and culture. He said it wouldnât have been possible without support from a new grant program in Montana.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/03/18/blackfeet-salish-rappers-new-album-celebrates-culture-identity/
about 1 year ago
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NEW: Montana's American Indian Caucus touts success at the Legislature's halfway point.
#mtpol
#mtnews
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American Indian Caucus touts success at Legislatureâs halfway point
Native American lawmakers attribute early legislative victories to infighting within the Republican caucus.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/03/13/montanas-american-indian-caucus-touts-success-at-legislatures-halfway-point/
about 1 year ago
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My 1st story for
@montanafreepress.org
: A bill establishing Indigenous Peoples Day in Montana cleared the Senate, marking the most significant progress the legislation has made in years. While several states recognize Indigenous Peoples Day, MT is not among them.
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Bill establishing Indigenous Peoples Day clears Senate for first time in years
While more than a dozen states recognize Indigenous Peoples Day, Montana is not among them.
https://montanafreepress.org/2025/02/26/montana-bill-establishing-indigenous-peoples-day-clears-senate-for-first-time-in-years/
over 1 year ago
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This is my first week covering Indigenous affairs at
@montanafreepress.org
! Story ideas, feedback, advice? Reach me at
[email protected]
. Excited to get started!
over 1 year ago
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