The representation of tribal nations in the Montana Legislature has grown significantly over the past 30 years, with 11 tribal members now comprising 7.3% of the Legislature. Alissa Snow and Patrick Yawakie, co-founders of Red Medicine LLC, are working to bridge the gap between the Capitol and tribal communities by providing civic engagement services. They represent the Blackfeet Tribe, the Fort Belknap Indian Community, and the Chippewa Cree Tribe of Rocky Boy.
Red Medicine’s grassroots efforts focus on educating tribal communities about voting and connecting their everyday issues to long-term solutions. The organization navigates challenges like long distances, lack of transportation, and unsafe areas to ensure that tribal members have the opportunity to participate in the political process. Yawakie and Snow aim to inform legislators about the needs of Indian Country and increase the presence of tribal nations in the Capitol.
Their work has led to strides in American Indian representation in the Legislature, with initiatives like creating Indigenous People’s Day gaining bipartisan support. Red Medicine also provides support to legislators who go against party lines, emphasizing the importance of speaking up and making their presence known. As tribal nation representation continues to grow in Helena, Snow and Yawakie stress the importance of being the loudest voice in the room.
Overall, Red Medicine LLC’s mission is to empower tribal communities and connect them to the legislative process to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are addressed in the Capitol. Their efforts highlight the importance of diverse representation and advocacy in the political sphere.
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