Susan Webber, Senator for Montana’s 8th District, is advocating for Senate Bill 379, which aims to improve tribal consultation in the state. The bill would require state agencies to adopt formal consultation policies, appoint tribal liaisons, and provide cultural competency training. It also mandates regular consultation and reporting to ensure tribes are included in decision-making processes.
Webber emphasizes that tribal consultation is not just about respecting sovereign tribal nations but also about improving state decision-making. By including tribal voices early on, costly mistakes can be avoided, stronger policies can be built, and solutions that work on the ground can be found.
Despite the benefits of SB 379, the bill is now at risk due to a bloated fiscal note that makes it seem more expensive than it is. Webber urges legislators and citizens to support the bill and prioritize consultation, emphasizing that the real cost comes from making policy in a vacuum and facing consequences later on.
SB 379 builds on Montana’s legacy of leadership on tribal-state relations and aims to strengthen the government-to-government relationship between the state and Tribal Nations. Webber believes that every Montanan, tribal or not, benefits from a government that listens, learns, and leads with respect.
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