Urban Indian Policy Roundtable - Rural Dynamics

Montana Urban Indian
Policy Roundtables
Report and Recommendations
A collaborative effort between
War Shield Development and the Northern Plains Initiative
Great Falls and Helena 2009

“Government policies meant to assimilate, if not eliminate,
a portion of an entire race of people have created a
large class of dissatisfied and disenfranchised people who,
while being subject to the ills of urban America, have also
been consistently denied services and equal protection
guaranteed under the Constitution as well as by their
rights as members of Federal Indian tribes.”
From the “Report on Urban and Rural Non-reservation Indians” to
the American Indian Policy Review Commission, 1976

We envision a region where individuals and families have the capacity to make positive
choices regarding their economic future. Communities have the infrastructure and
resources to provide residents with opportunities to earn a livable wage. We envision legacy
communities where generations of families can live and support each other. Our region
will protect people from predatory financial practices and the consequences of catastrophic
incidents, helping them keep more of their money and assets. Individuals and families will
have the opportunity to grow their assets providing a resource for themselves, their family,
and their community.

A planning initiative to address socioeconomic issues of urban Indians
in Montana, coordinated by War Shield Development and the
Northern Plains Initiative
Sponsored by
Rural Dynamics, Inc.
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Northwest Area Foundation: Strategies to Eliminate Poverty
Benefis Healthcare Foundation
First Interstate Bank
For additional copies contact:
2022 Central Avenue
PO Box 2326
Great Falls, MT 59403
406.761.8721
Published by
Rural Dynamics, Inc.
2010
War Shield Development
300 2nd Avenue South, Suite 2
Great Falls, MT 59401
406.761.3377

Table of Contents
Executive Summaries.................................................................................................................................... 1
Recommendations at a Glance .................................................................................................................... 2
An “Invisible Population”: Urban Indians in Montana................................................................................ 4
Montana Urban Indian Policy Roundtable Objectives ..................................................................................4
Brief Synopsis of the Great Falls & Helena Roundtables
Roundtable Process and Purpose .................................................................................................................. 5
Demonstrating the Need ............................................................................................................................... 6
Support from the State, Region & Nation ..................................................................................................... 8
Six Areas for Policy Change with Recommendations
Employment & Training ................................................................................................................10
Housing ..........................................................................................................................................12
Education .......................................................................................................................................14
Economic Development .................................................................................................................16
Health .............................................................................................................................................18
Government Relations ....................................................................................................................20
Next Steps ..................................................................................................................................................... 22
Participant Lists ............................................................................................................................................ 23

Executive Summaries
Too often in the discussion of Native Americans and their history, current status and future, the large and
growing population of off-reservation and urban Indians is overlooked; this oversight takes place at both the
national and state levels. Urban Indians have less resources and opportunities than their reservation-based
relatives. They face many obstacles that are becoming more difficult to overcome and occur in a faster and
more competitive environment.
Traditional, piece-meal problem solving must be replaced with a new approach of large scale, non-linear,
opportunity oriented, and strategic based work. To paraphrase FedEx CEO, Fred Smith, “Most people try to
solve a problem by creating a war machine. They charge up the hill, and they’re overcome by the complexity,
the inability to marshal the people, and understand what they’re doing, and it all caves in on itself. Instead, you
have to break the problems up into pieces and choose a small enough piece to simplify. And yet, someone has to
know enough about the problem to understand all the aspects.”
Our urban Indian roundtables will be followed by Working Groups that will work on the “pieces” and organize
them in such a way that “simplicity will become reality.”
James Parker Shield
Director of War Shield Development
We began the roundtables by posing generative questions: What programs and policies currently work to the
benefit of Montana’s urban Indian communities? How can we expand and improve upon this progress? What
areas still need to be addressed? What are the desired outcomes we envision for the urban Indian community?
What would happen if the urban Indian community spoke out with a common voice to promote their collective
values to state government?
Over the course of the roundtables, the urban Indian community began to do just that. Leaders and citizens
came together to discuss their vision for the future, and hope was pervasive. Not only did optimism resound,
but participants recognized the strength of the collective voice and identified ways to increase participation.
Working across borders, both state and tribal, we can develop and expand strategies that will further develop a
region that embraces both cultural and economic prosperity.
Tom Jacobson
Director of Rural Dynamics, Inc.
1

Recommendations at a Glance
Employment & Training
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Institute an effective, culturally competent marketing and promotion plan by state agencies to reach urban
Indians regarding employment, training programs and opportunities.
Enact policies to address unique employment and training needs of urban Indians at state agencies and the
Job Service.
Create state matched funds for urban-based nonprofits that have historically demonstrated success in their
programs, with the funding specifically earmarked for the expansion of outreach and services to urban
Indians.
Launch the pilot project “Moving Forward: Developing our Urban Native American Workforce,” which
lends greater incentives to employment by improving the skill sets and livelihoods of the employed.
Employ best practices in entrepreneurial support, as observed in Native American cooperatives, the
Billings Area Resource Network (BARN), and the Billings Master Lube Mentorship Program.
Housing
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Establish a Native Habitat for Humanity program.
Ensure that Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) eligibility follows Native
Americans off the reservation and extend it to state recognized tribal nations.
Replicate the Homebuyers Assistance Program currently utilized by the Crow Tribe in Montana.
Establish a Housing Trust Fund for the state of Montana whereby funds could be specifically allocated
towards urban Indian housing projects.
Expand Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).
Spearhead partnerships between urban-based Native American organizations and the 14 Housing
Authorities across the state, using the established network to advance the housing needs and interests of
urban Indians.
Collaboration of urban members with their tribal governments in the negotiated rule making process and in
the distribution of Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) funds.
Offer financial literacy and renter education courses targeted to urban Indian high school and college
graduates.
Education
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
2
Reform the American Indian Fee Waiver so that it becomes a voucher and follows the student to either
private or public institutions of higher learning within the state.
Establish urban Indian teacher training programs.
Offer loan forgiveness for new Native American teachers who elect to work in urban schools.
Amend the Indian Education for All Act to include urban Indian histories in Montana school curriculums
and historical materials.
Ensure urban Indian students are enrolled in any other support programs for which they may be eligible
(e.g. LIHEAP, SNAP), as a means of bridging any gaps to their academic success.
Support efforts to reform compulsory education standards, requiring enrolment from age 6 to 17.

Economic Development
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Health
1.
2.
3.
4.
Increase funding for urban Indian economic development by amending state and federal policies to
recognize all Indians (state and federally recognized) living on tribal reservations and in urban centers.
Increase contract opportunities for Disadvantaged and Minority-Owned Businesses through the
reinstitution of set-aside percentages for Native American businesses within state agencies.
Create a State Bonding Pool to lend greater ease of access to financial capital in urban Indian economic
development activities.
Appoint an urban Indian representative to the State Tribal Economic Development Commission (STEDC)
to be a voice for urban Indian economic needs.
Fund a Native American Certified Regional Development Corporation (CRDC) to provide technical
assistance, program information, equipment, and have the development capacity to serve urban Indian
entrepreneurs.
Recognize Native American treaty rights relating to health care through universally recognized health
cards.
Increase the number of Native American health professionals working in urban areas through loan
forgiveness incentives.
Create a comprehensive definition of “Native American” at state and federal levels that includes both blood
quantum and descendancy.
Use a feasibility study to discover whether consolidation is the most cost-effective way of providing health
care to Native Americans.
Government Relations
1.
2.
3.
Appoint urban Indian representatives to state boards and commissions such as the State Tribal Economic
Development Commission (STEDC).
Improve communications and increase relations with tribal governments through forums and collaboration
on issues that benefit their urban Indian tribal members.
Create a coalition for urban Indians with a formalized vision. The structure would be constituted of two
representatives from each major city in Montana and a steering committee to keep the coalition moving
forward on an array of socioeconomic issues.
“Urban Indians have long endured hardships and lack of
opportunity. These roundtables have been assembled for
just this reason—as a stepping stone for our community.”
Peggy Myers, urban Indian and former resident of “Hill 57”
in Great Falls
3

The Report
An “Invisible Population”: Urban Indians in Montana
Painting the world of urban Indians: The complexities and proposed measures of ancestry, cultural knowledge,
appearance, and Indian community participation provide a complex, and often misunderstood perspective of the
life of an urban Indian.
Does the individual have Indian relatives and ancestors? Do they look like an Indian? Are they
knowledgeable of their tribal culture and tradition? Do they participate in community events related to the
urban Indian community?
According to the National Urban Indian Family Coalition (NUIFC), one way to capture the diversity of the
urban Indian experience is to consider the reasons why they live in cities and the length of time they have done
so, as suggested in the following four categories:
• Long-term residents: Sometimes residents live in cities for several generations; this category includes the
Native people who traditionally owned the land on which the urban center is based.
• Forced residents: Those forced to relocate to urban centers by government policy or the need to access
specialized health or other services.
• Permanent residents: Those who have permanently relocated from other areas in search of different or
better opportunities.
• Medium and short-term visitors: Those who may visit for specific purposes, but do not intend to stay
permanently (as in visits to family, relocation to pursue higher education, etc).
According to the 2000 Census, 65% of Native Americans nationwide live in urban environments, away from
their respective reservations. In Montana, as in many states, the “invisible” population of the urban Indian
community has historically been, until recently, largely invisible. Once visible, it is difficult to ignore the stark
disparity in wealth and opportunity presented to this community. Places like “Hill 57” in Great Falls, and
“moccasin flats” in the urban centers of Billings, Butte, Helena, Missoula, and others serve as reminders of the
unique hardships urban Indians faced, and in many ways, continue to face today.
The question we posed, therefore, was: How can urban Indian organizations and their partners, as well as tribal,
state, and federal governments, work together to serve the needs of Native Americans residing in cities?
Montana Urban Indian Policy Roundtable Objectives
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
4
To raise awareness of this population at state and national levels.
To formulate policy platform for the Montana 2011 legislative session.
To seek representation and a collective voice for urban Indians.
To highlight needs in education, health, employment and training, economic development, housing and
government relations.
To craft a new future for the urban Indian community.
“‘Urban is not a kind of Indian. It is an experience,
one that most Indian people today have had.”
“Urban Indian America”
National Urban Indian Family Coalition

Brief Synopsis
Great Falls
On November 10, 2009, 45 individuals from across Montana gathered at the C.M. Russell Museum in
downtown Great Falls for the Montana Urban Indian Policy Roundtable, co-hosted by War Shield Development
and the Northern Plains Initiative. This groundbreaking convening brought together community leaders from
nonprofits, state agencies and the urban Indian community. Participants came together to explore and address
the unique needs of urban Indians in Montana within the six different issue areas.
Helena
On December 16, 2009, the attendance of the second roundtable at the Red Lion Colonial in Helena was just
as impressive and the results of the discussions all the more inspiring. Building upon the recommendations of
the first event, participants further crafted visions and strategies to pursue taking into account resources, time
frames, and possible barriers. According to evaluations of the event, 100% of respondents felt that valuable
policy initiatives would result from the roundtables and 83% expressed willingness to support them.
Roundtable Process and Purpose
Facilitating the first convening in Great Falls, Representative Shannon
Augare (D) spoke to the ways in which roundtable discussions hold the
potential for bringing forth the collective voice and collective action
necessary to address the needs of Montana’s urban Indians. As a collective
voice, we are powerful, even in the simplest modification of current
legislation. Augare stressed that change can be accomplished at local, state
and federal levels. “There needs to be thoughtful discussion about these
issues,” stated Representative Augare. “If we don’t have the generative
conversations, we will not be able to build trust. Ask the tough questions
to move this forward. Think about what you want to create for your
communities.”
The figure presented to the right is the Core Theory of Success, from Organizing
for Learning (Kim, 2001). As Representative Augare expressed, building trust
and relationships is the launching pad from which quality collective thinking and
action take place. The reinforcing loop structure represents how shared success
and quality of results strengthens our relationships and further propels our work.
Another tool employed during the policy roundtables was the Hierarchy of
Choices, which is essentially a flow chart that aids participants in defining
a vision and translating it to reality via specific strategies and activities.
By utilizing these tools to guide discussion, we were able to structure our
discussions to be inclusive and to reach policy recommendations.
At the second convening in Helena, James Parker Shield elaborated upon ways
to strategically spearhead collective action around the policy recommendations,
in consideration of both short- and long-term planning and the tiered levels of
action (local, tribal, state, national). “The Urban Indian Policy Roundtables
can provide a framework for ‘futures’ planning, asset-mapping, and significant
policy and legislative action by urban Indian communities across the state and
the Northern Plains region.
QUALITY
OF RESULT S
QUALITY OF
RELATIONSHIPS
R
QUALITY
OF ACTIONS
QUALITY OF
COLLECTIVE
THINKING
5

Demonstrating the Need
Population Size, Census 2000
Geography Total Population AIAN (alone or combo) Percent of AIAN
MONTANA 918,751 66,320 7.2%
Billings 91,840 4,042 6.1%
Bozeman 27,951 509 0.8%
Butte 34,380 990 1.5%
Great Falls 58,166 3,727 5.6%
Helena 26,233 768 1.2%
Kalispell 14,468 301 0.5%
Missoula 58,202 1,968 3.0%
On Reservation 65,425 37,932 57.2%
Off Reservation 853,326 28,388 42.8%
Urban only 311,240 12,335 18.6%
Estimated Population Size, American Community Survey 2006-2008
Geography Total AIAN % AIAN
Billings 98,465 4,160 4.2%
Bozeman 35,538 421 1.2%
Butte 32,003 776 2.4%
Great Falls 58,520 2,544 4.3%
Helena 27,241 313 1.1%
Kalispell - - -
Missoula 64,650 1,462 2.3%
* In several cases, these figures do not demonstrate the real and current population size. In Great Falls, for
example, there are an estimated 6,000 Native Americans — constituting roughly 10% of the city population.
Analysis
In a separate graph presented, Indian Federal Funding in 2007 indicated
that whereas tribes nationwide received 46.6% of Census based funding,
urban populations received a mere 1.4%. This is particularly problematic in
Montana where urban and off reservation Indians constitute 42.8% of the
total Native American population. Given this lack of funding, it is reasonably
apparent that the socioeconomic status of urban Indian populations is
jeopardized when correlated with the data concerning educational attainment
and wealth disparities.
Susan Ockert, Senior Research Economist from the Census Economic and Information Center concluded that
the majority of urban Indians are younger, less educated, and poorer than their urban counterparts. Moreover, as
projections reveal further growth for this population, Ockert stressed that policy changes must be made to meet
their needs. She also pointed to the importance of participation in the Census as a means for urban Indians to
amass greater representation at state and national levels.
6

American Indians compared with their urban counterparts: Education
60000
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
30 American Indian
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
Billings
Billings
Bozeman
Bozeman
Median Family Income
Census 2000
Butte
Great Falls
No High School Diploma
Census 2000
Butte Great Falls Helena
Helena
Kalispell
Kalispell
Missoula
Missoula
American Indian
White
Total
White
Total
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Total
Poverty by Race
Census 2000
American Indian
American Indians compared with their urban counterparts: Wealth determinants
50
40
30
20
10
0
Billings
Bozeman
White
Attainment of Bachelor's Degree or more
Census 2000
Butte Great Falls Helena
Kalispell
Missoula
Missoula
Kalispell
Helena
Great Falls
Butte
Bozeman
Billings
American Indian
White
Total
7

Voices of Support
Honorable Lieutenant Governor, John Bohlinger
The Honorable Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger highlighted
the opportunities presented to Native communities in the current
Schweitzer administration, where Native Americans have been
appointed to an unprecedented 183 positions in state government for
their expertise, and Governor Schweitzer was the first to fully fund
Indian Education for All. The Lieutenant Governor then returned to the
urban Indian experience of dislocation, stressing, “the conversations
that take place today will assist in deciding how policy can address the
needs of urban Indians in their transition from the reservation to urban
centers.”
Director of the Department of Public Health and Human Services,
Anna Whiting-Sorrell
When Director Whiting-Sorrell came to speak at the roundtable
in Helena, she expressed her pride for the commitment Governor
Schweitzer has made to Indian Country. Within DPHHS, Director
Whiting-Sorrell became aware of the need to address issues specific
to the urban Indians in the distribution of H1N1 vaccinations. As
health has systemic impacts on economic well-being, she stressed
the importance of the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) and
Medicaid in insuring all Natives, including those in urban areas.
Director Whiting-Sorrell concluded by saying that we must all work
to relieve the need for the Office of Indian Affairs, rather having the
interests of Indian Country naturally embedded in that of the state
government as a whole.
Director of the Office of Indian Affairs, Jennifer Perez-Cole
8
Jennifer Perez-Cole, the Director of the Governor’s Office of Indian
Affairs for the state of Montana, delivered a message of support
from the Governor at the first roundtable held in Great Falls. She
emphasized that the urban Indian community has advocates within
the Governor’s Office who are eager to listen and aid in expanding
prosperity among the urban Indian community. Director Perez-Cole
emphasized cooperation and collaboration between the state and its
Native communities, as well as relations of mutual understanding and
respect. “Montana State government is here to serve and to ensure
equal access. You are here because you care. Form a voice—make it
heard—numbers are power.”

Director of the North Dakota Office of Indian Affairs, Scott Davis
To gain greater perspective for Indian education in North Dakota, Director
Parisien spoke of his consultation with various Indian Education Advisory
Councils and how other Northern Plains states such as Montana and South
Dakota lent insight with regards to dropout prevention. He noted that
South Dakota has the highest dropout rate in the nation, and therefore, he
is currently working to hold an Indian Dropout Summit. Director Parisien
revealed how being an advocate for Natives in Bismarck public schools
has greatly improved the hardships faced in these communities. Moreover,
he highlighted the determination of school administrators, leaders and
educators to address the issues confronting Indian education in their
formation of committees.
Coordinator for the National Urban Indian Family Coalition,
Janeen Comenote
To share a regional outlook, Scott Davis touched on both areas
of progress and need among North Dakota Native communities.
Director Davis primarily highlighted the Governor’s commitment
to expand resource access to Native communities suffering in the
current economic climate, as well as efforts by the Bush Foundation
to address poverty in both reservation and urban settings. However,
he revealed the prevalence of “covert racism” in the region, and cited
a recent hate crime in Bismarck, where city parks were vandalized
with messages such as “Go Back to the Rez.” The local government
took no recourse. Director Davis has therefore made a personal
effort to collaborate with community leaders to overcome these
racist sentiments. “We need to come together at all levels to voice
our concerns and identify means for improving our way of life.”
Director of North Dakota Indian Education, Bob Parisien
Janeen Comenote, from the Seattle-based National Urban Indian
Family Coalition (NUIFC), shared insight from the urban Indian
movement occurring in Washington State. She stressed the importance
of identifying those policies that impact non-reservation Indians
and beginning discussions with members of both state and tribal
governments. Recommendations for how to pursue such goals are
outlined in the NUIFC publication of Urban Indian America. Comenote
also applauded Montana for being among the first in the nation to
host an event that brought together community members and state
legislators alike to address the needs of urban Indians. “If there is
going to be any measurable impact for urban Indian Country, state
government must sit down and talk to Indian organizations.”
9

Employment and Training
Roundtable I: Great Falls
Facilitator: Lynda Sowell
Participants: Mike Gopher, Marla Hagen, Jose Jimenez, Peggy Myers, Sarah Cline
At the first session, employment and training opportunities offered by the Department of Labor and the Job
Service were highlighted, including the Dislocated Worker Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
(TANF), and the various career-training classes in resume building, interviewing, etc., available to income
eligible candidates. There appeared to be a gap in communication with the urban Indian community in outreach
for these services. Information about career fairs and other such opportunities were not reaching this population.
As such, participants discussed the need for “targeted marketing” and consideration for who delivers the
message, agreeing that it would most effectively come from an urban Indian. The need for prominent social role
models in the urban Indian community was cited as an area to address in fostering greater expectations and selfesteem
among the youth.
Recommendations
1.
2.
3.
10
Institute an effective and culturally competent marketing and promotion plan by state agencies to reach
urban Indians regarding employment and training programs and opportunities.
Desired outcome statewide: Recognition that the “one size fits all” approach to employment and training
outreach by several state agencies has largely missed urban Indian populations.
Enact policies to address unique employment and training needs of urban Indians at state agencies and the
Job Service.
Desired outcome in state government: The assignment of an urban Indian to an outreach position at the
Department of Commerce and the Department of Labor. *Additional possible outcome: The creation of a
statewide Work Experience (WEX) Training Lab program for urban Indians.
Create state matched funds for urban-based nonprofits that have historically demonstrated success in their
programs, with the funding specifically earmarked for the expansion of outreach and services to urban
Indians.
Desired outcome locally: To increase self-determination in education and career attainment among urban
Indian youth, one suggested means for outreach was the creation of an Urban Indian Big Brothers and
Sisters mentoring program.

Roundtable II: Helena
Facilitator: Sarah Cline
Participants: Larry Gallagher, Luke Walawander, Janice Coburn, Philip Belangie, Dan Veale,
Susan Ockert, Steven Dorr, Shawn White Wolf
In this second session, the issue of communication was equally recognized in the example of the Department of
Labor, who thinks only of those already in the workforce as its clientele, and not the approximate 70% of urban
and reservation Indians who have not entered the workforce. The discussion centered on how to encourage
Native Americans to enter the workforce by effectively reducing various institutional disincentives (e.g.
unemployment benefits, social security) and barriers to employment.
Recommendations
1.
2.
Launch the pilot project “Moving Forward: Developing our Urban Native American Workforce,” which
lends greater incentive to employment by improving the skill sets and livelihoods of the employed.
Desired outcome in state government and at the local level: Policy reform in the Department of Labor,
modifying the supportive services the Job Service currently provides so that they reach employers who
can then support their employees directly. This support would come in the form of reimbursements that
employers would use to cover the provision of child care, continued education, transportation costs and the
like.
Employ best practices in entrepreneurial support, as observed in Native American cooperatives, the Billings
Area Resource Network (BARN), and the Billings Master Lube Mentorship Program.
Desired outcome locally: Encourage urban Indianpreneurship by building confidence and facilitating
greater access to crucial start-up resources in loans, technical assistance, equipment and capital.
“We need to ensure that we are meeting the needs and
enhancing the lives of the employed just as much as the
unemployed.”
Janice Coburn (Blackfeet, Klamath & Pitt River),
Browning Community Development Corporation
11

Housing
Roundtable I: Great Falls
Facilitator: Lynda Sowell
Participants: Mike Gopher, Rhonda Huseby, Sheila Rice, Bonnie Stevens, Jose Jimenez, Erich
Bourgault, Leonard Smith, Sarah Cline
The housing group began the discussion highlighting current programs and policies that benefit urban Indians.
Emphasis was given to fair housing requirements, the 184 Loan Program, and the Homebuyers Assistance
Program currently operated by the Crow Tribe, where tribal members living in Billings are provided $10,000 for
down payment assistance.
As the group expanded into discussing areas for improvement, the conversation focused on targeted community
education about homebuyer tax credits (for both low-income housing and new market tax credits), the greater
use of funds for weatherization and green energy, the need for collaboration in securing federal stimulus money
for projects, and the reduction of credit barriers to homeownership. Also discussed was the lack of affordable
housing and emergency housing for urban Indians as well as lack of access to an Indian Housing Authority in
urban centers especially in situations where discrimination is present.
Recommendations
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
12
Establish a Native Habitat for Humanity program.
Desired outcome nationwide: To increase homeownership and affordable housing options for urban
Indians.
Ensure that Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) eligibility follows Native
Americans off the reservation and extend it to state recognized tribal nations.
Desired outcome nationwide: Pass federal legislation to ensure that tribal members, both reservation and
urban, have these benefits as means to afford housing.
Replicate the Homebuyers Assistance Program currently utilized by the Crow Tribe among other tribal
nations in Montana.
Desired outcome at the tribal level: Tribal governments having a greater role in meeting the housing needs
of their urban tribal members.
Establish a Housing Trust Fund for the state of Montana whereby funds could be specifically allocated
towards urban Indian housing projects.
Desired outcome statewide: Pass legislation to create a state funded Housing Trust, thereby increasing
available funds for urban Indian housing projects.
Expand Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).
Desired outcome locally: To create greater access to homebuyer loans for urban Indians through
alternatives to credit score eligibility for loans.

Roundtable II: Helena
Facilitator: Sarah Cline
Participants: Jose Jimenez, Charlie Brown, Micah Jalloh, Dan Veale, Larry Gallagher, Olivia
Riutta
The group attempted to merge the policy priorities from the first roundtable and sought to incorporate shortterm
strategies. The following priorities were named: the expansion of partnerships, the more effective use of
existing resources, and the need to specifically cater to the unmet needs of urban Indian populations.
Recommendations
1.
2.
3.
Spearhead partnerships between urban-based Native American organizations and the 14 Housing Authorities
across the state.
Desired outcome statewide: Greater use of the established network to more effectively leverage resources
and advance the housing needs of urban Indians.
Stress the collaboration of urban members with their tribal governments in the negotiated rule making
process and in the distribution of Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA)
funds.
Desired outcome at the tribal level: Urban Indians working collectively with groups such as Montana
Tribal Housing Directors, which currently consists of members from the Northern Cheyenne, Blackfeet, Fort
Belknap, and Fort Peck reservations, to ensure that the appropriate portion of the $29 million is allotted to
urban tribal members.
Offer financial literacy and renter education courses targeted to urban Indian high school and college
graduates.
Desired outcome locally: Greater awareness of the expectations and requirements of the housing market
amongst urban Indian youth.
“Housing is unaffordable in Montana. There are dire
problems that exist in almost every county.”
Larry Gallagher, Montana Housing and
Urban Development
13

Education
Roundtable I: Great Falls
Facilitator: Jolene Bach
Participants: Candace Hubbard, Peggy Cochran, Nic Miragluiolo, Luke Walawander, Sheila
Rice, Hannah Ruehl, Susan Ockert, Joella Bloomgren
While the group praised the Indian Education for All Act, they also identified role models and the current
statewide campaign as a positive reinforcement for participatory education. They felt that additional parental
involvement in the schools would build student confidence in the system and support for higher learning. Some
barriers to Native students’ academic success included the frequent shuffling between urban and reservation life
and socioeconomic stressors.
Recommendations
1.
2.
3.
4.
14
Reform the American Indian Fee Waiver so that it becomes a voucher and follows the student.
Desired outcome statewide: Pass legislation to ensure funding for urban Indian students to pursue postsecondary
education at either, public or private institutions of higher learning in the state.
Establish urban Indian teacher training programs.
Desired outcome statewide: Pass legislation to increase the presence of Native American teachers in urban
schools, thereby fostering a more culturally supportive learning environment.
Offer loan forgiveness for new Native American teachers who elect to work in urban schools.
Desired outcome statewide: Greater incentive for Native American teacher retention in urban schools, as
well as the aforementioned benefits for urban Indian students.
Amend the Indian Education for All Act to include urban Indian histories in Montana school curriculums
and historical materials.
Desired outcome statewide: The reinforcement of cultural pride in urban Indian history and heritage
among youth and the population as a whole.
Sub outcome: Encourage parents to play a greater role in the classroom experience.

Roundtable II: Helena
Facilitator: Jolene Bach
Participants: Joyce Silverthorne, Bob Parisien, Casey Barrs, Scott Davis, Christina Davis,
Bonnie Stevens, Micah Jalloh, Harmony Wolfe
In the area of education, participants located four different issues concerning urban Indian students and their
educational attainment. First, the discussion centered on grassroots efforts to move students from secondary
to post-secondary education. The group identified the need for not only the involvement of community
leaders, but also greater initiative on behalf of the parents and kids themselves, emphasizing the element of
self-determination. Second, the group discussed the need to bridge gaps to economic well-being for urban
Indian students through supports such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Third, the group expressed support for the reform
of compulsory education standards and noted that K-12 completion should be the standard rather than age
demographics. Last, they discussed means for mobilizing organizations and coalitions around such legislation.
Recommendations
1.
2.
Ensure urban Indian students are enrolled in any other support programs for which they may be eligible (e.g.
LIHEAP, SNAP), as a means of bridging any gaps to their academic success.
Desired outcome statewide: Taking advantage of public benefits, urban Indian students will have a greater
opportunity to focus on academic achievement.
Support efforts to reform compulsory education standards, requiring enrolment from age 6 to 17.
Desired outcome statewide: Reduction of truancy, and possible delinquent behavior, among urban Indian
youth. This is coupled with an increase in the rates of educational attainment, which is demonstrated as an
area of need in the demographic data presented in this report.
“Compulsory education creates a culture of family-supported
education. Enrolling in kindergarten and first grade is not a
student choice, it is a family choice.”
Joyce Silverthorne (Salish),
Montana Office of Public Instruction
15

Economic Development
Roundtable I: Great Falls
Facilitator: Tara Veazey
Participants: Keith Bailey, Jason Smith, Daniel Pocha, Melvin Swan, Leonard Smith, Erich
Bourgault, Susan Ockert, James Parker Shield, Marla Hagen, Luke Walawander, Rep. Jesse
O’Hara (R)
To highlight what currently exists, the economic development group discussed the $7000 entrepreneurship
grants given per tribe from the Montana Department of Commerce (however, this has not been accessible to
urban Indians), 10 small business development centers across the state, and work underway for the receipt of
Native American tax credits and the development of a financial resource catalog for entrepreneurs. However,
outreach highlighting these opportunities among urban Indian communities is virtually nonexistent.
For other issues to be addressed, the group identified three main areas: lack of accessible resources, insufficient
awareness of resources, and too few people having economic development backgrounds, which in itself
forms an implicit barrier to access. In addition to these concerns, James Parker Shield, Director of War Shield
Development, asserted that there must be “a pool of funds for both urban and reservation Indians to avoid
competition.”
Recommendations
1.
2.
16
Increase funding for urban Indian economic development by amending state and federal policies to
recognize all Indians (state and federally recognized)—living on tribal reservations and in urban centers.
Desired outcome at the state and national levels: Pass legislation to increase urban Indian access to
economic development funding.
Increase contract opportunities for Disadvantaged and Minority-Owned Businesses through the reinstitution
of set-aside percentages for Native American businesses.
Desired outcome statewide: Reform policies within state agencies to guarantee greater employment
security for urban Indian businesses.

Roundtable II: Helena
Facilitator: Jeanne Saarinen
Participants: Jose Jimenez, Daniel Pocha, Wendy Stewart, Shannon Hahn, Jennifer Perez-
Cole, James Parker Shield, Charlie Brown, Bob Parisien, Luke Walawander, Eric Mudd, Susan
Ockert, Philip Belangie, Jason Smith
Participants from the Economic Development table expressed similar suggestions throughout the roundtable
process. The policy priorities recommended by this group were comprised of three goals with various strategies
for attaining them. Primarily, the necessity of expanding and amending language for economic development
programs and policies to encompass all (urban, state and federally recognized) Indians and Native-owned
organizations was identified. Secondarily, the group addressed the lack of access to capital and financial support
for urban Indians. Finally, the need to secure a placement for an urban Indian representative on the State Tribal
Economic Development Commission (STEDC) was unanimously agreed upon.
Recommendations
1.
2.
3.
4.
Increase funding for urban Indian economic development by amending state and federal policies to
recognize all Indians (urban, state and federally recognized) and their respective organizations.
Desired outcome at the state and national levels: Pass legislation that will allow greater access for
all Native American economic development organizations to grant programs such as the Community
Development Block Grants (CDBG).
Create a State Bonding Pool to lend greater ease of access to financial capital in urban Indian economic
development activities.
Desired outcome statewide: Pass legislation or utilize established banking networks to establish a bonding
pool so that Native-owned businesses have the necessary financial surety to obtain contracting opportunities.
Appoint an urban Indian representative to the State Tribal Economic Development Commission (STEDC) to
be a voice for urban Indian economic needs.
Desired outcome statewide: So that greater communication is fostered between urban Indian communities
and their state and tribal governments, amend the language in the STEDC bill to include the appointment of
an urban Indian representative.
Fund a Native American Certified Regional Development Corporation (CRDC) to provide technical
assistance, program information, equipment, and have the development capacity to serve urban Indian
entrepreneurs.
Desired outcome statewide: Culturally attuned support for Native-owned businesses with regards to
assistance with infrastructure, capital accumulation, economic development training, and general means for
achieving self-efficacy.
“Urban Indian development is something we’re just getting
into. New social service organizations are starting to
develop, however, fewer sources of federal funding are
currently available and sustainability is an issue.”
Leonard Smith (Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux),
Director of the Native American
Development Corporation
17

Health
Roundtable I: Great Falls
Facilitator: Cissy Worth
Participants: Bonnie Stevens, Bob Rudeseal. Jennifer Perez–Cole, Darryl Gray, Benjamin
Marks, Candace Hubbard, Norm Peterson, Moke Eaglefeathers, Kathie Lang, Peggy Cochran
In the first session, many pointed out that the urban Indian health facilities around the state have been beneficial
to their communities. However, the current system disregards segments of the population with a lack of
formalized standards to determine who is eligible for health care. Moreover, urban Indians who are traveling, or
have tribal registration cards that are not recognized by a health clinic have nowhere to go.
As a response, members of this roundtable decided that a federally recognized health care card is necessary
to grant urban Indians access to health care statewide. This legislation would include a mandate for the
government to uphold the obligations of past treaties, granting urban Indians access to health services from
private clinics, as well as Native clinics. Representing a collective voice for urban Indians, participants
additionally outlined what a Montana chapter of the National Urban Indian Family Coalition might look like -
with a specific subcommittee to address health.
Recommendations
1.
2.
18
Recognize Native American treaty rights relating to health care through universally recognized health cards.
Desired outcome nationwide: Reduction of medical debt and barriers to health services for urban and nonfederally
recognized Native Americans.
Increase the number of Native American health professionals working in urban areas through loan
forgiveness incentives.
Desired outcome at the state and national levels: To promote and increase cultural competency amongst
health care providers, as well as the prominence of Native American medical professionals in urban settings.

Roundtable II: Helena
Facilitator: Steve Hurin
Participants: Keith Bailey, Eric Mudd, Bob Rudeseal, Darryl Gray, Kristina Davis, Olivia
Riutta, Louella Fredericksen
The two main issues discussed thoroughly at this roundtable were the needs to standardize the definition
and identification of Native Americans and to secure their treaty rights to free health care. An idea proposed
to address the former issue was to base Native American eligibility on descendancy, rather than just blood
quantum, and to grant it to urban, state recognized, and federally recognized tribal and non-tribal members.
With regards to the latter issue, much time was spent considering the best way to streamline the delivery of
health care services to Native populations in both urban and reservation communities.
Recommendations
1.
2.
Create a comprehensive definition of “Native American” at state and federal levels that includes both blood
quantum and descendancy.
Desired outcome at the state and national levels: Increased access to health care for Native Americans,
regardless of tribal affiliation, or state and federal recognition, in accordance with their treaty rights. For
example, definitions such as the one at the Indian Family Health Clinic in Great Falls, MT where Native
Americans can either “provide proof of Indian enrollment, be a descendant of the Little Shell Tribe, or a
descendant of any other unrecognized tribe of the United States” should be expanded and standardized
among other health clinics.
Use a feasibility study to discover whether consolidation is the most cost-effective way of providing health
care to Native Americans.
Desired outcome at the state and national levels: Have state and federally funded Indian health care
forums to conduct a feasibility study to determine best practices in accessibility and delivery of services.
For example, address the current barrier Indian Health Service (IHS) contract health creates for Native
Americans who move off reservations.
“Urban Indians have less access to health care than other
Americans. Often, their living conditions are literally sickening.
Persistent bias against them and their mistrust of government
keep many from getting the health care they need. Large scale
efforts to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in health care
largely overlook them, concentrating instead on far larger
underserved communities.”
“Invisible Tribes: Urban Indians and Their Health in a Changing
World.” Urban Indian Health Commission, 2007
19

Government Relations
Roundtable I: Great Falls
Facilitator: Steve Hurin
Participants: Janeen Comenote, Rep. Jesse O’Hara (R), Moke Eaglefeathers, Liz Neudecker,
Jennifer Perez-Cole, Darryl Gray, Daniel Pocha, Norm Peterson
Progress has been made to recognize Native American interests in the Montana government. The group
identified opportunities for urban Indians to cultivate additional representation at both the state and federal
levels. Janeen Comenote of the National Urban Indian Family Coalition (NUIFC) in Seattle, WA provided an
example of a state-tribal disconnect. In the model used in Washington, the state treats all 29 tribes as individual
nations in its consultative process. However, urban Indians are not represented as a single group, so NUIFC
is working to establish an Advisory Council. Similarly, for Montana, the establishment of an Urban Indian
Commission was deemed crucial for gaining voice in resource allocation and state-tribal legislative matters.
Recommendations
1.
2.
20
Appoint urban Indian representatives to state boards and commissions such as the State Tribal Economic
Development Commission (STEDC).
Desired outcome at the state government: Greater representation and communication from the urban
Indian community to the state and tribal governments.
Improve communications and increase relations with tribal governments through forums and collaboration
on issues that benefit their urban Indian tribal members.
Desired outcome at the tribal level: For urban Indian socioeconomic interests to be supported by their
respective tribal governments and greater cooperation cultivated.

Roundtable II: Helena
Facilitator: Steve Hurin
Participants: Scott Davis, Bob Rudeseal, James Parker Shield, Shannon Hahn, Wendy Stewart,
Darryl Dray, Jennifer Perez-Cole, Shawn White Wolf, Louella Fredericksen, Daniel Pocha
Several ideas were shared at the government relations roundtable discussion, yet all pointed to the common
vision of having increased recognition of urban Indians affairs. All participants at the table agreed that urban
Indians needed to make it a priority to acquire an appointment with the State Tribal Economic Development
Commission (STEDC). Jennifer Perez-Cole noted that Governor Schweitzer is committed to having the state
office resemble the demographics of the state, including proper Indian representation.
Beyond securing an appointment to the STEDC, conversation largely revolved around the possibility of forming
a coalition to embody the interests of urban Indians and to formulate and/or buttress policy initiatives. James
Parker Shield, Darryl Gray, and Scott Davis guided the discussion towards how a coalition could be composed
and how urban Indians would get involved. The group ultimately concurred that the coalition should have two
representatives from each city.
Recommendations
1.
2.
Appoint urban Indian representatives to state boards and commissions such as the State Tribal Economic
Development Commission (STEDC).
Desired outcome at state government: Again, to have greater representation for urban Indians in state
government.
Create a coalition for urban Indians with a formalized vision whose structure would be constituted of two
representatives from each major city in Montana and a steering committee to keep the coalition moving
forward on an array of socioeconomic issues.
Desired outcome statewide: Urban Indian communities across the state uniting to make
their collective voice heard within state and tribal governments.
“The State of Montana is fully committed to strengthening
our government-to-government partnership with Tribal
Nations and to ensuring that the State effectively serves all
Indians—both on and off the reservations. First Montanans
can never be put on the back burner again. And as we move
forward, the Indian voice will be permanent.”
Jennifer Perez-Cole (Assiniboine),
Montana State Director of Indian Affairs.
21

Next Steps
Working Groups
To build momentum around the recommendations made at the two policy roundtables, War Shield Development
is forming working groups comprised of those who expressed their commitment to serving the interests of the
urban Indian community in the areas of employment & training, health, education, economic development,
government relations and housing. The hope is to assemble the groups and begin the strategic planning process
with the given priorities, deciphering their short- and long-term feasibility.
If you are interested in participating in one or more of the working groups, please contact James Parker Shield
or Luke Walawander at (406) 761-3377.
State Asset Building Coalition
Another opportunity presented to those interested in spearheading policy work for urban Indian communities
was the Montana Asset Building Coalition, now known as BEST Montana. Not only does this approach allow
urban Indian policies to be represented by an even larger collective voice, but it will also aid the community
in working towards greater awareness, engagement and the development of programs to address current issues
and needs. In agreement with the objectives of the Montana Urban Indian Policy Roundtables, BEST Montana
advocates for policies and programs that will allow Montanans to earn, build and maintain their assets.
If you are interested in learning more, or becoming a part of BEST Montana, please contact either Christina
Barsky at (406) 454-5717 or Sarah Cline at (406) 454-5719.
Recent Progress
2010 Urban Indian Health representatives meeting with Governor Schweitzer and State of Montana officials,
February 10, 2010, Governor’s Reception Room, State Capitol, Helena, Montana
As part of the annual 2010 Tribal Leaders Summit on February 2010, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer
convened a meeting with all five urban Indian health clinic directors and board representatives in the state of
Montana to strengthen its working relationship with the state’s urban Indian partners. Representatives from
the five urban Indian health organizations in Montana were invited to the Governor’s Tribal Leaders Summit
reception at his executive residence on February 9th and attended a meeting with the Governor, Department of
Public Health & Human Services Director Anna Whiting-Sorrell and State Director of Indian Affairs Jennifer
Perez-Cole on February 10th. It was the first meeting of its kind in the recent history of state government,
and led the way for state and urban Indian health officials to rebuild their partnership to better serve the First
Montanans living in the state’s urban hubs.
22

Participant List
Great Falls
Anderson Henry Little Shell Chippewa Tribal Member
Augare Shannon Montana American Indian Caucus (D)
Bach Jolene Rural Dynamics, Inc
Bailey Keith Helena Indian Alliance
Bloomgren Joella Native American Local Government Commission
Bourgault Erich Native Workforce
Cline Sarah Northern Plains Initiative
Cochran Peggy Executive Director, Missoula Indian Center
Comenote Janeen National Urban Indian Family Coalition
Eaglefeathers Moke Executive Director North American Indian Alliance
Gilbert John Little Shell Chippewa Tribal Member
Gopher Mike Historian
Gray Darryl Benefis/Sletten Native American Advisory Board
Hagen Marla Department of Labor
Haozous Lori Native American Development Corporation
Hauer Michelle Rural Dynamics, Inc
Hubbard Candace University of Great Falls
Hurin Steve Rural Dynamics, Inc
Huseby Rhonda Department of Labor
Jacobson Tom Executive Director, Rural Dynamics, Inc.
Jimenez Jose NeighborWorks
Kelley Brendan Rural Dynamics, Inc
Kottel Deb Montana State Representative (D) / Rural Dynamics
Lampen Paige NeighborWorks
Lang-Kassmier Kathie Field Representative for Senator Tester
Marks Benjamin Rural Dynamics, Inc
Miragliuolo Nic Rural Dynamics, Inc
Myers Peggy Center for Mental Health
Neudecker Liz NeighborWorks
Ockert Susan Census and Economic Information Center
O’Hara Jesse Montana State Representative (R)
Parker Shield James Director , War Shield Development
Perez-Cole Jennifer Montana Director of Indian Affairs
Peterson Norm Blackfeet Nation Tribal Member
Pocha Daniel Helena Indian Alliance
Rice Sheila Executive Director, NeighborWorks
Rudeseal Bob Little Shell Chippewa Tribal Member
Ruehl Hannah Montana State University College of Technology
Smith Kristie Northern Plains Initiative
Smith Jason Department of Commerce
Smith Leonard Native American Development Corporation
Sowell Lynda Rural Dynamics Inc
Stevens Bonnie Helena Indian Alliance
Swan Melvin North American Indian Alliance
Valandra Maria First Interstate Bank
Van Auken Michael Rural Dynamics, Inc
Veazey Tara Montana Budget and Policy Center
Vrooman Nicholas Helena Indian Alliance
Walawander Luke War Shield Development
23

Worth Cissy Benefis Native American Programs
Helena
Anderson Henry Little Shell Chippewa Tribal Member
Bach Jolene Rural Dynamics, Inc
Bailey Keith Helena Indian Alliance
Barrs Casey State Tribal Relations Committee
Belangie Philip Department of Commerce
Bohlinger John Honorable Lieutenant Governor
Brown Charlie Montana Board of Housing
Cline Sarah Northern Plains Initiative
Coburn Janice Browning Community Development Corporation
Davis Scott North Dakota Office of Indian Affairs
Davis Kristina Children’s Defense Fund
De Yong Dustin Policy Advisor/Executive Assistant to Lieutenant Governor
Dorr Steven Montana Legal Services Association
Frederickson Louella Little Shell Chippewa Tribal Member
Gallagher Larry U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development
Gray Darryl Benefis/Sletten Native American Advisory Board
Hahn Shannon Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Hauer Michelle Rural Dynamics, Inc
Hurin Steve Rural Dynamics, Inc
Jalloh Micah MT Legal Services Association
Jimenez Jose NeighborWorks Great Falls
Kelley Brendan Rural Dynamics, Inc
Marks Benjamin Rural Dynamics, Inc
Miragliuolo Nic Rural Dynamics, Inc
Mudd Eric Rural Dynamics, Inc
Ockert Susan Census and Economic Information Center
Overton Joel Little Shell Chippewa Tribal Member
Parisien Bob ND Indian Affairs Commission
Parker Shield James Director of War Shield Development
Perez-Cole Jennifer Montana Director of Indian Affairs
Pocha Daniel Helena Indian Alliance Board Member
Riutta Olivia Montana Women Vote
Rudeseal Bob Little Shell Chippewa Tribal Member
Ruehl Hannah College of Technology MSU Great Falls
Saarinen Jeanne Executive Director, Montana Credit Unions for
Community Development
Silverthorne Joyce Office of Public Instruction
Smith Jason Department of Commerce
Smith Kristie Northern Plains Initiative
Stevens Bonnie Helena Indian Alliance
Stewart Wendy Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Van Auken Michael Rural Dynamics, Inc
Veale Dan Montana Credit Unions for Community Development
Walawander Luke War Shield Development
White Wolf Shawn Montana United Indian Alliance
Whiting-Sorrell Anna Director Dept. of Public Health & Human Services
Wolfe Harmony Montana Legal Services Association

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