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