"As part of a rare gathering of all Montana tribes, Gov. Brian Schweitzer on Sunday welcomed Native people to the state Capitol during a tribal leaders' summit reception, a prelude to the opening day of the Legislature.

Schweitzer said it seemed like “only four years ago” when tribes from seven reservations across the state had met at the Capitol to celebrate and participate in a list of first-ever achievements in state government-to-tribal government relations.

“For the first time in the history of Montana, drums played in the Capitol rotunda,” said Schweitzer, referring to state inaugural activities in 2004. “We welcomed to the front door the First Montanans. We also had tribal flags fly outside the Capitol for the first time in the history of our state.”

The governor had barely spoken for 30 seconds when his welcoming remarks were met with a burst of applause before he went on to recite his administration's past and continued commitment to working with Native people.

The tribal leaders' reception at the Montana State Historical Society opened the door to Monday's inaugural activities when newly elected state officials, lawmakers and other politicos will join ranks for swearing-in ceremonies."

Get the Story:
Schweitzer meets with tribal leaders in Helena (The Missoulian 1/5)

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