Sen. Jon Tester (D-Montana) so far has stayed out of controversy surrounding his Republican rival, Tim Sheehy, who has repeatedly linked Native people to alcohol while on the campaign trail in Montana.
Instead, Tester is highlighting a recent visit to the Fort Peck Reservation, home to the Fort Peck Tribes. He was honored at the Poplar Indian Days Powwow, held over the Labor Day weekend from August 30-September 1, 2024.
"It was an honor to receive a quilt at Fort Peck’s Poplar Indian Days Pow Wow this weekend," Tester writes in a September 3, 2024, post on social media. "I had a great time meeting with folks and talking about ways that we can continue to work together to support Indian Country."
Additionally, Tester shared a video created by a supporter. Theda New Breast, who hails from the Blackfeet Nation, thanked the Montana lawmaker for his efforts in Indian Country, which includes his longtime service as a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.
"I just want to thank Sen. Tester for always protecting our water, always protecting our parks, always protecting our culture, always protecting our language, always protecting our ceremonies," New Breast says in the video, posted on September 3.
"My heart is so big for Sen. Tester because we trust him," New Breast adds.
In the caption, Tester writes: "The rich history and culture of our Native communities is part of what makes Montana so special."
Montana is home to 12 tribal peoples, located on seven reservations and one tribal community. American Indians and Alaska Natives make up about 6.2 percent of the state population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The rich history and culture of our Native communities is part of what makes Montana so special. Thanks for your support, Milky Way Wolves Tail. pic.twitter.com/MwhICvkLqR
— Jon Tester (@jontester) September 3, 2024