The Zortman-Landusky gold mine complex on the southern border of the Fort Belknap Reservation. Photo © Assiniboine and Gros Ventre tribes A DAY AT THE RACES South Dakota Heated Senate race targets Native voters. California Governor makes issue of tribal gaming. Again. Oklahoma Cherokee tribal member eyes open Senate seat. Alaska Two strong candidates bank on Native vote. Washington Washington tribes battle gaming measure. Nebraska Nebraska tribes could finally get Class III gaming. Montana Cyanide mining initiative irks tribes. Colorado Retiring Ben Nighthorse Campbell prompts battle.

A quick look at Montana's ballot on Election Day gives little indication of how Natives have become ingrained in the political system. The state boasts seven Indian lawmakers, some of whom, like Jonathan Windy Boy of the Chippewa Cree Tribe and Frank Smith of the Assinboine and Sioux Tribes, are up for re-election.

The Assiniboine and Gros Ventre of the Fort Belknap Reservation have taken a stand against Initiative 147 (anti-campaign site | pro-campaign site), a measure that would bring back cyanide heap-leach mining. Voters banned the practice back in the 1990s. The two tribes have a particular interest because cyanide mining destroyed and polluted a sacred area next to the reservation.

Relevant Links:
Fort Belknap Community Council - http://tlc.wtp.net/fort.htm