Chairman A.J. Not Afraid, Crow Tribe, and President L. Jace Killsback, Northern Cheyenne Tribe.
Tribal leaders featured on Montana state-wide radio
By Clara Caufield
Native Sun News Today Correspondent
nativesunnews.today BILLINGS, Mont. –– In December 2016, three new and young Native political leaders from the Northern Cheyenne and Crow Tribes made Montana media history when they were featured on the hour long Voices of Montana radio talk show. It was the first time that Native politicians joined forces in public media, discussing issues of common concern. The show aired across some 23 stations in Montana by the Northern Broadcasting Association is produced at the KGHL radio station, Billings Montana. Streamed live on the internet, the show is widely available to listeners in many other states. “There are seven reservations in Montana and we have many Indian friends and neighbors and common concerns” said Taylor Brown, Northern Broadcasting owner when agreeing to feature the show which was themed Young Native Leaders. “To the extent that we can promote a better understanding of tribal issues and concerns, the better things will be for all of us. We are all citizens of the state.” The first episode aired on December 21, 2016, featuring President L. Jace Killsback, Northern Cheyenne Tribe; Chairman A.J. Not Afraid, Crow Tribe and Montana Senator Jason Small, Senate District 21 which includes both the Northern Cheyenne and Crow reservations. The educational program focused on collaboration and unity between the three leaders, close and active cooperation between the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Tribes, a relatively new development. “We were all elected with a mandate for change,” President Killsback noted. “Tribal and State relations need to promote a greater understanding. We don’t have time for nonsense. There are too many critical needs including economic development, health, law, state and federal funding.” Chairman Not Afraid concurred saying “The issues on our reservations are similar and we need to strategize to address them. We’re coming together and President Killsback is a great proponent for all Tribes.” Senator Small also agreed. “It might take some time to develop a working relationship, but we will not step backwards. We are going to work together. The Tribes need the State and the State needs the Tribes. We’ve got to continue with current programs, add on some new ones and address unemployment issues.” The wide-ranging discussion was historic in that the three young leaders, representing a significant swath of southeastern Montana, all spoke of the need for collaboration and working together to improve the economy and opportunity, including employment, housing and health for native people and low-income people in the state. Senator Small who will serve on the State Health and Human Services Legislative Committee mentioned a fact which shocked Jon Arneson, talk show host and initiated a discussion of health problems. “If you live in Hardin (non-Indian community bordering the Crow reservation) as opposed to Crow Agency (Crow reservation community) your life expectancy is 15 years more. And that’s a distance of 11 miles.” (Clara Caufield can be reached at acheyennevoice@gmail.com)
Read the rest of the story on the Native Sun News Today website: Tribal leaders featured on Montana state-wide radio Copyright permission Native Sun News
Join the Conversation
