News & Commentary

We are compelled to discuss the urgent need to support Indigenous candidates running for office ahead of the 2024 election and beyond. Recent bipartisan legislative retirements of American Indian Caucus members leave a significant void of expertise on matters of state-tribal policy, with no clear replacements emerging. In addition, we are particularly concerned by the complete lack of support for the candidacy of Barbara Bessette (Chippewa-Cree, HD20) from within her own party, who was one of the first urban Indigenous members elected to the Montana state legislature. The legislature is best served by a diversity of Indigenous voices, but neither party has taken serious efforts to help Indigenous candidates succeed. 

ACLU of Montana roundly condemned a vote by the Montana House of Representatives baselessly prolonging the de facto censure of Montana State Representative Zooey Zephyr (HD-100) and denying her constituents adequate representation in state government.

Montana's legislative session is a whirlwind. Every other year, legislators and advocates come together for 90 days to create laws that – we hope – will make Montana a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

The ACLU of Montana held a virtual town hall highlighting the upcoming 2023 Legislative Session on Wednesday, November 30th. You can watch the full video from that event here or below. 

There are so many ways you can celebrate this day and support Indigenous people while doing so! See reflections below on what Indigenous Peoples’ Day means to staff at the ACLU of Montana.

The Supreme Court is set to hear Merrill v. Milligan, a case about Alabama’s discriminatory congressional maps and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

Unclear regulation and a lack of transparency increase the risk that AI and algorithmic tools that exacerbate racial biases will be used in medical settings.

In its new term, the court will hear several cases that, if overturned, could set efforts to protect vulnerable groups back decades.

The ACLU of Montana acknowledges and honors September 30th as the National Day of Remembrance for U.S. Indian Boarding Schools. We demand attention and action on the ongoing, pervasive trauma of boarding schools for Indigenous people.