Issue Position: Advocating for Indian Country

Issue Position

Tribal heritage in Montana is rich in culture and history. The proud Native people who live in reservation and urban communities share a strong sense of family and being there for one another. To preserve these values and history we must respect tribal sovereignty and ensure federal policy incorporates tribal interests. Too often, our government makes misguided policies on behalf of our Native communities without meaningful consultation. It's far past time that America's promise for security and opportunity is shared by all.

Kathleen will work with Tribal representatives to address the intertwined issues of poverty, jobs, wages, and education on our reservations. She also understands that we must confront addiction, suicide, and domestic violence head on. While economic opportunity must be the starting point, these issues demand their own solutions.

Kathleen was proud to be one of the key negotiators on the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Water Compact and helped get it passed. It was a critical agreement to protect water right holders across half of Montana, foster economic development, and ensure the Tribes' rights were clarified and secured. She supported legislation to preserve native languages, combat suicide, and expand medical services. Kathleen will always be a champion for our Native communities, and work in Congress to uphold the sovereign relationship between Federal and Tribal governments.

As your Congresswoman, Kathleen will fight to:

Ratify and fully fund Montana Tribal Water Compacts. These negotiated agreements between the state, federal government and tribal nations not only address water rights but are mechanisms to solve other issues and often provide additional benefits to non-reservation communities.
Ensure accountability of, and resources for, tribal health services. Whether it's IHS or independent tribal clinics and hospitals, our native communities, both on- and off-reservation, deserve access to quality affordable healthcare.
Strengthen tribal opportunities through education and economic development consistent with tribal sovereignty. Housing, clean water, drivable roads, job training, and job availability are vital to health, families, and communities.
Increase safety, security, and justice for tribal members and communities. Between providing needed resources, clarifying jurisdiction, and holding related federal agencies accountable, we must address the critical issues of violence, trafficking, abduction, abuse, and murder that are disproportionately common in our Native communities.

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