Governor Greg Gianforte visits Cheyenne Country
Chloe Ortega: Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer | August 7th, 2024
Representatives for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe and Governor Greg Gianforte accompanied by his wife Susan Gianforte. Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer
On Wednesday, August 7th, 2024, Governor Greg Gianforte and his team made an important visit to Cheyenne country. During his visit, he engaged in discussions with Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council President Serena Whetherelt, Vice President Ernest Littlemouth, and members of the Tribal Council. This meeting provided an opportunity to hold an open discussion regarding significant challenges that currently affect the Cheyenne community, as well as the positive progress the people have made toward enhancing the quality of life in their community.
Governor Greg Gianforte listening to Councilwoman Melissa Lonebear and Councilwoman Debra Charette during the open discussions. Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer
One of the primary topics addressed during this conversation was the economic development problems faced by the Northern Cheyenne community. The need for new housing developments was emphasized, as it is essential for accommodating the growing population; however, this need for expansion is accompanied by the necessity of adequately-staffed law enforcement, which is lacking. The current state of our law enforcement poses a significant public safety issue that Tribal leadership continues to address at the state and federal levels.
Councilwoman Melissa Lonebear shaking hands with Governor Greg Gianforte. Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer
Other matters that were discussed included the rights to the water in the Tongue River, the donation made to the Department of Health and Public Safety (DHPPS) to aid in the hopes of adoption of Native American children, and the goal of ensuring that they are placed in safe and culturally appropriate Native American households. The discussion also highlighted concerning statistics regarding suicide rates within the community, which underscores the need for considerable attention and intervention to readily available behavioral health services.
Concluding the discussion, the Northern Cheyenne representatives reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing projects currently in development, aimed at the betterment of the community. Among these projects are the Northern Cheyenne Dialysis project and the Justice Center. As Governor Greg Gianforte and his team prepared to depart, both parties expressed their commitment to maintaining communication, recognizing the importance of nurturing a strong and collaborative relationship between state and tribal representatives moving forward.