The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

Governor Steve Bullock was at Fort Belknap last week at a celebration of successes through Montana's Indian Country Economic Development Grant Program. The governor was officially welcomed by George Horse Capture, Jr., Vice President of the tribal council. Heather Sobrepena-George, Program Manager for the state program, said, "We wanted to recognize a sampling of the types of grants that have been awarded." Bullock has pushed for a number of state programs to enhance economic development and language preservation on the state's reservations.

Individuals and groups recognized

Casey Lozar, Program Manager of the State Tribal Economic Development Commission (STEDC), emceed the recognition program. STEDC, made up of 11 members appointed by the Governor, works to accelerate economic development on the reservations. Jim Kennedy is the STEDC member representing Fort Belknap. Kennedy said, "I appreciate the Governor and other state officials coming to this event, it shows they care about helping us with our goals of self-determination and sustainability." Kennedy also praised Bullock for the Governor's "support to promote collaboration among state government and tribal governments." Bullock has voiced and back the goal of "making sure state government doesn't hinder self-determination on the reservations."

During his introductory remarks the Governor said, "It's always humbling to be here and I leave with good feelings each time I visit. I've prioritized the idea of government to government collaboration to assure tribal leaders are able to work with state government. Today we are going to recognize native entrepreneurs and some groups that help those entrepreneurs. And we'll acknowledge some folks from here at Fort Belknap who have worked to preserve their people's living languages."

First, the Governor awarded certificates of appreciation to five businesses that received equity grants from the Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant Program. The grant program assists start-up or expanding businesses with grants to improve their operations. The Governor presented certificates to:

Toby and Liz Werk, Blue Heaven Guest Ranch. The guest ranch, which opened in 2010, received several requests from guests for RV hookups to give an additional option to access and board at the ranch. A grant was awarded for completion of four RV stations with electricity, water and shower lines; Jaunita Cole, Jaunita's Machine Star Quilts.

This business received a $14,000 grant to purchase quilt manufacturing equipment. One of the businesses' star quilts was displayed as background for the group photos taken after the ceremony with the Governor;

Breanne Main, Main Event Photography. Breanne received a $10,000 grant to purchase specialized photographic equipment and receive additional training;

Jennifer Cole, Buckskin Transport. Last year Jennifer received an equity grant to purchase a 40-foot gooseneck flatbed trailer, with accessories, to increase transport capacity for clients, and

Joseph Lee Blackcrow and Crystal Moore, Sacred Grounds Mobile Coffee. Readers might have seen this popular coffee stop at powwows around north central Montana. Sacred Grounds won a grant to upgrade their mobile kitchen and sales trailer along with a portable generator and inventory for the powwow season.

The Governor then recognized the Fort Belknap Tribal Credit staff. One of eight organizations in Montana funded by a Native American Business Advisor (NABA) Grant, the Tribal Credit group offers business counseling, credit counseling and application support to Native American businesses in the state. The staff helps start-up businesses locate locate resources a new business needs and helps operating businesses identify and move to the next level. The Tribal Credit group also provides assistance for grant applications to the Indian Equity Fund.

Steve Edwards

Governor Steve Bullock poses with the Fort Belknap Tribal Credit staff. They were recognized for their efforts helping new and existing businesses on the reservation. Pictured are Bea Clark, Governor Bullock, Loretta Bell, Kerry Racine, Lisa Ironmaker and Alicia Andersen. Staff members not available for the photo were Clarissa Bishop, Starlynn Carrywater and Kyra King.

Governor Bullock noted, "My administration has worked hard, with a lot of help from folks here at Fort Belknap, to preserve living languages. We've made great strides in teaching Montanans about native culture but we can never say we've done enough." He called Minerva Allen and Alpha Ironman, both long time native language teachers, to the front to receive certificates of recognition. Ray Chichosz, with the language program, had a family emergency and could not attend the ceremony.

The kids meet the Governor

A group of third and fourth graders from Dodson School sat patiently at the back of the room during the awards ceremony. The Governor called them to the front and greeted them. The kids presented him a pin, which he immediately attached to his lapel.

One student asked the Governor, "What's the Governor's house like?" Bullock smiled and said, "If you've ever seen the Partridge Family on TV, it's a bit like their house."

The Governor thanked everyone for coming, then posed for some pictures with members of the audience and greeted well-wishers. An aide said the Governor had been visiting reservations across the state to recognize the results of some of the Indian Country programs his administration has championed. His efforts were obviously appreciated based on the warm reception he received at Fort Belknap