Street Montana-Rural Partners Chippewa Cree Tribe Meeting Notes June 14, 2019 10:00-12:00 PM the Main Street Montana-Rural

Main Street Montana-Rural Partners Chippewa Cree Tribe Meeting Notes June 14, 2019 10:00-12:00 PM

The Main Street Montana-Rural Partners Project held meetings in Spring-Summer 2019 to meet with Tribal leaders and stakeholders from all tribal communities. Lt. Governor Cooney, along with state agency representatives, visited the tribal communities with the goal of listening and learning about the work each community is doing to increase economic opportunities, and how the State can assist. The project works to address challenges unique to rural and tribal communities, reduce and/or eliminate roadblocks to economic success, leverage existing public and private resources, and connect communities across the state to share opportunities and successes. From these meetings, Main Street Montana- Rural Partners will assist in bringing individual projects to fruition, as well as identify how state programs can make a coordinated effort to best serve our rural and tribal communities.

On June 14, Lt. Governor Cooney, Jason Smith, Director of Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs, Tara Rice, Director of Depart. of Commerce, Kathleen O’Leary, Deputy Commissioner of Dept. of Labor & Industry, Ken Fichtler, Chief Business Development Officer of Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and Elisa Fiaschetti, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, met with the Chippewa Cree Tribal Council and stakeholders to discuss the community’s accomplishments and successes, as well as their challenges and roadblocks. The Main Street Montana-Rural Partners Project will continue to work with the community to make necessary connections with state and private partners, help provide access to state resources, and continue to have conversations with the community about their needs and priorities.

MAIN STREET MONTANA- PHASE 1

Outcomes from July 2014 meeting Below are the outcomes of the 2014 Rocky Boy Reservation community meeting from the first phase of the Main Street Montana Project. The community identified objectives and accompanying tasks that fall into four core pillars of the Main Street Montana Project. Pillar: Create a Climate that Attracts, Retains and Grows Businesses Objective: Improve access to capital for new and existing businesses. Tasks: ➢ Develop partnership with Native American Bank (NAB) and Tribal government to make borrowers more qualified for grants and loans ➢ Recruit community members to participate in financial literacy classes

➢ Appoint a tribal small business advocate to assist tribal entrepreneurs and small business owners in planning, funding, starting, and growing their businesses

Pillar: Train and Educate Tomorrow’s Workforce Today Objective: Support high school graduation and K-12 workforce development. Tasks: ➢ Develop mentoring program for K-12 students ➢ Provide workforce advancement programs (college readiness programs).

Objective: Support higher education and training opportunities. Tasks: ➢ Increase financial and access opportunities (i.e. scholarships, internships, fellowships) ➢ Match future job opportunities with training and higher education ➢ Investment by business and industry to set up training modules on Rocky Boy

During the Main Street Montana Rural Partners meeting, we discussed what priorities remained, what had changed, and learned about some of the challenges or roadblocks to success, and ways we can begin to address them.

MAIN STREET MONTANA- RURAL PARTNERS DISCUSSION

Below are the notes from the Main Street Montana- Rural Partners meeting on June 14, 2019. The notes include potential resources the community can explore to advance their priorities.

Community Priorities

Infrastructure • Rocky Boy's - North Central Montana Rural Water project is going well. Roughly 30 miles of water line remain to be constructed. • Water Treatment plant- Design of water plant is about 90% complete and will go out to bid this summer. o Funding has been sporadic • The Reservation has been on water restrictions for decades, and getting water there is critical. • There will likely be sewer issues once there is more water. Currently residents are on individual wells. • Road are also an issue

The Tribe is looking at alternative ways to find alternative ways to fund infrastructure projects.

Resources Along with existing state and federal programs for infrastructure including: • MDOC Treasure State Endowment Program (https://comdev.mt.gov/programs/TSEP) o TSEP Infrastructure planning grant applications are currently open and will be open until all funding is awarded.

• DNRC Renewable Resource Grant and Loan Program (http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/cardd/resource-development/renewable-resource-grant- program) • State Revolving Loan Fund (http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/cardd/financial-bureau) • USDA Rural Development RUS (https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/agencies/rural- utilities-service) • Board of Investments Intercap loan program • Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds that are coordinated with the county government and serve both county and tribal residents

The Delivering Local Assistance Program was created in 2019 to support communities impacted by natural resource development. Specifically, this program will focus grant funds toward local governments and schools to address the needed investments in facilities and other community infrastructure priorities across Montana. Applications are currently open until Sept 30. https://comdev.mt.gov/Programs-and-Boards/Delivering-Local-Assistance/Administering-a- Grant Contact Jennifer Olson Community Development Division [email protected] 841-2773

Business Development • Potential purchase of concrete plant • Potential of modular home manufacturing • Tribal businesses o Bearpaw propane o Grandma’s market ▪ Would like to purchase café next door and reopen o Northern Wind Casino- does not received state funds because it is a Casino. Looking at developing another business out of Northern Winds that is separate from the casino that could receive funding assistance. • Working on developing an Event Center which would be located right off the highway to attract tourist. o Would like to include sports betting kiosk and would like more information on this. • Access to capital is a challenge • Rocky Boy Business Alliance o Would like a business hub/incubator • Working with college to design programs and curriculum to fit the needs of local businesses.

Increasing business development and entrepreneurship on Reservation would help keep money on the Reservation.

Resources Montana Governor’s Office of Economic Development http://business.mt.gov/

Montana Department of Commerce Business Development https://marketmt.com/BusinessAssistance indiancountry.mt.gov

The Office of Indian Country Economic Development at the Montana Department of Commerce provides business resources available to Native-owned businesses and tribal governments. Resources include Tribal Business Planning Grants, Native American Business Advisors, Indian Equity Fund Grants, and Native American Collateral Support. Many of these grant programs are currently open and taking applications.

Indian Entrepreneur Program (IEP) The IEP collaborates with a network of Native American business organizations to provide business technical assistance to Native entrepreneurs and business owners. The IEP funds Indian Equity Fund application workshops and trainings for Native businesses.

Indian Country Programs The family of grant program under Indian Country Programs awards funds to projects that strengthen Montana’s economy through the development and enhancement of business opportunities on reservations, in tribal communities, and for Native American businesses. The grant program offers funding in three categories: • Indian Equity Fund (IEF) Small Business Grant (up to $14,000 per award) • Native American Business Advisor (NABA) Grant (up to $15,000 per award) • Tribal Business Planning Grant ($28,000 per tribal government)

Native American Collateral Support (NACS) Program The NACS Program addresses the lack of access to capital for Native American-owned businesses. This program was developed from the feedback of a diverse set of stakeholders that prioritized the development of a financial product and pathway for Native businesses to access financing and capitalize the launch and growth of their businesses.

State Tribal Economic Development Commission (STEDC) The State Tribal Economic Development Commission (STEDC) works in a government- to-government relationship to expand and improve economic prosperity opportunities for each of the eight tribal nations through business expansion, capital access, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture and community development. The Governor appoints 11 members, including one from each of the eight tribal nations in Montana.

Additional Commerce programs

Montana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network For an individual that is looking to start a new business or expand their existing business, the SBDC network is usually the best place to start.

Primary Sector Workforce Training Grant (WTG) Program The WTG Program provides grant assistance to primary sector businesses that are creating new jobs and have a need to train the new employees.

Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF) Program The BSTF Program provides grant to assist companies creating net new jobs with job training costs. BSTF also offers planning grants.

MicroBusiness Finance Program (MBFP) The MBFP administers funding for the MicroBusiness Development Corporations (MBDCs) located across Montana. MBDCs work with Montana-based businesses with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees and gross annual revenues of less than $1,000,000.

Contact: Heather Sobrepena [email protected] 841-2775

Examples of business incubator projects from Tribal Communities across the US

Northern Cheyenne, MT- Cheyenne Commerce Center https://www.visitmt.com/listings/general/mall/cheyenne-commerce-center.html https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Shopping-Mall/Cheyenne-Marketplace- 130285524223612/ https://www.indianz.com/News/2016/09/14/northern-cheyenne-tribe-aims-to-boost-ec.asp

Navaho Nation, Arizona Navajo Nation is currently the developing a series of entrepreneurial and economic development programs known as Change Labs. Formally known as the Native American Business Incubator Natwork (NABIN), Change Labs offers a year-long incubator program for Native entrepreneurs interested in starting or growing a small business. The program includes one-on-one business coaching, entrepreneurship workshops and trainings, and peer network building — all at zero cost. Upon graduation, incubator participants are eligible to apply for a business micro-loan of up to $10,000. Navajo Nation is currently in the process of building a 4,000-square-foot entrepreneurship and co-working space to facilitate Change Labs, but in the meantime, they are working out of temporary, smaller hub, as to jumpstart development efforts. https://www.nativebusinessmag.com/change-labs-on-navajo-nation-accepting-applications-for- business-incubator/

Burns Paiute Tribe, Oregon

Economic Development has been a goal since 2015, when they first received a grant through the Rural Development Grant Program (RPDG) to facilitate the creation of a small business incubator and encourage entrepreneurship. They hoped to provide business training to local tribal members and create a venue in which to sell locally-made goods. 2018/2019 - With the goal of spurring economic development in the community, the Burns City Council voted to use $5,000 to hire a grant writer to pursue more funds for the same purpose. The funds were already set aside in the budget for economic development. This is still in development. https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/news-release/burns-paiute-tribe-provide-resources-small- business-development-support-usda https://btimesherald.com/2019/01/30/burns-council-votes-for-economic-development-fund/

USDA Rural Business Development Grant- https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural- business-development-grants

Community Center • There is an interest in opening a community center to help create a positive environment for the community to gather. • The Tribe has created a community fundraising group to take charge of building a community center.

Resources USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings.

Examples of essential community facilities include: • Health care facilities such as hospitals, medical clinics, dental clinics, nursing homes or assisted living facilities • Public facilities such as town halls, courthouses, airport hangars or street improvements • Community support services such as child care centers, community centers, fairgrounds or transitional housing • Public safety services such as fire departments, police stations, prisons, police vehicles, fire trucks, public works vehicles or equipment • Educational services such as museums, libraries or private schools • Utility services such as telemedicine or distance learning equipment • Local food systems such as community gardens, food pantries, community kitchens, food banks, food hubs or greenhouses

Eligible borrowers include: • Public bodies • Community-based non-profit corporations • Federally-recognized Tribes

https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program

Agriculture & Hemp • Dry Forks Farms is growing hemp and would like to expand.

The Montana Department of Agriculture has reached out to Tribal leadership to schedule a meeting to talk about agriculture related issues. The Department will be able to provide additional resources and information regarding their programs.

Contact: Andy Fjeseth [email protected] 444-3684

Resources Examples of Hemp projects from Tribal Communities across the US It is important to note that these projects have been carried out under the respective state’s hemp program. The Montana Department of Agriculture stands ready to work with any interested Tribe in participating in the Montana state plan.

Colville Tribe, Washington The Confederated Tribes grow hemp on 120 acres of land on the Colville Reservation in Nespelem, Washington. The Tribes grew the first industrial hemp plants on Tribal land in the state, and their hemp fields are among the first permitted in Washington under the state’s Industrial Hemp Research Pilot program. The Colville Tribes additionally possess a license to process hemp. While hemp hearts are prized for their healing properties, industrial hemp stalks can be converted to material — such as clothing, rope, insulation, cardboard and more — as well as protein meal for animals. In January 2019, the Colville Tribes made headlines for selling hemp seeds to Hemp Northwest, a Hood River, Oregon-based hemp food company. The sale marked the first hemp, commercially grown in Washington, processed since lawmakers allowed hemp cultivation in 2014. In late February of2019, the Colville Business Council voted to commence a test plot to evaluate the potential of processing cannabidiol (CBD).

Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin The Tribe is participating in a state pilot program to explore the various uses of hemp — from cannabidiol (CBD) to animal feed to concrete. The pilot — formed after the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the federal removal of hemp from the Controlled Substances Act — allows Wisconsin farmers to begin hemp production for the first time since 1958. The 2019 growing season will be mild, utilizing a slow and deliberate approach to production. The hope being that it may encourage future opportunities to grow and sell hemp products at a commercial scale.

Opportunity Zones The community is interested in how to best take advantage of the Opportunity Zone designation.

Montana’s 25 Opportunity Zones provide one more tool in the tool box for economic development.

About Opportunity Zones The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 established a new economic development program called Opportunity Zones designed to encourage long-term private investments in low-income communities. Opportunity Zones provide a federal tax incentive for taxpayers who reinvest unrealized capital gains into “Opportunity Funds,” which are specialized vehicles dedicated to investing in low-income areas called “Opportunity Zones.” Opportunity Zones are a tax incentive, not a program.

The Opportunity Zones have been designated and based on Census Tracks, and the boundaries cannot be changed. The tax incentive has the potential to direct private capital toward distressed communities and serve as a catalyst for long-term, inclusive economic development. This may include downtown revitalization, workforce development, affordable housing, infrastructure, and business startup and expansion.

Being Prepared for Opportunity Zones Communities designated as Opportunity Zones should consider taking steps that best position for investment, development, and growth within the census tract.

Be Proactive: Update and develop community-wide planning documents, site-specific planning, or an Opportunity Zone prospectus that strategize land use, redevelopment, and rehabilitation opportunities and identify resources available for correlating infrastructure or architectural needs. Educate and engage local partners in conjunction with ongoing development of Opportunity Zone regulations and state and national examples.

Prepare: Designation as an Opportunity Zone does not assure that funds flow to local projects. Communities should position to leverage Opportunity Zone fund investment and utilize funding as an effective incentive in the local economic development toolkit in coordination with other local, state, and Federal programs and tax credits. Local communication and coordination among partners is essential to recruitment of capital and project success.

Prioritize: Communities should determine the key development projects that implement local goals and coordinate with local needs. Such projects should be packaged and marketed widely to attract investment and development. Prepare a prospectus. Examples: • https://choosecolorado.com/programs-initiatives/opportunity-zones/ • http://acceleratorforamerica.org/sites/default/files/inline- files/Drexel_NMFL_ProspectusNextSteps_Final.pdf

Potential: Manage development in conjunction with local community vision. Integrate organizations and institutions and coordinate efforts in a common purpose that capitalizes on the quality of life and a vibrant place economy.

The Montana Department of Commerce can help assist communities with being prepared to take advantage of opportunity zone designations and opportunity funds. The agency will be putting on a “match-making” event to connect Opportunity Zone communities and potential opportunity funds to promote investments throughout the state. Stay tuned for more information on this. For more information on Opportunity Zones visit- https://commerce.mt.gov/opportunityzones

Contact Jennifer Olson Community Development Division [email protected] 841-2773

Broadband and connectivity challenges • Limited connectivity in the area and last mile challenges. • So many programs and assistance services (LEAP, medical, SNAP, WIC) are online or on the phone, and hard to access with poor connectivity.

Resources Over 17 Federal agencies administer 50+ programs that can support rural broadband with potential funding up to a potential $83 Billion. Not every program is applicable, however, there are a number of funding opportunities the Tribe may be eligible for and could pursue including: • USDA ReConnect- The Rural Broadband ReConnect Program furnishes loans and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas. https://www.usda.gov/reconnect • USDA Community Connect- This program helps fund broadband deployment into rural communities where it is not yet economically viable for private sector providers to deliver service. https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-connect-grants\ • USDA Telecom Infrastructure Loan Program- This program provides financing for the construction, maintenance, improvement and expansion of telephone service and broadband in rural areas. http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/all- programs/telecom-programs • USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program- The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-economic- development-loan-grant-program • USDA Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program- This program bolsters the availability of private credit by guaranteeing loans for rural businesses. https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-industry-loan-guarantees • EDA Programs- https://www.eda.gov/funding-opportunities/ • CDBG public facilities

Renewable Energy • Would like to explore renewable energy opportunities

• Chippewa Cree Climate Adaption Plan was developed in 2018. Goals include designing renewable energy projects on small and medium scales that include monitoring on- reservation solar energy use

Governor Bullock issued an executive order establishing the Montana Climate Solutions Council, tasking up to 30 Montanans with providing made-in-Montana recommendations and solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare the state for climate impacts, and address the needs of communities in transition through appropriate economic development and workforce strategies. The creation of the Council is a result of discussions with legislators and Montanans from the most recent legislative session on how Montana can create a path forward in setting goals for the state around the issue of climate change. Governor Bullock tasked the Council with issuing a Montana Climate Solutions Plan by June 1, 2020. Other duties include:

• Make recommendations toward achieving an interim goal of net greenhouse gas neutrality for average annual electric loads in the state by no later than 2035 and a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions economy-wide at a date to be determined by the Council; • Coordinate with the Montana University System to identify strategies to build upon the work of the Montana Climate Assessment (MCA) to develop science driven, regionally relevant research on climate impacts facing Montana’s economy, and to identify opportunities for the state to support innovation in climate-smart research and technology development, demonstration, and manufacturing work with the state’s business community; and • Coordinate with all relevant state agencies to make climate an immediate and actionable priority for the state and incorporate strategies to adapt to climate in agency planning. Resources Montana Department of Environmental Quality Energy Office http://deq.mt.gov/Energy The State of Montana offers a variety of incentives with the goal of supporting the development of energy projects and energy efficiency across the state. DEQ provides a low interest loan for alternative energy projects that can also finance energy efficiency. Financing http://deq.mt.gov/Energy/eec/financing • Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program • Buildings Energy Conservation Program • Energy Performance Contracting • Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) • USB Administration

Montana Incentives for Renewable Energy

There are many incentives available to Montana residents, businesses, and developers looking to invest in clean energy solutions within Montana. These incentives can help reduce the costs associated with implementing clean energy. http://deq.mt.gov/Energy/montanasenergy/taxincentrenew Contact Dan Lloyd Section Supervisor (406) 444-6459 [email protected]

USDA Rural Energy for America Program https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy- systems-energy-efficiency Funds may be used for renewable energy systems, such as: • Biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels) • Geothermal for electric generation or direct use • Hydropower below 30 megawatts • Hydrogen • Small and large wind generation • Small and large solar generation • Ocean (tidal, current, thermal) generation

Funds may also be used for the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements, such as: • High efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) • Insulation • Lighting • Cooling or refrigeration units • Doors and windows • Electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots • Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor • Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment

Contact Nathan Brown, USDA Rural Development (406) 585-2549 [email protected]

National Center for Appropriate https://www.ncat.org/ https://www.ncat.org/energy/

Alternative Energy Resource Organization [email protected]. https://aeromt.org/

Local Food System and Food Sovereignty • Locally grown food is accessible to Head Start and school • Need to be able to use assistance programs (SNAP, WIC) on locally grown food • Working with MSU extension on master gardening course • High Tunnel Farm- community garden. Food grown is given to community member and food bank. • Exploring a mobile slaughter unit

There is significant opportunity on the Reservation to increase local food availability and sovereignty. The Montana Department of Agriculture has reached out to Tribal leadership to schedule a meeting to talk about agriculture related issues. The Department will be able to provide additional resources and information regarding their programs.

Contact: Andy Fjeseth [email protected] 444-3684

Resources: Jasmine Carbajal Hill County, Extension Agent (406) 265-5481 ext 2335 [email protected]

National Center for Appropriate https://www.ncat.org/ https://attra.ncat.org/ https://growmontana.ncat.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2016/12/LHoward-MT-Native-Food- Sovereignty-Report.pdf

Alternative Energy Resource Organization AERO is currently working on efforts to increase indigenous food sovereignty, including hosting monthly meetings and having it the focus of their 2019 Ag Expo. [email protected]. https://aeromt.org/

Examples of local food and garden projects from Tribal Communities across the US

Bay Mills Indian Community, Michigan The Bay Mills Indian Community and its local community college (Bay Hill Community College) are developing a 40-acre farm into a teaching, research and incubator facility focusing on sustainable agriculture and food production that is consistent with traditional Anishinabek values. Current operations include hoop house vegetable production, hosting a community

garden, pasture poultry production and processing, domestic blueberry production & novel berry research, tending honey bee hives and raising grass-fed beef. http://www.baymills.org/ https://bmcc.edu/about-bmcc/community-services/waishkey-bay-farm

Mdewakanton Sioux Indians, Minnesota The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community owns and operates a diverse collection of enterprises on its lands in Prior Lake and Shakopee, Minnesota. From a tribal garden which spurs tourism and sells local honey and maple syrup, to an all-natural foods store and a variety of family entertainment centers, their enterprises help drive the local economy while providing local jobs. https://shakopeedakota.org/economy/smsc-prior-lake-businesses https://www.wozupi.com/

Spirit Lake Tribe, North Dakota Under the Spirit Lake Food Distribution Program Community Food Systems Project, the Spirit Lake Farm-to-Table Committee will build upon the existing Spirit Lake Healthy Community Coalition, a professional organization committed to benefiting community causes through effective interagency collaboration, and will build important multigenerational community connections to leverage existing food systems resources. It will identify and create local market opportunities and provide culturally-focused agricultural and nutrition education to school-age youth to promote careers in farming and food systems. The Tribe also will conduct a cost-benefit analysis for an indoor garden, aquaponics or hydroponics systems to make better use of its available open space.

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, North DakotaFoppo Under the Traditional Foods Initiative, the Tribe will work to preserve traditional Dakota and Lakota foods and promote community gardens. The Tribe will host four community meetings in years one and two to complete its food sovereignty food assessment, develop a Tribal food charter, recruit at least four families to grow, gather and/or hunt traditional foods to provide educational opportunities for others to learn about the availability of traditional foods, and it will develop a food hub for traditional foods. The program has developed the Traditional Foods Pathway to create access to traditional ethnic foods to include in the meals provided for the participants of the program and for the elderly. The program is also the only Tribal program to run the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program under the USDA. https://www.nativebusinessmag.com/three-tribes-receive-grants-to-change-their-native-food- economies/

501(c)3, NATIFS (North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems). His mission is to help indigenous peoples across the world reclaim their ancestral food knowledge, while creating sustainable economies around indigenous food ways. His goal is to have a classroom kitchen to teach about indigenous food ways education and continuously design, develop and offer education around Native American agriculture, seed saving, farming techniques, national botany, wildlife food identification and harvesting, cooking techniques, and food preservation techniques. The restaurant is attached to the nonprofit to act as a financial engine. The Indigenous Food Lab model was carefully constructed to include a revenue source. The Indigenous Food Lab is expected to create opportunity for indigenous foodpreneurs: chefs, producers, educators and other food industry professionals. Sherman hopes to integrate the restaurant and food lab into a Minnesota waterfront development project. https://www.nativebusinessmag.com/sean-sherman-discusses-plans-for-his-sioux-chef-branded- restaurant-first-of-many-indigenous-food-labs/ https://www.natifs.org/

Other • Elderly o Home health services are unknown and not accessible. o Would like additional assistance to support elder care • Unemployment Rate • Language revitalizing program • Housing o There is a long waiting list for houses. The Tribe is currently doing a housing feasibility study.

Legislative Update HB 19 (Representative Stewart-Peregoy) Revise definition of “high-poverty county” for Big Sky Economic Development – Adds new areas to the high-poverty county list for use with the Big Sky Trust Fund grant program and ensures that tribal leaders area aware of the new areas that qualify

HB 524 (Representative Weatherwax) Generally revise laws related to creation of tribal monument and flag circle – authorize you to install tribal flags on the capitol grounds

HB 428 (Representative Morigeau) Expand access to board of investment loans to tribal governments – expands eligibility to tribes to infrastructure and Intercap loan programs in the Montana Board of Investments

SB 312 (Senator Small) Create the looping in native communities network grant program – creates a Missing and Persons Taskforce and provides a competitive grant for tribal colleges to establish a network for collecting, storing, and securing data within the DOJ

HB 632 (Representative Bahr) Require decennial report on economic impact of Indian reservations – requires the Montana Department of Commerce to contract with the Business

Bureau of Economic Research to provide an economic impact by tribes in the state and encourages studies for expanding markets for Montana products

HB 717 (Representative Weatherwax) Establish the Louis Charles Charlo memorial highway – establishes a memorial highway sign recognizing Louis Charlo, a marine and a tribal member of CSKT. He raised two U.S. flags on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jia and was killed as he attempted to rescue a former soldier stranded in an area of the Iwo Jima

HB 748 (Jade Bahr) Establish the Minnie Spotted-Wolf memorial highway – establishes a memorial highway sign recognizing Minnie, the first female Native American Blackfeet to enlist in the Marine Corps in 1943

HB 756 (Representative Smith) Establish the Dolly Smith Akers memorial highway – establishes a memorial highway recognizing Dolly Akers Smith, a tribal member from the Ft. Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes who was the first women elected to the tribal council and became Chair of the council and the first native women to be elected to the Montana legislature in 1932

SB 212 (Susan Webber) Revise resident non-beneficiary student laws – provide consistency in budgeting and clear timeline for payment reimbursements to tribal colleges for resident non- beneficiary or non-tribal members students

Health HB 599 (Representative Windy Boy) Allowing for the Community Health Aide Program for tribal facilities – allows: certain health care services to be performed under the community health aide program, use of federal certification standards for health aides, aides to perform education and/or prevention care in the areas of community, dentistry and behavioral health

HB 696 (Representative Karjala) Appropriating funds for suicide prevention – designed to implement strategies with assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and is part of the Governor’s challenge to prevent suicide among service members, veterans, and their families; and continue state and tribal efforts in implementing the action steps of the Montana native youth suicide

HB 659 (Ed Buttrey) Generally revise healthcare laws and permanently expand Medicaid

SB 30 (Senator Gross) Allowing peer support services to be reimbursed under Medicaid – allows certified behavioral health peer support services to be reimbursed under the Montana Medicaid program

SB 289 (Senator Sands) Provide safe harbor for pregnant women seeking assistance for substance abuse

Criminal Justice HB 369 (Representative Lynch) Generally revise criminal justice laws

HB 654 (Representative Brown) Generally revise laws for funding of treatment courts

Missing Persons HB 21 (Representative Peppers) Establishing “Hanna’s Act” – authorizes the DOJ to employ a person to assist in the investigation of missing persons and manage the database of the National Crime Information Center. HB 20 (Representative Peppers) Revising laws related to the report of missing children

HB 54 (Representative Peppers) Revising laws related to missing persons reports – allows law enforcement to accept a missing persons report without delay unless there are extenuating circumstances

SB 40 (Frank Smith) Require OPI to create and maintain electronic directory photograph repository – directs OPI to create and maintain an electronic photograph repository of individual students for the purposes of providing photographs to law enforcement for students who have been identified as a missing child

Language Preservation HB 33 (Representative Windy Boy) Extend the Montana Indian Language Preservation Program – extends the deadline of the Cultural Integrity Commitment Act through June 30, 2023 and provides funding to public schools for language immersion through OPI

HB 41 (Representative Windy Boy) Extend the Cultural Integrity and Commitment Act (language immersion programs)

Other Legislative Notes: HB 112: (Representative Redfield) Revise importation requirements • DOL bill brought by Redfield that aimed to streamline import requirements for animals, vaccines, semen and other biologics, by allowing the department to tailor their approach to those imports that have significant animal health risks. During testimony and in hearings, concerns were raised about whether the bill applies to Yellowstone Bison. • The Governor proposed amendatory veto language intended to clarify that the bill’s provisions only apply to animals, semen, and biologics imported into Montana—not to animals like Yellowstone bison that migrate by hoof. Those amendments were not adopted. The Governor allowed the bill to proceed to law without signing and issued a signing statement to further clarify our legal opinion that the bill does not apply to Yellowstone Bison and should not impact ongoing and planned work with Bison Quarantine efforts. • Amendatory VETO not supported and passed without signature

HB 132: (Representative Holmlund) Clarify the definition of bison • This bill would change the definition of wild bison, creating unclear conditions for determining what individuals or herds are wild vs. domestic. • We are recommending a veto as the current definition has not created concerns for FWP or DOL. • BILL VETOED

HB 332: (Representative Kassimer) Require county approval to relocate bison

2020 Census census.mt.gov

The 2020 Census is vital to the tribal nations in Montana, tribal community members, and native residents living throughout the state. • Key reasons the Census matters to tribes: o A complete count means Montana gets its fair share of federal funding. More than $2 billion is allocated back to the state each year based on Census counts and information. For every Montana resident counted, the state receives an estimated $2,000 each year for ten years. That is $20,000 per person over the decade. o Census data is used in distributing millions of dollars that serve tribes and native residents. This includes funding for schools and education programs that serve native children, dollars for Indian health services, and infrastructure funds for housing, water and sewage projects, roads, and economic development. o A good Census count will provide important information tribes and reservation communities need to make good planning decisions. o The Census count affects Montana’s representation in the U.S. Congress and at the state and local level. o Several projections show a good count could mean a second U.S. House member for Montana.

Historically, tribal and rural residents nationwide have been undercounted. That’s why it’s so important tribes are involved in promoting the Census. • American Indians in Montana are at risk for an undercount. In 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated nearly 5 percent of American Indians and Alaska Natives living on reservations or in Native villages were undercounted. Nearly half of the Native resident population in Montana live in Census tracts that are considered hard-to-count areas. • The 2020 Census will be the first-time residents can respond online or by phone along with the paper form. However, many reservation areas in Montana have lower levels wireless and internet connectivity. This makes it even more important to get the message out early and assist tribal nations in Montana in establishing “Get Counted” locations where native residents can go to complete the 2020 Census form.

• You can suggest having your tribal governing body issue a proclamation or other public endorsement of the 2020 Census. • There are a number of jobs opportunities with the census. These jobs are flexible, part-time, and the pay is competitive. You can apply for a job or help recruit applicants for 2020 Census jobs in native community areas. The follow-up for those who haven’t completed a Census form on line or via phone is best done by trusted neighbors. This is especially true in tribal communities. Visit https://2020census.gov/en/jobs for more information. • As a leader, you are a trusted voice. You can answer questions and help people overcome misconceptions about the 2020 Census. • Before the Census begins, you can work with us to educate residents on benefits of being counted and reassure tribal members and reservation residents that their questionnaire responses are confidential. • When the Census count starts, you can encourage tribal members to use the tribe’s preferred name when responding to the ‘enrolled or principal tribe’ question on the 2020 questionnaire • Once the counting begins, tribes could provide space for Be Counted sites and Questionnaire Assistance Centers. You can lead this effort for your area. • You can encourage the inclusion of census information in newsletters, mailings and online. The state website census.mt.gov already has messaging available, and new points targeted to various population groups are added all the time. • You can hold an event or have a meeting of tribal leadership to educate tribal leaders on the census and encourage their participation in the outreach efforts.

MAIN STREET MONTANA- RURAL PARTNERS ACTION ITEMS

Below are the next steps and action items the Rural Partners team will take.

• Sports betting kiosk- follow up with Montana Lottery about how this could work. o Anne Charpentier [email protected] 406-444-7090 • Connect with DPHHS about elderly services • Connect Tribe with Cheyenne Commerce Center

Contact Information Elisa Fiaschetti Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Main Street Montana Project [email protected] 444-5472

Jason Smith Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs, Director [email protected] 444-3713

Tara Rice Montana Department of Commerce, Director [email protected] 841-2745

Kathleen O’Leary Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Deputy Commissioner Kathleen.O'[email protected] 444-3302

Ken Fichtler Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Chief Business Development Officer [email protected] 444-5470

Heather Sobrepena Montana Department of Commerce, Indian Country Economic Development Program [email protected] 841-2775

Main Street Montana-Rural Partners Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes Meeting Notes May 30, 2019 1:30-3:30 PM

On May 30, 2019, Lt. Governor Cooney, Jason Smith, Director of Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs, Tara Rice, Director of Depart. of Commerce, Heather Sobrepena, Depart. of Commerce Indian Country Economic Development Program, Kathleen O’Leary, Deputy Commissioner of Dept. of Labor & Industry, and Elisa Fiaschetti, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, met with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council and stakeholders to discuss the community’s accomplishments and successes, as well as their challenges and roadblocks. The Main Street Montana-Rural Partners Project will continue to work with the community to make necessary connections with state and private partners, help provide access to state resources, and continue to have conversations with the community about their needs and priorities.

MAIN STREET MONTANA- PHASE 1

Outcomes from June 2014 meeting Below are the outcomes of the 2014 Flathead Indian Reservation community meeting from the first phase of the Main Street Montana Project. The community identified objectives and accompanying tasks that fall into four core pillars of the Main Street Montana Project. Pillar: Train and Educate Tomorrow’s Workforce Today Objective: Support high school graduation and K-12 workforce and college readiness. Tasks: ➢ More parent/teacher conferences per year ➢ A focus on Headstart and Early Learning ➢ More cultural relevance in education ➢ Prioritize attendance

➢ School-to-work initiative ➢ Job shadowing ➢ Career exploration and readiness ➢ College preparation awareness – including for parents Objective: Support higher education and training opportunities for CSKT students. Tasks: ➢ Apprenticeship and Internship ➢ Succession Management (positions with impending retirements) ➢ Trade programs ➢ Support of PAID internships ➢ Value system emphasis ➢ Provide funding for training ➢ Parental awareness of college readiness

Pillar: Build Upon Montana’s Economic Foundation Objective: Support infrastructure development that enables economic growth. Tasks: ➢ Provide “last-mile” connection for broadband ➢ Train people about the real uses of superfast broadband, such as health and business applications (not just fast Facebook) ➢ Educate the public about priorities and potential on the reservation. Help dispel myths so there is less fear about investing here. Public education about CSKT. ➢ Expand water and sewer capacity in our communities ➢ Re-development agency which applies for grants ➢ Housing ➢ Storefronts or office space for business incubators ➢ Adopt Uniform Commercial Codes-Tribal Secured Transaction Act

Pillar: Nurture Emerging Industries and Encourage Innovation Objective: Develop more business mentorship and management programs for access to new and developing businesses Tasks: ➢ Provide incentives for mentorship ➢ Identifying and growing centers ➢ Funding for centers and mentors ➢ Vetting process for mentors ➢ Define and locate best- practice existing programs ➢ Develop a state-wide program ➢ Mentor government contractors ➢ Corporate mentorship ➢ Support new agricultural enterprise

Pillar: Create a Climate that Attracts, Retains and Grows Businesses Objective: Create meaningful employment at sustainable wages Tasks: ➢ Attract electronic based companies

➢ Identify available labor force ➢ Identify employer needs ➢ Healthcare ➢ Child care ➢ Personal care

MAIN STREET MONTANA- RURAL PARTNERS DISCUSSION

Below are the notes from the Main Street Montana- Rural Partners meeting on May 30, 2019. The notes include potential resources the community can explore to advance their priorities.

Community Priorities Hot Springs Renovate the CSKT Geothermal Hot Springs Facilities at Hot Springs to provide a healing center for local residents, and regional and international tourist. The project includes grants from Montana Big Sky Trust Fund and Indian County Economic Development Program. • Continue to leverage MDOC funding

Opportunity Zones The community is interested in how to best take advantage of the Opportunity Zone designation. Montana’s 25 Opportunity Zones provide one more tool in the tool box for economic development.

Being Prepared for Opportunity Zones Communities designated as Opportunity Zones should consider taking steps that best position for investment, development, and growth within the census tract.

Contact Tash Wisemiller 841-2756 [email protected]

Food Sovereignty The Tribal Council expressed interests in supporting and promoting food sovereignty on the Reservation. This goal is also outlined in the Sustainable Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.

Promote food sovereignty and sustainably develop and distribute local foods to decrease dependence on imported foods and improve health of the people. • Support existing agricultural producers and package local foods for local distribution • Promote individual and community gardens

o Work with Salish Kootenai College to develop community garden and educational programs. Fort Peck Community College has seen success in developing community gardens and offering educational garden programs. • Inventory greenhouse space, seed storage, nursery stock, and other facilities needed for food production and processing. • Develop agricultural enterprises and greenhouses that fill any nutrition gaps with locally- raised foods • Continue to explore potential development of a Tribal bison herd • Continue to explore commercial sale of Flathead Lake lake trout and whitefish – addressing health issues from mercury, etc. • Examine markets for forest/prairie/rangeland-based harvesting, collecting, and value- added marketable products/services in areas without cultural issues. • Develop additional action steps such as providing markets to sell products (explore Oneida model). • Development of a food sovereignty plan and system o Food sovereignty - W.K. Kellogg Foundation- file:///C:/Users/cga050/Downloads/5000498.pdf

Contact: Andy Fjeseth [email protected] 444-3684

Resources: Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center https://lakecountycdc.org/mission-mountain-food-enterprise-center/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 406.676.5905

National Center for Appropriate https://www.ncat.org/ https://attra.ncat.org/ https://growmontana.ncat.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2016/12/LHoward-MT-Native-Food- Sovereignty-Report.pdf

Alternative Energy Resource Organization https://aeromt.org/

Examples of local food and garden projects from Tribal Communities across the US

Bay Mills Indian Community, Michigan

The Bay Mills Indian Community and its local community college (Bay Hill Community College) are developing a 40-acre farm into a teaching, research and incubator facility focusing on sustainable agriculture and food production that is consistent with traditional Anishinabek values. Current operations include hoop house vegetable production, hosting a community garden, pasture poultry production and processing, domestic blueberry production & novel berry research, tending honey bee hives and raising grass-fed beef. http://www.baymills.org/ https://bmcc.edu/about-bmcc/community-services/waishkey-bay-farm

Mdewakanton Sioux Indians, Minesotta The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community owns and operates a diverse collection of enterprises on its lands in Prior Lake and Shakopee, Minnesota. From a tribal garden which spurs tourism and sells local honey and maple syrup, to an all-natural foods store and a variety of family entertainment centers, their enterprises help drive the local economy while providing local jobs. https://shakopeedakota.org/economy/smsc-prior-lake-businesses https://www.wozupi.com/

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, North Daokta Under the Traditional Foods Initiative, the Tribe will work to preserve traditional Dakota and Lakota foods and promote community gardens. The Tribe will host four community meetings in years one and two to complete its food sovereignty food assessment, develop a Tribal food charter, recruit at least four families to grow, gather and/or hunt traditional foods to provide educational opportunities for others to learn about the availability of traditional foods, and it will develop a food hub for traditional foods. The program has developed the Traditional Foods Pathway to create access to traditional ethnic foods to include in the meals provided for the participants of the program and for the elderly. The program is also the only Tribal program to run the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program under the USDA. https://www.nativebusinessmag.com/three-tribes-receive-grants-to-change-their-native-food- economies/

6 food ways in Minnesota. He is working to create the first Indigenous Food Lab - —a live, nonprofit restaurant with a classroom kitchen, created through The Sioux Chef’s existing 501(c)3, NATIFS (North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems). His mission is to help indigenous peoples across the world reclaim their ancestral food knowledge, while creating sustainable economies around indigenous food ways. His goal is to have a classroom kitchen to teach about indigenous food ways education and continuously design, develop and offer education around Native American agriculture, seed saving, farming techniques, national botany, wildlife food identification and harvesting, cooking techniques, and food preservation techniques. The restaurant is attached to the nonprofit to act as a financial engine. The Indigenous Food Lab model was carefully constructed to include a revenue source. The Indigenous Food Lab is expected to create opportunity for indigenous foodpreneurs: chefs, producers, educators and other food industry professionals. Sheramn hopes to integrate the restaurant and food lab into a Minnesota waterfront development project. https://www.nativebusinessmag.com/sean-sherman-discusses-plans-for-his-sioux-chef-branded- restaurant-first-of-many-indigenous-food-labs/ https://www.natifs.org/

Box Cars The Tribal Council expressed concern about the 30-40 box cars that are sitting on the tracks in Dixon. The box cars impact the aesthetics of the area and the Council would like to see them moved, or used for other purposes, like moving forest products and other Montana resources.

Track/cars are operated by Montana Rail Link. We will contact Montana Rail Link and see what options there are.

Forest Products Looking for opportunities to market forest products and take advantage of the resources. • The Tribal Forestry Department generated approximately $2.9 million in revenue from harvesting 17.3 million board feet of timber in 2014.

Roadblocks to advancing this has included permitting and trade disputes, as well as transportation options for getting protects to market.

Resources Montana Department of Commerce, Montana Forest Product Marketing & Exhibitor Assistance Program- Assists Montana forest product businesses to market and promote their products to new and existing domestic and international markets. This is accomplished in part by providing financial assistance to businesses to develop and enhance marketing materials and media, and to exhibit at conferences or events to showcase their Montana forest products. https://marketmt.com/MFPM Angelyn DeYoung, International Trade Manager 841-2783

Montana Department of Natural Resource Forestry Division

7 http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/forestry DNRC Forest Products Tom Perry [email protected] 542-4210

Broadband Limited connectivity in the area and last mile challenges. • Microsoft Airband Initiative in partnership with Native Network is working on providing broadband to underserved areas in rural Montana, including Flathead Reservation. • The community was originally engaged with the project, however, the capital investment was too large and risky to take on, and would like to explore other options and opportunities to get connected.

USDA RD State Director, Charles Robison ([email protected]) and staff will be visiting the Tribe in the coming months and will be able to answer questions regarding USDA’s most recent broadband programs.

Potential internet service providers to partner with: Montana Sky Access Montana

Blackfoot Telecommunications Ronan Telecommunications

Capacity Building • Help to increase capacity of economic development department • Tools/Technical Assistance to help get economic development department going. The individuals within the department are working very hard, but there is so much to do, additional assistance on how to be most effective would be helpful. • What are other communities doing? The State could provide the connection between what other communities are doing, and help share best practices.

Indian Equity Fund Projects • Generally fund between 4-5 businesses/year • Tribal Enterprise • 87% of business support by Indian Equity Fund are still in business

Senior Living/Assisted living • What are other communities doing? o Northern Cheyenne has a good system • How to bring together apprenticeships and working with the college to help solve challenges with assisted living and elderly care.

Workforce and Job Services • Kicking Horse Job services closed in February, which was a big blow to the community. The job service was critical in the community, and impacting young students trying to turn their lives around. • Although this is a federal issue, Kathleen O’Leary (DLI) will look into what other resources might be out there to help support.

HB 524 (Representative Weatherwax) Generally revise laws related to creation of tribal monument and flag circle – authorize you to install tribal flags on the capitol grounds

HB 632 (Representative Bahr) Require decennial report on economic impact of Indian reservations – requires the Montana Department of Commerce to contract with the Business Bureau of Economic Research to provide an economic impact by tribes in the state and encourages studies for expanding markets for Montana products

HB 696 (Representative Karjala) Appropriating funds for suicide prevention - designed to implement strategies with assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and is part of the Governor’s challenge to prevent suicide among service members, veterans, and their families; and continue state and tribal efforts in implementing the action steps of the Montana native youth suicide

HB 659 (Ed Buttrey) Generally revise healthcare laws and permanently expand Medicaid

SB 30 (Senator Gross) Allowing peer support services to be reimbursed under Medicaid - allows certified behavioral health peer support services to be reimbursed under the Montana Medicaid program

SB 289 (Senator Sands) Provide safe harbor for pregnant women seeking assistance for substance abuse

Criminal Justice HB 369 (Representative Lynch) Generally revise criminal justice laws HB 654 (Representative Brown) Generally revise laws for funding of treatment courts

Missing Persons HB 21 (Representative Peppers) Establishing "Hanna's Act" – authorizes the DOJ to employ a person to assist in the investigation of missing persons and manage the database of the National Crime Information Center. HB 20 (Representative Peppers) Revising laws related to the report of missing children

HB 54 (Representative Peppers) Revising laws related to missing persons reports – allows law enforcement to accept a missing persons report without delay unless there are extenuating circumstances

HB 41 (Representative Windy Boy) Extend the Cultural Integrity and Commitment Act (language immersion programs)

• We are recommending a veto as the current definition has not created concerns for FWP or DOL. • BILL VETOED

HB 332: (Representative Kassimer) Require county approval to relocate bison

2020 Census census.mt.gov

• Each of the reservations has a U.S. Census Bureau Tribal Liaison. As tribal leaders, you can work with these partners to direct the Census messaging in your communities and implement a strategy to get every reservation resident to self-respond. MT U.S. Census Bureau Tribal Liaisons for Flathead Reservation is Ronald Trahan • You can suggest having your tribal governing body issue a proclamation or other public endorsement of the 2020 Census. • There are a number of jobs opportunities with the census. These jobs are flexible, part-time, and the pay is competitive. You can apply for a job or help recruit applicants for 2020 Census jobs in native community areas. The follow-up for those who haven’t completed a Census form on line or via phone is best done by trusted neighbors. This is especially true in tribal communities. Visit https://2020census.gov/en/jobs for more information. • As a leader, you are a trusted voice. You can answer questions and help people overcome misconceptions about the 2020 Census. • Before the Census begins, you can work with us to educate residents on benefits of being counted and reassure tribal members and reservation residents that their questionnaire responses are confidential. • When the Census count starts, you can encourage tribal members to use the tribe’s preferred name when responding to the ‘enrolled or principal tribe’ question on the 2020 questionnaire • Once the counting begins, tribes could provide space for Be Counted sites and Questionnaire Assistance Centers. You can lead this effort for your area. • You can encourage the inclusion of census information in newsletters, mailings and online. The state website census.mt.gov already has messaging available, and new points targeted to various population groups are added all the time. • You can hold an event or have a meeting of tribal leadership to educate tribal leaders on the census and encourage their participation in the outreach efforts.

MAIN STREET MONTANA- RURAL PARTNERS ACTION ITEMS

Below are the next steps and action items the Rural Partners team will take.

• Box Cars- Contact Montana Rail Link • Follow up with DNRC Forestry Division regarding Forest Products and Marketing • Infrastructure Bond program now gives Tribes eligibility to Board of Investment (BOI)- BOI to follow up with Tribal Council about programs. • Capacity building and assistance- explore best practices across the state and other states • Workforce and job training- follow up with DLI to see what other resources may be out there to help with loss of Job Services. • Connect on additional resources for Broadband

Contact Information Elisa Fiaschetti Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Main Street Montana Project [email protected] 444-5472

Jason Smith Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs, Director [email protected] 444-3713

Tara Rice Montana Department of Commerce, Director [email protected] 841-2745

Kathleen O’Leary Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Deputy Commissioners Kathleen.O'[email protected] 444-3302

Heather Sobrepena Montana Department of Commerce, Indian Country Economic Development Program [email protected] 841-2775

Main Street Montana-Rural Partners Crow Tribe Meeting Notes June 6, 2019 9:30-11:30 PM

On June 6, 2019, Lt. Governor Cooney, Jason Smith, Director of Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs, Tara Rice, Director of Depart. of Commerce, Heather Sobrepena, Depart. of Commerce Indian Country Economic Development Program, Ken Fichtler, Chief Business Development Officer of Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and Elisa Fiaschetti met with stakeholders on the Crow Reservation to discuss the community’s accomplishments and successes, as well as their challenges and roadblocks. The Main Street Montana-Rural Partners Project will continue to work with the community to make necessary connections with state and private partners, help provide access to state resources, and continue to have conversations with the community about their needs and priorities.

MAIN STREET MONTANA- PHASE 1

Outcomes from July 2004 meeting Below you will find the outcomes of the Crow Reservation community meeting from the first phase of the Main Street Montana project. The community identified objectives and accompanying tasks that fall into core pillars of the Main Street Montana Project.

Pillar: Train and Educate Tomorrow’s Workforce Today Objective: Support high school graduation and K-12 workforce and college readiness. Tasks: ➢ Bring ACE Trainers to the Reservation o Partner with local agencies o Wrap around services

1 ➢ Empower children as early as preschool (CRDC) o Provide good daycare services ➢ Need a GED Program in Crow community ➢ Fatherhood Programs Objective: Support higher education and training opportunities for students. Tasks: ➢ Mentorship o Research facilities for farm labs o Federal extension agents ➢ Coal Tax Royalties o Equal distribution o Honoring treaties for Crow people who want to go to MSU-Billings ➢ Create Crow language and 4 year teaching program in Crow Agency o K-12 bridge program for Crow students ➢ Need a Crow Agency school o Network with MUS ➢ Apsaalooke Education Code

Pillar: Build Upon Montana’s Economic Foundation Objective: Support infrastructure development that enables economic growth. Tasks: ➢ Utility Expansion—water, sewer, power ➢ Internet Communication Services o Reduced rates for all citizens residing on Crow Reservation o Research grants from state and federal governments ➢ Recognition of Crow UCC For State funding purposes and elimination of the limited waiver requirement Objective: Revitalize the strength of the Crow culture through community, economic development, and education from birth to death. Tasks: ➢ Education Implementation of Crow Tribal Law—93-07 o Licensed classes to be implemented in the schools o School board trainings o Funding for teacher training—Early Childhood, Bachelors Program, Associate Degrees ➢ Create Crow Education Summit o Apsaalooke language immersion school ➢ Identify historical and current funding opportunities to revitalize the culture o Create historical institution of Tribal Nations o Expand diversity when marketing Montana

MAIN STREET MONTANA- RURAL PARTNERS DISCUSSION

Below are the notes from the Main Street Montana- Rural Partners meeting on June 6, 2019. The notes include potential resources the community can explore to advance their priorities.

Community Priorities

Broadband and connectivity challenges • Limited connectivity in the area and last mile challenges

Infrastructure • Rural homeowners are on individual wells and septic systems, and many of the septic systems are failing • Chief Plenty Coup State Park potential water contamination from septic tanks • What is the status of maintenance on HWY 212, I-90, and frontage road? There is a lot of traffic on the roads and they need maintenance.

Resources DNRC County Septic Loan Grants may be able to assist private homeowners. Applications go through County Government. Contact

Bill Herbolich 444-6686 [email protected]

Plenty Coups State Park Manager Aaron Kind [email protected] 252-1289

Montana Department of Commerce Delivering Local Assistance Grant Program The Delivering Local Assistance Program was created in 2019 to support communities impacted by natural resource development. Specifically, this program will focus grant funds toward local governments and schools to address the needed investments in facilities and other community infrastructure priorities across Montana. Applications are currently open until Sept 30. https://comdev.mt.gov/Programs-and-Boards/Delivering-Local-Assistance/Administering-a- Grant Contact Jennifer Olson Community Development Division [email protected] 841-2773

Workforce & Education • Would like to increase apprenticeship program • Expand trade program at Little Big Horn College to include plumbing, electrician, carpentry, and renewable energy.

Resources Montana Dept. of Labor and Industry Contact Kathleen O’Leary Kathleen.O'[email protected] 444-3302 https://apprenticeship.mt.gov/

Plenty Doors Economic Development • The group has identified four priority areas o Tourism o Agriculture o Business and retail o Renewable energy • The group meets weekly to move projects along

Tourism • Local tourism committee looking a tourism feasibility

• Lack of infrastructure it still a challenge for moving tourism efforts forward • Tourism may be a good opportunity to diversify the economy • Looking at culturally appropriate opportunities for tourism to have a cultural, authentic experience. • How to build on attractions and events, like the Crow Fair, that already exist.

Resources Montana Department of Commerce https://marketmt.com/ https://marketmt.com/ICP

Examples of tourism projects from Tribal Communities across the US Native Village of Chitina, Alaska The Village of Chitina has worked to capitalize on tourism through the building up of local hospitality infrastructure. They offer a local RV park, a large lakeside cabin for rent, and a small general store. They also charge visitors for recreational permits, that run roughly $15.00 dollars per vehicle. http://chitinanative.com/obrien-creek-permit-program

Ponca Tribe, Nebraska The Ponca Tribe maintain several projects, including the Buffalo Program (a buffalo and tribal lands restoration and educational project), Ponca Trail (a cultural educational trail promoting understanding and tourism from local communities), and the Ponca Tribal Heritage Museum. http://ponca.com/home.html

Picuris Pueblo, New Mexico The Picuris Pueblo hosts a variety of cultural events and eco-tourism attractions such as scenic tours. The tribe also runs a small cultural museum and facilitates of the Intra-Tribal Bison Cooperative that acts as both a local food and revenue source, and tourist attraction. http://www.picurispueblo.org/bison-program-.html

Onondaga Nation, New York The Tribe facilitates a variety of eco-tourism and cultural events. They encourage tourists to attend many cultural ceremonies and festivals. (Ex: the native arts and crafts festival) https://www.onondaganation.org/

Agriculture • Agriculture is the biggest industry on the Reservation • Would like to have a permanent NRS and FSA office on the Reservation • Beartooth RC&D has worked closely with the Dept. of Agriculture on programs like Growth through Agriculture • Community agriculture

o Community gardens o Farm to school/table o Culturally important food o Food Sovereignty • Red Heifer program • Hemp and developing opportunities in hemp came up, and has continued to come up in many of the Tribal visits. o The processing side of hemp is a good opportunity

Contact: Andy Fjeseth [email protected] 444-3684

Resources MSU Extension Big Horn County Molly Masters Extension Agent 406-665-9770 [email protected]

National Center for Appropriate https://www.ncat.org/ https://attra.ncat.org/ https://growmontana.ncat.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2016/12/LHoward-MT-Native-Food- Sovereignty-Report.pdf

Examples of local food and garden projects from Tribal Communities across the US

6 garden, pasture poultry production and processing, domestic blueberry production & novel berry research, tending honey bee hives and raising grass-fed beef. http://www.baymills.org/ https://bmcc.edu/about-bmcc/community-services/waishkey-bay-farm

Examples of Hemp projects from Tribal Communities across the US It is important to note that these projects have been carried out under the respective state’s hemp program. The Montana Department of Agriculture stands ready to work with any interested Tribe in participating in the Montana state plan.

Business Development

• Created a CDFI • Would like to build Technical Assistance and education program for business development. • Assistance with preparing for government contracting

Energy • There is a lot of potential for renewable energy, but need access to the grid. • Currently, it is unknown how much capacity is on the grid, but it’s prudent to start looking at the capacity now. The capacity availability will change with the closing of Colstrip. • Crow and Big Horn County are some of the most coal impacted communities. How will the Tribe be impacted once Colstrip shuts down, and what planning is being done?

Resources Montana Renewables Development Action Plan https://www.bpa.gov/Projects/Initiatives/Montana-Renewable- Energy/Documents%20Montana/Montana-Renewables-Development-Action-Plan-June- 2018.pdf

Dan Lloyd DEQ Energy Planning and Renewables Division [email protected] 444-6459

Lodge Grass • The community has lost most of its businesses. They are working to rebuild and reopen the IGA and ACE. • Workforce is a challenge • The people are the asset and hold great value. Many with addiction problems are just bored, and need to help show them their value and how they can help the community. o Need training in the trades to give people jobs and help rebuild the community

• Received a planning grant for redevelopment of main street. Hoping to bring back the community. • The farmers market is a tool to bring people back together as a community, back to main street, and break down silos to reconnect the community. • Small Business Incubator in downtown building that houses entrepreneurs and small business startups.

Resources Examples of business incubator projects from Tribal Communities across the US

Burns Paiute Tribe, Oregon Economic Development has been a goal since 2015, when they first received a grant through the Rural Development Grant Program (RPDG) to facilitate the creation of a small business incubator and encourage entrepreneurship. They hoped to provide business training to local tribal members and create a venue in which to sell locally-made goods. 2018/2019 - With the goal of spurring economic development in the community, the Burns City Council voted to use $5,000 to hire a grant writer to pursue more funds for the same purpose. The funds were already set aside in the budget for economic development. This is still in development. https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/news-release/burns-paiute-tribe-provide-resources-small- business-development-support-usda https://btimesherald.com/2019/01/30/burns-council-votes-for-economic-development-fund/

USDA Rural Business Development Grant- https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural- business-development-grants

Garbage Infrastructure • The tribe has not had trash removed in 3 years because they cannot pay the bill. • Without garbage collection, many people are burning the trash • They have a business plan to build a garbage facility, and would like to meet with someone at the state about the plan. o There is a similar plan in Lodge Grass, and could be supported by a CDL program at the school.

Opportunity Zones • Beartooth RC&D is working on a prospectus with the Tribe.

The community is interested in how to best take advantage of the Opportunity Zone designation. Montana’s 25 Opportunity Zones provide one more tool in the tool box for economic development.

Being Prepared for Opportunity Zones Communities designated as Opportunity Zones should consider taking steps that best position for investment, development, and growth within the census tract.

Contact Tash Wisemiller 841-2756 [email protected]

Other • Unemployment rate on the reservation is not accurate. • Many state programs are targeted at Tribal governments. Is there any way that native led nonprofit organizations located on Indian reservations be eligible for programs without the required contract or agreement? In the past, the Tribal Business Planning grant was available only to Tribal governments unless the Tribe agreed to let another entity apply for the grant with a contract/agreement. This causes delays in the application and award process because the Tribe government had to sign an agreement. The program now allows native led nonprofit organizations to apply for this grant if the Tribal government has not applied to the grant. Can this be an option for other state programs? • BIA water treatment facility- has been hard to find workforce o Check with Montana Rural Water on training opportunities for operators. - http://www.mrws.org/