2025 Priority Issue Area: Indigenous Justice

The ACLU of Montana is dedicated to support Indigenous voices in securing and enshrining rights in several legislative spaces such as childcare, voting rights and education. We intend to make strides on issues where we have already seen success, like improving the Montana Indian Child Welfare Act (MICWA). In that vein, we hope to make improvements to Indian Education For All (IEFA), to ensure Montana’s children receive accurate lessons on the history of our state, and so that Indigenous students see themselves and their history represented.

We're tracking the following 2025 legislation that could impact Indigenous rights:

 SB 147, the Montana Indian Child Welfare Act (MICWA), protecting Native children, preserving tribal sovereignty, and addressing systemic disparities in Montana’s child welfare system. ACLU of Montana SUPPORTS this bill.

 SB 181, a revision to the Education For All (IEFA) Act, enhancing the constitutional obligation by requiring schools to collaborate with Montana tribes to create culturally responsive curriculums; mandates transparency and annual reporting to track IEFA implementation; provides better oversight of how IEFA funding is used, preventing harmful misuse; and ensures educators receive training on Native history and culture. ACLU of Montana SUPPORTS this bill.

SB 220, the Montana Native Americans Voting Rights Act (NAVRA), ensuring that Native American communities have equitable access to voting infrastructure, addressing long standing disparities in election accessibility. ACLU of Montana SUPPORTS this bill.

SB 224, establishing Indigenous People's Day, adding Indigenous Peoples' Day to be the list of state-recognized holidays in Montana; Indigenous Peoples' Day would be observed on the second Monday in October, alongside Columbus Day. ACLU of Montana SUPPORTS this bill.

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TAKE ACTION: Click here to learn how to speak with your legislator, including how to contact them online or virtually attend a committee hearing.