Protecting Tribal Sovereignty

Tribal sovereignty must be respected in practice

Tribal sovereignty is not a talking point. It is a legal and moral responsibility that must be respected by the federal government. For too long, Tribal nations have had to fight to be heard in decisions that directly affect their lands, people, and futures.

As a member of the Fort Belknap Indian Community, Michael Black Wolf understands that this issue is deeply personal, but it is also bigger than any one person. It is about making sure Tribal nations are treated as governments, not afterthoughts. The current site already frames this issue around honoring treaties, empowering Tribal governments, and ensuring equal partnership, which is the right foundation to build on.

Honoring treaties and federal trust responsibilities

The United States has binding obligations to Tribal nations. Those obligations should not be ignored, delayed, or weakened when they become politically inconvenient. Michael supports stronger accountability in how the federal government upholds treaty commitments and trust responsibilities.

Respect begins with recognizing that Tribal nations have the right to govern their own affairs, shape their own futures, and be consulted as equal partners in decisions that affect them.

Supporting Native-led solutions

The best solutions for Tribal communities should come from Tribal communities. Michael supports Native-led investment in housing, education, economic development, healthcare, and infrastructure.

That means backing policies that move resources into the hands of Tribal governments, Native organizations, and community leaders who understand local priorities and can build lasting results.

Stronger government-to-government relationships

Too often, Tribal consultation happens late, inconsistently, or only after major decisions are already in motion. Michael supports a stronger government-to-government approach that brings Tribal leadership into the process early and treats consultation as meaningful, not performative.

Real partnership requires respect, transparency, and follow-through.

A stronger future for Native communities and Montana as a whole

Protecting Tribal sovereignty is not separate from Montana’s future. It is part of building a stronger state where justice, opportunity, and self-determination are taken seriously.

When Tribal nations are respected and empowered, Montana is stronger. Michael will fight for policies that reflect that truth.