Zinke Joins in North American Indian Days Traditions

Press Release

Montana candidate for U.S. Congress Ryan Zinke visited the Blackfeet Tribe in Browning on Saturday to take part in the 63rd Annual North American Indian Days, a celebration of Blackfeet traditions that includes a parade, traditional dancing, and other festivities.

"It was an honor to spend time with so many of the Blackfeet people," said Ryan Zinke, "I grew up just over the hill from [Browning] and have a great deal of respect for the Blackfeet way of life and their traditions."

Zinke, who retired from active duty after serving 23 years as a Navy SEAL, emphasized the need for increased access to care for Native Veterans, as well as increasing employment opportunities for all natives.

"Many members of the Blackfeet tribe have served our country bravely, and yet upon returning home, many of them can't find employment or access to healthcare," continued Zinke, "We need to make sure that our Native Veterans receive the care they deserve, and one essential component of that is making sure there are jobs to support them, and the rest of the tribal community."

Promoting policies to help create jobs and economic opportunity for tribal members is at the top of Zinke's agenda for Indian Country.

"The people here are ambitious and hard working--they have a true warrior spirit," said Zinke, "There are so many opportunities for good paying jobs here, but in order to jumpstart job growth and economic development we need to get the federal government out of the way."

Capitalizing on natural resource development, forestry management jobs, and trade industry jobs were among the ideas presented by Zinke for improving economic growth.

He also emphasized the importance of education and ensuring that native youth are equipped with the skills necessary to meet the demands of the technologically advanced and rapidly changing job market.

"Rural areas, including reservations, are often times the last places to receive the latest technologies, and increasing student accessibility to high speed internet and other technologies is an important part of preparing them for the workforce."

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