Governor Gianforte Joins Tribal Leaders to Launch Workforce Warriors Poster Series

CROW AGENCY, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte yesterday joined Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) Commissioner Sarah Swanson and tribal leaders to launch the Workforce Warrior poster and video series, a campaign that features Native Montanans and their career journeys and community contributions in fields including skilled trades, entrepreneurship, health care, education, public service, and business.

"The Workforce Warrior campaign reflects the strength, leadership, and contributions of tribal citizens and communities across Montana," Gov. Gianforte said. "We are grateful to the Workforce Warriors who have chosen to share their experiences, and we remain committed to our partnership with Montana's tribal nations to support a growing, skilled workforce."

Gov. Gianforte announcing the Workforce Warriors poster campaign during an event in Crow Agency

The Workforce Warrior campaign, developed through the DLI Office of the Tribal Liaison, is part of DLI's Hope & Realization Initiative, a tribally-centered effort to support tribal communities in developing their own strategies for education and workforce programming. Through invitation and formal consultation, DLI supports tribal governments, colleges, and Tribal Employment Rights Officers in building resources, like the Workforce Warrior series, Tribal workforce roundtables, tribally hosted job expos, and youth-focused idea sharing sessions that respond to locally identified needs.

Joining the governor and commissioner for the announcement was Crow Tribe Chairman White Clay, who recognized the importance of identity, role models, and community leadership as part of the campaign.

"This is a great start to our collaboration through our workforce programs with the state. We have a lot of good projects that have resulted from our collaboration with the Crow Tribe and the State of Montana, and this is one of them," Chairman White Clay said. "It's hard in Indian Country to have a lot of good male and female role models. When we see these Workforce Warriors out there, and they are doing positive things in our community, it will inspire the next generation and the generation after that."

During the event, Commissioner Swanson introduced a Workforce Warrior video featuring Clarent Stewart, and Workforce Warrior Mesa Bell shared remarks about participating in the campaign and the importance of sharing Native career stories.

"The Workforce Warrior campaign is grounded in collaboration and in the voices of the Workforce Warriors themselves," said DLI Commissioner Swanson. "We are honored to work alongside tribal communities and support efforts that elevate their stories, priorities, and contributions to Montana's workforce."

"The reservation is hard and there are not many role models for females or males. I experienced hardships at 17 years old and I ended up not finishing high school," said Mesa Bell, a participant in the Workforce Warrior campaign. "When I turned 19, I enrolled in Salish Kootenai College in the heavy equipment and CDL program. Now, I am on the Fort Belknap Reservation, and I am a heavy equipment operator. I've been there for a year and a half and I run everything from an excavator to a snowplow."

"The Workforce Warriors are sharing their own stories - stories of purpose, community, perseverance, and accomplishment," said Donnie Wetzel of the Montana Department of Labor & Industry's Office of the Tribal Liaison. "This series recognizes the many ways tribal members provide for their families, tribal communities, and Montana's economy."

Earlier this year, the National Association of State Workforce Agencies recognized the Hope & Realization Initiative with its William J. Harris Equal Opportunity Award for its community-centered approach to advancing equal opportunity and workforce access.

Workforce Warrior posters and video interviews are being shared statewide with schools, Tribal Colleges, workforce partners, employers, Job Service offices, and community organizations. Organizations interested in supporting the series can access the videos and order posters at no charge here.

A video recording of the announcement can be viewed here.

###