Letters to the Editor

Thank You Governor Steve Bullock

I am writing to applaud Governor Steve Bullock for his strong leadership in confronting COVID-19 and his initiative to bring additional testing to our most vulnerable populations.

On May 15 and 16, any member of our community in Fort Belknap could get tested for the coronavirus at a drive thru testing facility set up through a state, local, and tribal government partnership. Over 1,000 tests were completed in that two day window.

Governor Bullock has always been a strong ally to Indian Country, and the expanded testing that just occurred at Fort Belknap Indian Community –– and will expand to other Indian reservations –– is another example of his commitment to looking out for our Tribal Community and keeping the public healthy

This testing keeps our public health and tribal leaders informed on how the virus is spreading and helps us continue to keep our community healthy.

Thank you,

Clarena Brockie

Thank You Governor Steve Bullock

and Tribal Community

This past weekend the Fort Belknap Indian Community hosted a drive thru COVID-19 testing. This pandemic has the potential to devastate our Tribal Communities if it were to spread across a reservation as well as any community. Our elders and those in our community with underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable to this virus.

I want to thank Governor Steve Bullock for his leadership managing this unprecedented crisis and for his continued partnership with our Tribal Community. From this past weekend's increased testing to his swift approach preparing for COVID-19, his proactive measures have saved lives and left Montana and our Tribal Community in a stronger, healthier position than neighboring states. With testing supplies provided by the state, over 1,000 tests were completed in just two days.

There were many volunteers and such a positive collaborative effort by Tribal Programs, National Guard and IHS that it took me 10 minutes to drive through and get tested. Thank you to all volunteers, organizers and last but not least our tribal leaders.

Very grateful for the success we have seen holding back this virus in Montana and on our reservation.

Sincerely,

Ramona Hom