More than 8 percent of Montanans are Native – the 5th highest ratio in the U.S. And Indigenous young people are a cornerstone of our future workforce. About 14 percent of Montana’s school-age population is Native American compared to about 1 percent nationally.

Montana’s diverse tribal communities play a vital role in Montana’s history, culture, and economy. And yet, many non-native tech leaders know little about their Indigenous neighbors.

Misty Kuhl, Aaniiih Member of the Fort Belknap Indian Community, will address common areas of confusion like:

• Distinguishing between a tribe and a reservation

• How tribal membership is determined and how Native people prefer to be addressed

• How tribal communities are funded and managed

• Legal and policy issues impacting Indian country

• Specific ways anti-racism, equity and inclusion apply to Indigenous people

Speaker Bio:

Misty Kuhl was born in Havre and is a member of the Fort Belknap Indian Community. As a first-generation college graduate, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Services (Cum Laude) from Montana State University-Billings.

Misty spent several years working with tribal communities in New Mexico as a probation officer, and then nationally as a Director with the Native American Alliance Foundation. Following her work with NAAF, she lived out her love for the outdoors and was an outdoor guide for several years, eventually taking over Outdoor Programs for Kirtland Air Force Base. She especially loves paddling whitewater and trail running. Misty is a champion for diversity in outdoor recreation and loves helping people get outside. Entrepreneurship opportunities in outdoor technology brought her “home” to Montana.

Being back in Montana ignited a renewed passion for serving Indian Country. Currently Misty is the Coordinator for Native American Programming and Outreach at Rocky Mountain College, and before that she served as Tribal Liaison and Field Representative for Montana’s At-Large Congressman, Greg Gianforte.