Montana’s reservation communities still are not enjoying the same economic benefits as the rest of the state.
Governor Steve Bullock told Native American business leaders meeting in Billings the state is doing what it can to address chronic unemployment and boost entrepreneurship.
Bullock says this includes helping those who want to start or grow a business get bank loans or secure collateral. He points to successes during the 2015 Montana Legislature to address those issues.
"State government cannot be that obstacle to the right of Indian people to thrive as both citizens of our state and of citizens of Indian nations," Bullock says.
The Democrat told attendees at the Native American Development and Procurement conference it’s unacceptable that entrepreneurs have to leave the reservation to find prosperity.
Bullock wants reservation residents and communities to enjoy the same low unemployment and economic health the rest of the state is currently enjoying.
"It is unacceptable to me that Native American communities in Montana – anywhere for that matter – often do not see the full benefits of our state’s prosperity. We can’t have statewide economic prosperity without economic prosperity in Indian country as well."
The conference continues through Thursday.
