Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes

A report commissioned by the MacArthur Foundation explores justice system inequities that cause Native Americans to be incarcerated at much higher rates than the general population. State data showed that Native people make up about 7% of Montana’s population but are at least 20% of the state prison population.

Indigenous people are incarcerated at a rate 38% higher than the national average, and are over-represented in the prison population of 19 states. They're also given harsher sentences than other racial groups, a new report says.

Lake County agreed in the 1960s to provide law enforcement services on behalf of the state across the Flathead Reservation. But county commissioners say taxpayers can’t afford to pay for those services, estimated at $4 million annually.

Lake County commissioners Monday proposed an ordinance to withdraw from an agreement to provide law enforcement services on the Flathead Reservation.

Wildlife conservation groups have created an app for citizen scientists to help data collection efforts on animal movements across Montana. One of the goals of the program is to prevent wildlife collisions on roads and train tracks.

Our question this week comes from a listener in Helena named Bob Flipovich, who wants to know who owns the most water rights in Montana. Water rights determine who can take water out of our lakes and streams, and how much they can take.

The Biden administration awarded nearly $75 million to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai and Blackfeet tribes Tuesday to expand broadband access on tribal lands.

Hundreds of people gathered on Indigenous Peoples' Day Monday to dedicate a landmark bridge in Missoula in honor of a Salish tribal leader and his descendants.

Millions of dollars of grant funding are flowing into Montana to help health officials and tribes expand treatment for those addicted to opioids and stimulants.

The commission charged with redrawing Montana into 150 legislative districts is touring the state to gather public comment on maps drawn by Republicans and Democrats. During a stop in Pablo, some residents pushed back against proposals they say will dilute the Native vote.