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HELENA, Mont. – Misty Kuhl, an A’aniiih member of the Fort Belknap Indian Community, has been appointed by Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte to lead the state’s Department of Indian Affairs.

“Misty shares my commitment to create new partnerships and build stronger bridges with our eight tribal nations,” Gov. Gianforte said in a statement. “I campaigned on the promise of bringing new and greater opportunities to Indian country, and I look forward to working with Misty and our tribal leaders to deliver.”

Kuhl serves as director of Native American Outreach at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Mont., and has decades of experience working with Native communities in areas such as business and leadership.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Montana and our Native nations, and am excited to build on Jason’s Smith’s work for the last eight years. I love our vibrant, resilient, strong Tribal communities,” Kuhl said in a statement. “I love Montana, and I’m committed to doing the best work I can in this important role. I firmly believe our governor cares deeply about Native issues, and I’m looking forward to the privilege of executing his vision.”

Kuhl was born and raised in Montana, and graduated cum laude from Montana State University-Billings with a degree in human services.

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