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.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Chief Arvol Looking Horse Honors UFW’s Dolores Huerta and Olympian Billy Mills
Native News Weekly (November 17, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Rep. Mary Peltola's Reelection Race Still to be Called
Support Independent Indigenous Journalism That Holds Power to Account
With the election now decided, Native News Online is recommitting to our core mission: rigorous oversight of federal Indian policy and its impact on tribal communities.
The previous Trump administration’s record on Indian Country — from the reduction of sacred sites to aggressive energy development on tribal lands — demands heightened vigilance as we enter this new term. Our Indigenous-centered newsroom will provide unflinching coverage of policies affecting tribal sovereignty, sacred site protection, MMIR issues, water rights, Indian health, and economic sovereignty.
This critical watchdog journalism requires resources. Your support, in any amount, helps maintain our independent, Native-serving news coverage. Every contribution helps keep our news free for all of our relatives. Please donate today to ensure Native News Online can thrive and deliver impactful, independent journalism.
