Western Native Voice Departs WORC to Launch Its Own Network

New network will “organize and support Native-led civic engagement efforts.”

By Deb Love

Western Native Voice was established in 2011 by a powerful group of Native women with a vision to nurture and elevate Native leadership, amplify Native voices, and advocate for policies that create positive change for Indigenous communities.

Since then, WNV has achieved all of that and more. It has become one of the most well-respected and influential Native-led grassroots organizations in the country. Time and again, WNV has defended Native voters in Montana against efforts to make it harder for them to vote. It has also done truly inspiring work, engaging and registering voters on Montana’s seven reservations and in urban centers, which has largely contributed to the state legislature now having the largest American Indian Caucus in Montana’s legislative history, with its size matching the proportion of Native Americans in Montana’s population.

Given its success, it’s hardly surprising, then, that WNV has recently taken the logical and bold step of forming its own network, called the National Civic Engagement Network, which will “organize and support Native-led civic engagement efforts at the national level by sharing resources, communications strategies, and organizing approaches tailored to Native/Indigenous communities.”

“We deeply value the relationships and experiences gained through our participation in the WORC network,” WNV’s board chair, Montana Wilson, wrote in a letter to WORC’s board. ”Furthermore, we are grateful for the collaboration, shared learning, and mutual support over the years. We believe it’s time to empower Indian Country, which requires our full attention as Western Native Voice launches its own network.”

While I’m sad to see WNV leave the network, I’m inspired by the launch of the National Civic Engagement Network. I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to engage with WNV on the incredible work it’s done during my time as the executive director of WORC. We will, of course, continue to support WNV and its network in any way we can. I view this not so much as an ending as a new beginning.

While I’m sad to see WNV leave the network, I view its departure not so much as an ending as a new beginning. I’m inspired by the launch of the National Civic Engagement Network and look forward to our continued partnership.