Dan Pocha

Erin Farris-Olsen will make our legislature stronger.

Helenans living in Senate District 41 have an opportunity to make history on June 2 by voting for Erin Farris-Olsen.

Erin and her two children are part of Helena’s urban Indigenous community and enrolled members of the Brothertown Indian Nation, headquartered in and recognized by the state of Wisconsin. If elected, Farris-Olsen has pledged to join Montana’s American Indian Caucus, an influential, bipartisan group of legislators that delivers results for both native and non-native communities.

Right now, SD 41 is one of 14 legislative districts where a Native American is running for the state legislature. If Native American are ultimately elected to each of these 14 districts then they would comprise 9.3 percent of all lawmakers in the House and Senate. That mark would not only set a record for Native American representation in our state capitol, it would also match, exactly, the percentage of Native Americans in Montana’s population as a whole.

In addition to Erin’s experience as a statewide non-profit leader, conservationist, and lawyer, she’s also been a valuable member and partner of the Last Chance Community Powwow. Her leadership and energy have made Helena’s Powwow committee stronger, and I have no doubt she would make our legislature stronger, too.

Please vote Erin Farris-Olsen for SD 41.