Nora Mabie
@noramabie.bsky.social
Indigenous affairs reporter at Montana Free Press
The federal government recently directed states to stop issuing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits in November.
That means more than 77,000 Montanans — and potentially 41 million Americans — could lose access to food assistance if the federal government shutdown continues.
That means more than 77,000 Montanans — and potentially 41 million Americans — could lose access to food assistance if the federal government shutdown continues.
Shutdown could stop SNAP benefits for 77,000 Montanans
Montana food bank leaders say the disruption of benefits would hurt individuals, families and communities statewide.
montanafreepress.org
October 22, 2025 at 5:25 PM
The federal government recently directed states to stop issuing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits in November.
That means more than 77,000 Montanans — and potentially 41 million Americans — could lose access to food assistance if the federal government shutdown continues.
That means more than 77,000 Montanans — and potentially 41 million Americans — could lose access to food assistance if the federal government shutdown continues.
NEW: After years of legislative debate, today marks the first time the state of Montana - home to 12 tribes and 7 reservations - has officially observed Indigenous Peoples' Day as a legal holiday.
For the first time, Montana officially celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day
After years of legislative debate, Oct. 13 marks the first time the state has officially observed the day as a legal holiday.
montanafreepress.org
October 13, 2025 at 4:21 PM
NEW: After years of legislative debate, today marks the first time the state of Montana - home to 12 tribes and 7 reservations - has officially observed Indigenous Peoples' Day as a legal holiday.
It was my pleasure to join tribal housing experts on Native America Calling this morning. We spoke about the causes and consequences of Indian Country's housing crisis and heard from a listener about their experience.
open.spotify.com/episode/0xyq...
open.spotify.com/episode/0xyq...
Monday, October 6, 2025 – Tribal housing advocates work against a tide of obstacles
open.spotify.com
October 6, 2025 at 9:22 PM
It was my pleasure to join tribal housing experts on Native America Calling this morning. We spoke about the causes and consequences of Indian Country's housing crisis and heard from a listener about their experience.
open.spotify.com/episode/0xyq...
open.spotify.com/episode/0xyq...
I've spent more than a year investigating housing insecurity in tribal communities across Montana. Part 1 of our series, The Shelter Gap, explains how the housing shortage thwarts the development of a middle class on reservations, perpetuating cycles of poverty. montanafreepress.org/2025/09/29/h...
No roads home: How a chronic housing shortage keeps reservation communities in crisis.
Part 1 of a three-part series examining barriers to buying, renting and building homes on reservation land and highlighting the community benefits of secure housing.
montanafreepress.org
September 29, 2025 at 2:44 PM
I've spent more than a year investigating housing insecurity in tribal communities across Montana. Part 1 of our series, The Shelter Gap, explains how the housing shortage thwarts the development of a middle class on reservations, perpetuating cycles of poverty. montanafreepress.org/2025/09/29/h...
Reposted by Nora Mabie
UPDATE: Results released just after midnight Wednesday show both bonds passing, each by only a few hundred votes.
Helena voters narrowly approve $283M school bonds
Results released just after midnight Wednesday show both bonds passing, each by only a few hundred votes.
montanafreepress.org
September 10, 2025 at 1:13 PM
UPDATE: Results released just after midnight Wednesday show both bonds passing, each by only a few hundred votes.
Scoop: The state health department’s highest-ranking official focused on American Indian health is resigning from her position. Stephanie Iron Shooter said "recent events" led to her resignation, according to an email obtained by MTFP.
High-ranking tribal official resigns from state health department, cites ‘recent events’ as reason in an email
Stephanie Iron Shooter’s tenure at the state Department of Public Health and Human Services was mired in controversy, as she repeatedly fielded concerns from tribal leaders about the agency.
montanafreepress.org
September 5, 2025 at 12:52 AM
Scoop: The state health department’s highest-ranking official focused on American Indian health is resigning from her position. Stephanie Iron Shooter said "recent events" led to her resignation, according to an email obtained by MTFP.
Reposted by Nora Mabie
While the city’s ‘housing sprint’ was a success, officials say the closure of the 165-bed facility will strain Missoula’s remaining shelter, especially as the weather cools.
Missoula’s Johnson Street homeless shelter closes
While the city’s ‘housing sprint’ was a success, officials say the closure of the 165-bed facility will strain Missoula’s remaining shelter, especially as the weather cools.
montanafreepress.org
September 2, 2025 at 11:44 PM
While the city’s ‘housing sprint’ was a success, officials say the closure of the 165-bed facility will strain Missoula’s remaining shelter, especially as the weather cools.
Although Native Americans are exempted from many of the new state and federal requirements, representatives from tribal governments and Urban Indian Organizations raised red flags about the risks of increased bureaucracy.
‘More questions than answers’: Tribal representatives caution state health officials against plan for Medicaid work requirements
The state’s draft plan comes months ahead of the federal timeline laid out by the Trump administration’s domestic policy bill. Tribal representatives urged Montana officials to slow down.
montanafreepress.org
July 31, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Although Native Americans are exempted from many of the new state and federal requirements, representatives from tribal governments and Urban Indian Organizations raised red flags about the risks of increased bureaucracy.
IndigiPalooza, a 2-day event in Missoula, MT, brings together more than a dozen Native artists, musicians and writers for panel discussions, live music, an art market and more.
New ‘IndigiPalooza’ event to celebrate Native art, storytelling
IndigiPalooza brings together more than a dozen Native artists, musicians, writers and creators for panel discussions, live music, an art market and more.
montanafreepress.org
July 23, 2025 at 5:20 PM
IndigiPalooza, a 2-day event in Missoula, MT, brings together more than a dozen Native artists, musicians and writers for panel discussions, live music, an art market and more.
‘Our doors would have to close’: Tribal college leaders in Montana say Trump’s proposed cuts threaten their institutions and would harm the state's economy. #mtnews #mtpol
‘Our doors would have to close’: Trump’s proposed cuts threaten tribal colleges
The threat of federal cuts is already impacting students and staff.
montanafreepress.org
July 7, 2025 at 5:28 PM
The group of tribal plaintiffs argue that changes to Election Day voter registration laws disproportionately harm Native Americans in rural and tribal communities who already face significant barriers to voting.
Tribes move to join lawsuit challenging Montana election laws
“It’s racism to try and enact the same laws over again,” said Fort Belknap Indian Community President Jeffrey Stiffarm.
montanafreepress.org
June 25, 2025 at 8:22 PM
The group of tribal plaintiffs argue that changes to Election Day voter registration laws disproportionately harm Native Americans in rural and tribal communities who already face significant barriers to voting.
Montana's state budget includes several new investments for Indian Country — a historic increase in funding for tribal colleges and $367,000 to support repatriation efforts at UM.
State budget includes new investments in tribal colleges, repatriation
The state’s budget includes a historic increase in funding for tribal colleges and appropriates more than $367,000 to a team at the University of Montana dedicated to repatriating cultural items to tr...
montanafreepress.org
June 25, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Montana's state budget includes several new investments for Indian Country — a historic increase in funding for tribal colleges and $367,000 to support repatriation efforts at UM.
Facing darkness head-on is the guiding principle of a new semester-long class at two schools on the Blackfeet Reservation. #mtnews
Using (very) heavy metal to prevent suicide and process grief
A new class on the Blackfeet Reservation helps students engage with art to cope with distress and make meaning from pain.
montanafreepress.org
June 19, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Facing darkness head-on is the guiding principle of a new semester-long class at two schools on the Blackfeet Reservation. #mtnews
Reposted by Nora Mabie
The Aiuppa family was told their daughter had 2,000% more lead in her bones than an average child. She began breaking bones in 2022 & hasn’t stopped. She’s had a broken finger, forearm and a tibial spiral fracture in her leg — twice.
via @thatsmohrlikeit.bsky.social
www.sfgate.com/national-par...
via @thatsmohrlikeit.bsky.social
www.sfgate.com/national-par...
'Biggest regret of our lives': Kids allegedly lead poisoned in Yellowstone
Yellowstone let a family live in lead-contaminated housing, a new lawsuit alleges.
www.sfgate.com
June 11, 2025 at 4:14 PM
The Aiuppa family was told their daughter had 2,000% more lead in her bones than an average child. She began breaking bones in 2022 & hasn’t stopped. She’s had a broken finger, forearm and a tibial spiral fracture in her leg — twice.
via @thatsmohrlikeit.bsky.social
www.sfgate.com/national-par...
via @thatsmohrlikeit.bsky.social
www.sfgate.com/national-par...
Tribal leaders say the funding cuts disrupt critical healing processes for boarding school survivors, families and tribes, and keep the general public from learning the truth about what happened at these schools.
‘Slap in the face’: Trump cuts halt Indian boarding school digitization effort
Tribal leaders say the funding cuts have serious implications for boarding school survivors, their families and the general public.
montanafreepress.org
June 3, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Tribal leaders say the funding cuts disrupt critical healing processes for boarding school survivors, families and tribes, and keep the general public from learning the truth about what happened at these schools.
NEW: Members of Montana’s American Indian Caucus say the 2025 legislative session may have been the group’s most successful yet.
The caucus successfully advanced legislation establishing Indigenous Peoples Day, extending child welfare protections, bolstering state efforts to combat #MMIP and more.
The caucus successfully advanced legislation establishing Indigenous Peoples Day, extending child welfare protections, bolstering state efforts to combat #MMIP and more.
Montana’s American Indian Caucus touts historic success in 2025 legislative session
Members of Montana’s American Indian Caucus say the 2025 legislative session may have been the group’s most successful yet. Rep. Thedis Crowe, a freshman legislator from Browning, said the group “beca...
montanafreepress.org
May 30, 2025 at 6:53 PM
NEW: Members of Montana’s American Indian Caucus say the 2025 legislative session may have been the group’s most successful yet.
The caucus successfully advanced legislation establishing Indigenous Peoples Day, extending child welfare protections, bolstering state efforts to combat #MMIP and more.
The caucus successfully advanced legislation establishing Indigenous Peoples Day, extending child welfare protections, bolstering state efforts to combat #MMIP and more.
Native Americans in Montana are four times more likely to be reported missing than their counterparts. Several new laws aim to address the crisis. #mmip #mmiw #mtnews
New laws address Montana’s missing and murdered Indigenous people crisis
Native Americans in Montana are four times more likely to be reported missing than their counterparts. Several new laws aim to address the crisis. The new laws aim to bolster the state’s Missing and M...
montanafreepress.org
May 29, 2025 at 4:37 PM
A new law professionalizes doula care in Montana. Supporters believe it will expand access to maternal care and improve health outcomes, particularly in rural and tribal communities. montanafreepress.org/2025/05/14/g... #mtnews #mtpol
Governor signs new law professionalizing doula care
Supporters say the new law will expand access to maternal care in Montana, particularly in rural and tribal communities.
montanafreepress.org
May 15, 2025 at 3:35 PM
A new law professionalizes doula care in Montana. Supporters believe it will expand access to maternal care and improve health outcomes, particularly in rural and tribal communities. montanafreepress.org/2025/05/14/g... #mtnews #mtpol
Breaking: After a decade-long fight, the state of Montana — home to 12 tribes and 7 reservations — will now recognize Indigenous Peoples Day. #mtnews
At long last, Montana to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day
After a decade-long fight, the state of Montana will now recognize Indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday in October.
montanafreepress.org
May 9, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Breaking: After a decade-long fight, the state of Montana — home to 12 tribes and 7 reservations — will now recognize Indigenous Peoples Day. #mtnews
BREAKING: A group of Montana students, families and tribes recently reached a settlement agreement with the Montana Board of Public Education — a major development in a years-long class action lawsuit regarding the implementation of Indian Education for All. #mtnews #mtpol
Under settlement, Montana Board of Public Ed vows to improve how state teaches Native American history and culture
A group of Montana students, families and tribes reached a settlement agreement with the Montana Board of Public Education — a major development in a years-long class action lawsuit regarding the impl...
montanafreepress.org
May 6, 2025 at 2:13 PM
May 5 is a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. As groups lead marches, panels, protests and other events nationwide, a Blackfeet father demands justice in his daughter’s case. #mmip #mmiw #mmiwg2s
On MMIP day of awareness, Blackfeet father demands justice
Jadie Butterfly is one of thousands of Indigenous people who go missing or are murdered each year, a crisis so prevalent it has its own acronym, MMIP.
montanafreepress.org
May 5, 2025 at 5:55 PM
NEW: Funding challenges have crippled the Medicine Bear Lodge homeless shelter on the Blackfeet Reservation. Looming federal cuts could threaten its existence. #mtnews
Funding issues compounded by possible federal cuts threaten future of Blackfeet homeless shelter
The Medicine Bear Lodge homeless shelter on the Blackfeet Reservation is surviving on a shoestring budget. Looming federal cuts could threaten its existence.
montanafreepress.org
April 21, 2025 at 4:15 PM
NEW: Funding challenges have crippled the Medicine Bear Lodge homeless shelter on the Blackfeet Reservation. Looming federal cuts could threaten its existence. #mtnews
NEW: This year will likely make history, as a bill establishing Indigenous Peoples Day in Montana is poised to become law. Senate Bill 224 now heads to the governor's desk — marking the most significant progress the legislation has made in a decade.
After a decade of failed attempts, bill establishing Indigenous Peoples Day poised to become law
Senate Bill 224 now heads to Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte’s desk.
montanafreepress.org
April 10, 2025 at 8:25 PM
NEW: This year will likely make history, as a bill establishing Indigenous Peoples Day in Montana is poised to become law. Senate Bill 224 now heads to the governor's desk — marking the most significant progress the legislation has made in a decade.
NEW: Blackfeet tribal members are suing the federal government, alleging Trump's tariffs on Canada violate the Constitution and tribal treaty rights. It's the latest example of tribes flexing their sovereign status to oppose new federal policy. #mtpol #mtnews
Blackfeet tribal members sue feds over Canada tariffs
The lawsuit — filed one day before thousands of people participated in nationwide protests against the Trump Administration — is the latest example of tribes flexing their sovereign status to oppose n...
montanafreepress.org
April 7, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Almost exactly one year into the job, Montana’s Missing Indigenous Persons coordinator has left the post.
While the DOJ spokesperson said the task force will continue to meet while the position is open, staffing issues have stalled the group’s work in the past. #MMIW #MMIP #mtnews
While the DOJ spokesperson said the task force will continue to meet while the position is open, staffing issues have stalled the group’s work in the past. #MMIW #MMIP #mtnews
Top role in Missing Indigenous Person Task Force vacant as lawmakers consider bills combating crisis
While a Montana Department of Justice spokesperson said the task force will continue to meet while the position is open, staffing issues have stalled work in the past.
montanafreepress.org
April 2, 2025 at 3:59 PM