"Montana Native Americans have heard it before.

'A top priority is improving the economies on the state's Indian reservations;' 'Native Americans will play a more important role in a new state administration;' and 'Cooperation will be the watchword in relations between tribal governments and the state.'

In 2005, however, it feels different.

For one thing, the budget's in better shape.

For another, Gov. Brian Schweitzer not only says the right things, but he's also taken affirmative steps toward doing them, too � including appointing Indians to important administration positions.

In addition to filling the Indian Affairs coordinator job (Reno Charette, a Crow), he's filled six other administration posts with Indians and named six Indians to state boards and councils."

Get the Story:
Schweitzer starts well on tribal-state relations (The Great Falls Tribune 3/16)

Related Stories:
Woman defines role as Indian affairs coordinator (3/15)
Montana Natives take center stage at inaugural ball (02/14)
Montana governor appoints two tribal members (02/14)
Montana governor announces Indian affairs liaison (01/21)
Family of Indian women are key political players (01/13)
Three Indian women to help new Montana governor (11/24)
Indian lawmakers in Montana set priorities (11/17)