Officials in Cut Bank, Montana, apologized for the mistreatment of members of the Blackfeet Nation, who said they have been the victims of racism and discrimination in the border town.

Tribal members said they are treated differently when they patronize businesses in the town. "We want change, but that means you're going to have to change yourselves. You're raised with prejudice, or at least a large majority of you, so we've quit going to Cut Bank, quit doing business there," said Rosie Crawford, whose 13-year-old grandson was accused of shoplifting last week, The Great Falls Tribune reported.

The meeting was called by Mike Little, a tribal member who settled a civil rights complaint against the city after his 15-year-old daughter stopped by an officer because she lived on the reservation. More recently, three white males were charged for beating Ron Rides at the Door, a tribal member who serves as commissioner for Glacier County.

City officials said they would find out how many Indians work for the city and for the police department.

Get the Story:
Cut Bank officials listen to Blackfeet concerns about racism (The Great Falls Tribune 12/4)

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