Flathead Reservation Human Rights Coalition
On July 24-28, the Flathead Reservation Human Rights Coalition (FRHRC) held its second annual youth camp. It was a great success with 17 youth from the Flathead Reservation and 20 from Seattle's Community Leadership Institute participating. One of the many highlights of the week was the Diversity Dancers, also from Seattle, Washington, who delivered a message of diversity through a dance performance. The Network extends a congratulations to FRHRC Youth Coordinator Tracy McNair and the others who made this event a success.
On August 12, FRHRC sponsored its annual Western Montana Human Rights Picnic. Despite a last minute change in venue due to the fire danger at the National Bison Range, over 30 people showed up to enjoy the company of human rights activists. Cathy Billie and Darlene Watkins were presented with awards for their dedication and years of service to human rights work on the Flathead Reservation.
FRHRC also co-sponsored "Teen Crazy Days 2000" with the Salish and Kootenai Housing Authority on August 15-17. Over 100 youth participated in white-water rafting and other recreational activities.
Missoula Advocates for Human Rights
The Missoula Advocates for Human Rights (MAHR) sponsored a screening of the documentary Dongo Kundu that was produced by area residents Gene Bernofsky and Ken Furrow. The documentary is an expose of a Canadian mining company and its plan to develop a strip mine in Kenya that would displace entire villages. The event drew a sold out crowd at the Crystal Theater.
On August 16, the MAHR was supposed to sponsor its first Human Rights Festival. However, due to a Stage 2 air alert caused by the forest fires in western Montana, the event had to be canceled. The event was organized as a way for Missoula to show its unified voice of diversity and was a smashing success. The Network will keep you posted if the event is rescheduled.
Billings
In Billings, Mayor Chuck Tooley formed a human relations commission. The commission is charged with discussing and promoting dialogue on human rights issues the community. Longtime Human Rights Network member Margie McDonald and Network board member Susan Decamp have been appointed to serve on this nine-member board.
Bitterroot Human Rights Alliance
The Bitterroot Human Rights Alliance found itself responding to some rather outrageous hate mail and letters to the editor from factions of the far right throughout the summer. Tactics of threats and intimidation, particulary attempts to single out and smear individual activists, occurred on a regular basis this summer in the Bitterroot Valley.
The alliance is organizing a community event to thank the men and women who are fighting the fires in the Bitterroot Valley. "We need to remember we are the employers of these folks, and we need to give them a pat on the back for a job well done," said John Schneeberger of the Bitterroot Human Rights Alliance.
Gallatin Human Rights Task Force
The Gallatin Human Rights Task Force held a luncheon in late July for its board and three visitors from Croatia, Macedonia and Brazil. Conversation centered around human rights in America and the visitors' countries, along with the challenges of protecting human rights and freedom of speech.
Members and staff attend conference
Eight Network staff and volunteers from the Flathead Reservation Human Rights Coalition, Missoula Advocates for Human Rights and the Montana Youth Action Network traveled to Portland in June for the Community Strategic Training Initiative (CSTI) conference. CSTI was sponsored by the Western States Center. Members attended workshops on a myriad of human rights and social justice issues, coming away with a renewed commitment towards their work and volunteer efforts.