News From Around
Ronan
The Flathead Reservation Human Rights Coalition is hosting a series of brown bag lunches. On September 16, the brown bag featured a viewing of the documentary Red Thunder which discussed gold mining on the Fort Belknap Reservation. On September 30, Octave Finley spoke about Indian boarding schools and the impact they had on Native American families. And on October 6, Eve Malow from Amnesty International gave a presentation.
Young activists in Polson have formed a local youth organization called PUNKS (Progressive, United Network of Kids).
On Saturday, October 24, FRHRC, PUNKS, and others held a vigil for Matthew Shepard in Polson that was attended by approximately 60 people.
FRHRC hosted a fundraiser with the People's Center in Pablo on November 6. The fundraiser featured the premier of Naturally Native, a movie written by, directed, and starring Native Americans. Salish actress Kimberly Norris Guerro was at the premier and gave presentations at local schools. Many may recognize Guerro from her role on Seinfeld or in the made-for-T.V. movie, Geronimo.
Missoula
The Missoula Advocates for Social Justice was one of many groups involved in planning the Matthew Shepard vigil in Missoula on Monday, October 19. A memorial service was attended by approximately 500 people followed by a silent march to Carras Park where the vigil continued with songs and readings. MHRN member Ren Essene read a statement on behalf of MHRN.
On October 22, MHRN board member George Waring gave a presentation titled "Chilling Echoes: The Similarities Between Historical European Fascists and Montana Radicals" at a Peace Potluck co-sponsored by the Advocates and Jeannette Rankin Peace Resource Center. About 50 people attended this event.
Helena
MHRN co-director Christine Kaufmann was a featured speaker at the Matthew Shepard vigil held in Helena. Many members were part of a crowd of approximately 200 people who attended the emotional vigil.
"The Human Rights Hour" radio show will be starting up again after a short hiatus due to construction of a new broadcast facility. The show airs every Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. on 87.5 FM.
The Helena Human Rights Task Force is sponsoring an essay and poster contest this January for middle school and high school students to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. The theme this year is "nonviolent social change." Interested Helena students may contact the Network at 442-5506.
Bozeman
The Gallatin Human Rights Task Force helped organize a vigil for Matthew Shepard on Thursday, October 15. Approximately 125 people showed up for this event.
Bitterroot
The Bitterroot Human Rights Alliance held a vigil for Matthew Shepard on November 5. Northwest Coalition Against Malicious Harassment director, Bill Wassmuth, was the featured speaker. The BHRA also was successful in getting the County Commission and Hamilton City Council to adopt a "proclamation of tolerance."