Stories for Action

Addiction intersects with nearly all of our lives - directly or indirectly. Whether it's alcohol, pills, or other forms of drugs, addiction not only impacts the individual, but is felt through entire communities, having an immense impact on human life, economies, medical services, and more. But current mainstream pathways for addiction recovery in the U.S. are costly and can perpetuate vicious cycles of addiction. In this episode, we look at the topic of addiction and improved pathways to recovery, by focusing on the organization Alliance for Youth and one of their programs, The Sober Life, based in Great Falls, Montana. Their approach fills a critical gap by creating community and joy around sobriety, which has lead to long-term recovery success, with measurable impacts to public health, local economies, and overall community well-being. We hear from Alliance for Youth's Development Director, Thomas Risberg, and learn about the Wellbriety Movement, which provides culturally based healing for Native and non-Native folks. We also hear from participants and group leaders in The Sober Life's Red Road to Wellbriety program; Bobby Takes Enemy and Destiny.  This episode is made possible through support from Headwaters Foundation, working side-by-side with Western Montanans to improve the health of our communities. Stories for Action is a hybrid production company based in Montana, that produces short films, a podcast series, and hosts story workshops…all with a mission to spark positive action through the power of storytelling. Learn more about our work at www.StoriesforAction.org or on FB & IG @StoriesforAction. LINKS: Alliance for Youth The Sober Life Substance Abuse Prevention Alliance of Cascade County Wellbriety with Don Coyhis - full talk White Bison, Inc. Healing Together Conference (Colorado, June 2025) Hosted by Wellbriety Movement & other partners Wellbriety Movement  Montana’s Peer Network Rocky Mountain Treatment Center - (Great Falls, MT)  Never Alone Recovery Support Services-NARSS (Ronan, MT) Beautiful Minds Recovery - (Butte-Silver Bow County & Missoula County) Eastern Montana Community Mental Health Services - including substance abuse services, for adults & youth Services for Veterans (Western Montana Mental Health Center) Eastern Montana Veterans Home (Glendive, MT) STEP, Inc. - sober living (Billings, MT) Rimrock - rehab services (Billings, MT) Many Rivers Whole Health (Kalispell, MT) Free Alcohol & Drug Rehab Centers in Montana Recovery Centers of Montana MT Dept of Health & Human Services - Substance Use Disorder Services & Resources Addiction Recovery: A Systematized Review  Effects of Social Support and 12 step involvement, article Role of Recovery Support Services in Addiction Recovery, article  SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - Helpline SAMHSA Treatment Locator Info for family members of those experiencing addiction Western Montana Health Center, Youth Services Neighborworks Montana - home lending & ownership resources statewide “The Montana Legislative Session from an Indigenous Perspective” - Stories for Action podcast episode     #recovery #addiction #addictionrecovery #rehab #sober #sobriety #soberlife #greatfalls #montana #community #localleadership #peersupportservices #recoverysupportservices #alcoholic #alcohol #406 #meth #fentanyl #drugfree #alcoholfree #health #publichealth #healthyliving #prevention #youth #kratom #vaping #methinmontana 

In this episode, we hear about different community-guided and collaborative efforts taking place around river health (and therefore the well-being of the land and people), in the region of Missoula, Montana. You'll hear from those whose lives connect to these rivers; to inspire ways for folks to engage, but also to gain insight to all of the moving parts that contribute to a healthy community and watershed. This episode is the recording of a panel and community discussion we hosted after a screening of the film Life in the Land: The Upper Yellowstone River in Missoula in November 2024. The panel includes Brian Chaffin (Executive Director of Clark Fork Coalition), Jennifer Harrington (Director of UM's Native American Natural Resource Program), Sarah Christensen (area rancher, Pintler Mountain Beef), and Travis Craft (area fishing guide, Thunder Hammer Fly Fishing).  The event was co-hosted by Jessie Thomas of Sustainable Wellness , whose philosophy is "the world needs us to show up for ourselves and each other. Your health is where we start". The event was also hosted by the International Wildlife Film Festival and The Roxy Theater.  Stories for Action is a hybrid production company based in Montana, that produces short films, a podcast series, and hosts story workshops…all with a mission to spark positive action through the power of storytelling. Learn more about our work at www.StoriesforAction.org or on FB & IG @StoriesforAction. LINKS: Clark Fork Coalition UM's Native American Natural Resource Program Thunder Hammer Fly Fishing Pintler Mountain Beef Tribal Consultation Policy & Practice: Jennifer Harrington's Graduate Thesis, regarding CSKT involvement with Superfund process Frenchtown Smurfit Stone Community Advisory Group PLWA - Public Land Water Access Association Article: Bitterroot landowner proposes fences across Mitchell Slough Sustainable Wellness The Redside Foundation - providing health and support services for the outdoor guiding community Life in the Land The gathering that this episode was recorded at, was made possible through a grant from the Montana Forest Collaboration Network and the Montana Watershed Coordination Council. We thank them for their support of the Life in the Land project.   #rivers #Montana #collaborativeconservation #superfund #agriculture #familyranching #ranching #watershed #clarkfork #bitterrootriver #blackfootriver #bitterrootvalley #community #rural #water #cleanwater #publicland #river #fishing #flyfishing #montanafishing #Montanarivers #getoutside #collaborate #stewardship #conservation

In the Summer of 2024, I was fortunate to visit the country of Timor-Leste, in Southeast Asia. This trip was through a professional exchange program hosted by The Mansfield Center and the Department of State. I worked with a local filmmaker in Timor-Leste, Salvador de Jesus, to host workshops for youth about filmmaking & elevating story for advocacy purposes. This episode shares about this time…including perspectives shared by Timorese people and my own perspectives gained from this mere glimpse into a place…glimpses of cultural revival and cultural evolution, human/environment relationships, stories of resistance to oppression and fights for freedom, absorbing the contagious excitement of a younger generation, and learning through observation & interaction. Stories for Action is a hybrid production company based in Montana, that produces short films, a podcast series, and hosts story workshops…all with a mission to spark positive action through the power of storytelling. Learn more about our work at www.StoriesforAction.org or on FB & IG @StoriesforAction. LINKS: The Mansfield Center YSEALI Fellowship and other Mansfield exchange programs Metresi Productions (Timorese filmmaker Salvador de Jesus): Website  IG: @metresi_production  FB: Filme Deit House Production  Commission for Reception, Truth, & Reconciliation CAVR, Timor-Leste History overview of Timor-Leste Centro Audiovisual Max Stahl Timor-Leste Fundaceo Oriente, Timor-Leste Rotaract Club of Dili,Timor-Leste Laudato Si'Movement Timor-Leste   #Timorleste #timor-leste #timor #easttimor #travel #southeastasia #yseali #mansfield #exchangeyourworld #usdepartmentofstate #filmindustry #womeninfilm #tourism #asia #indonesia #travelabroad #culture #statedept  #travelpodcast

In Montana, 1 out of 9 people (and 1 in 6 children) are food insecure, meaning they lack access to enough food to lead a healthy life, or don’t even know where their next meal is coming from. This lack of access can be financial or physical, for those who are in rural areas far from delivery routes. We know that food is essential for life and therefore essential for our communities to thrive. So how do we improve this access…for those who are in a tight financial position, or to support our local farmers & ranchers in order to build momentum for a more localized food system, and therefore more secure supply chains? In this episode, we look at the full system of food security in Montana; from producer to consumer, hearing about the reality of the situation, pathways to improvement & engagement, and we hear about locally-guided entities across the state doing incredible work to improve food security in their community. Interviews feature the Child Nutrition Manager & Policy Director from the Montana Food Bank Network, and the Specialist for the Eastern Montana Food & Ag Development Center. This episode is made possible through support from Headwaters Foundation, working side-by-side with Western Montanans to improve the health of our communities. LINKS: Featured: Montana Food Bank Network - find your local food bank on their map MT Food Bank Network Backpack Program MT Food Bank Network School Pantry Program Great Northern Development Corporation Eastern Montana Food and Ag Development Center Headwaters Foundation (episode sponsors and supporters of food security efforts in Western Montana) Some Food Pantries & Access Resources: Helping Hands - Hardin, MT Missoula Food Bank Mobile Market, for Missoula area Seniors, Garden City Harvest Billings Food Bank Flathead Food Bank - Kalispell, MT Livingston Food Resource Center Hunters Against Hunger, MFBN Program  Montana Veterans Meat Locker The Producer Partnership Custer County Food Bank - Miles City, MT Havre Food Bank SW Montana Veterans Food Pantry  SNAP in Montana WIC in MT - Women, Infants, & Children - food support Summer EBT, Sun Bucks, Information Families: text “FOOD” to 304-304 to see nearby summer meal locations or visit www.nokidhungry.org/find-free-meals  Native-led Food Sovereignty Programs: FAST Blackfeet People’s Food Sovereignty Program - CSKT People's Food Sovereignty Program - Stories for Action podcast episode Joe & Kathy Kipp of Blackfeet Nation - Stories for Action podcast episode Rocky Boy Sustainability & Food Sovereignty Program Woicago Tipi Cooperative Farm - Fort Peck Yellow Bird Life Ways Center - Northern Cheyenne Day Eagle Hope Project - Fort Belknap All Nations Health Center - Missoula  Resources for Food Producers:  MT Food & Ag Development Centers Montana Cooperative Development Center MT Department of Agriculture Grow Through Agriculture grant Business Enhancement Program (food/ag) Business Acceleration & Marketing grant (food/ag) Value Added Producer grant Food Hubs & Localizing MT Food Systems: Abundant Montana - connect producers and customers to local food sources Hopa Mountain Farm Connect MT (Formerly CFAC) Trust Montana - community land trusts Western Montana Growers Co-op Montana Food Hub - Great Falls & North Central MT Rolling Plains Co-op - Northeast Montana Yellowstone Valley Food Hub Old Salt Co-op Montana Cooperative Development Center The Farm Bill USDA funding for localized food: announced Fall 2024 Find your Montana Legislators  Stories for Action is a hybrid production company based in Montana, that produces short films, a podcast series, and hosts story workshops…all with a mission to spark positive action through the power of storytelling. Learn more about our work at www.StoriesforAction.org or on FB & IG @StoriesforAction.     #storiesforaction #food #local #localfood #foodsecurity #foodinsecurity #montana #406 #montanafarm #montanaranch #snap #foodbank #montanafoodbank #hungry #foodaccess #community #communitydevelopment #rural #farmersmarket #housing

In the past 5 years, Montana's average home price has gone up 71%, while the average income has only increased 25%. The lack of housing, and that which is attainable for working class residents, is creating a crisis for residents, employers, local economies, public health, community well-being...everything. In this episode, we hear from seven people all working in different areas of this topic around Montana, and we aim to provide information and perspectives that encourage us to have more nuanced and proactive outlooks and responses to this topic. We also shine a light on creative actions taking place around the state, and share resources for folks feeling the pressures directly. Of course the pressures of increased housing costs is something being felt around the country, and around the globe...so no matter where you call home, there is a wealth of information shared in this episode that can be applied to other regions. This episode is longer than most of ours, so of course feel free to listen in segments as you wish. This episode was generously supported by Headwaters Foundation, working side-by-side with Western Montanans to improve the health of our communities. They say, "We believe that housing is part of the foundation for a healthier, more equitable future." Learn more at www.headwatersmt.org. Thank you to Shauni Seccombe for research and editing support on this episode. LINKS: Shelter WF Governor's Housing Task Force Trust Montana Stories for Action podcast featuring Trust Montana North Missoula Community Development Corporation HomeFront Billings Bespoke of Montana Habitat for Humanity chapters serving Montana Beyond Building - regenerative design & education in Montana Engage Whitefish Montana Association of Counties, about growth policies  State Grants for communities to adopt/update a Growth Policy Montana Growth Policy Resource Book NeighborWorks Montana NeighborWorks Great Falls Native Homeownership Coalition Montana Native Growth Fund - financing Great Northern Development Corporation Action for Eastern Montana MEIC - Montana Environmental Information Center HRDC - Human Resource Development Center Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program Montana Emergency Rental Assistance (MERA) Program The Housing Choice Voucher and Moderate Rehabilitation programs - rental assistance for low-income earners MT Department of Commerce Housing Program Resources for rental assistance & homeowner assistance from State USDA Montana Board of Housing Loans USDA Rural Development Report: Programs for Housing Available Housing in Montana - Database for rental & homeownership Strong Towns  Confessions of a Recovering Engineer & related books The Affordable City - book by Shane Phillips Life in the Land - films & podcasts from Stories for Action, sharing stories from rural regions of Montana Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to spark positive action for people and place. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction     #housing #Montana #housingcrisis #affordablehousing #406 #sustainability #homeless #unhoused #economy #mortgage #housingpressures #rental #housingcrunch #community 

This is Part 2 of 2 of our episodes on the Mighty Few. We HIGHLY encourage you to first listen to Part 1, as it provides essential context. Part 2 expands on youth empowerment, connections to traditional cultures, and the approaches necessary to move this community development work forward in a good way. Historically, and still today, the Mighty Few (a District of the Apsáalooke or Crow Nation in Southeast Montana) have proven their name through resourcefulness, determination, and strength in unity. Witness the process of this community strengthening their connection to identity, the land, and community togetherness. Through truly grassroots efforts, the Mighty Few are guiding action that creates necessary healing, economic opportunities, and self-determination to thrive into the future. We hope this episode can be used to support the work featured, as well as provide insight for other communities looking to create greater opportunities from within.  This episode pairs with the film Life in the Land: The Mighty Few. The Life in the Land project is a series of films that hears from folks around Montana speaking to the value in community-guided and holistic approaches within the landscape. The content is available for free at LifeintheLand.org LINKS: Wyola Development Fund Mighty Few Development Authority Wyola Mighty Few Youth Group - FB Page Intro to Crow Culture & History, via Little Big Horn College Indigenous Collaboration, consulting service Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to spark positive action for people and place. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction This episode was produced by Lara Tomov & Stories for Action, Producer Lesley Kabotie, Narration & Contributing Writing by JoRee LaFrance, Contributing Writing by Marina Weatherly, Associate Producer Robyn Iron, Production Support in the field from Rachal Male Bear Stone. Gratitude to those who helped to make this production possible, and to the people and landscape of the Mighty Few and Crow Nation.     #CrowNation #mightyfew #crowtribe #Apsaalooke #wyola #CrowReservation #communitydevelopment #community #Montana #406 #public health #rural #ruraldevelopment #ruralcommunities #native #indigenous #indigenousleadership #nativeleadership #culture #nativelanguage #localleadership #local #thinklocal #indianrelay

Iikooshtaka’atbaatchaache, home of the Mighty Few. Historically, and still today, the Mighty Few (a District of the Apsáalooke or Crow Nation in Southeast Montana) have proven their name through resourcefulness, determination, and strength in unity. Witness the process of this community strengthening their connection to identity, the land, and community togetherness. Through truly grassroots efforts, the Mighty Few are guiding action that creates necessary healing, economic opportunities, and self-determination to thrive into the future. We hope this episode can be used to support the work featured, as well as provide insight for other communities looking to create greater opportunities from within.  This is Part 1 of 2 of our episodes on the Mighty Few. Part 1 provides historical and cultural context of the people and place here, describes the specific community development projects, and discusses the value in creating a foundation of community connection and well-being. It also features an interview with Jamie Kirby, Program Director of the Montana Urban & Community Forestry Program.   This episode pairs with the film Life in the Land: The Mighty Few. The Life in the Land project is a series of films that hears from folks around Montana speaking to the value in community-guided and holistic approaches within the landscape. The content is available for free at LifeintheLand.org LINKS: Wyola Development Fund Mighty Few Development Authority Wyola Mighty Few Youth Group - FB Page DNRC's Urban & Community Forestry Program Intro to Crow Culture & History, via Little Big Horn College Indigenous Collaboration, consulting service Western Native Voice Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to spark positive action for people and place. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction This episode was produced by Lara Tomov & Stories for Action, Producer Lesley Kabotie, Narration & Contributing Writing by JoRee LaFrance, Contributing Writing by Marina Weatherly, Associate Producer Robyn Iron, Production Support in the field from Rachal Male Bear Stone. Gratitude to those who helped to make this production possible, and to the people and landscape of the Mighty Few and Crow Nation.     #CrowNation #mightyfew #crowtribe #Apsaalooke #CrowReservation #communitydevelopment #community #Montana #rural #ruraldevelopment #ruralcommunities #native #indigenous #indigenousleadership #nativeleadership #localleadership #local #thinklocal #indianrelay

Along this stretch of the Upper Yellowstone River in Montana, various dynamics exist. Hear from a rancher, a river restoration professional, an outdoor recreation business owner, and a Traditional Ecological Knowledge educator who are all deeply connected to this river. Whether the challenge is drought, flood, impact from river recreation, development, or otherwise, witness how approaches that are guided by local communities and by the river itself can create greater resiliency for the people and place here. This is Part 2 of 2 of our episodes on the Upper Yellowstone River, focusing on the impact from increased river recreation, a community-guided response to this pressure, and the impacts of land use changes, rural community disconnects, and the challenges and value in collaborative approaches. This episode pairs with the film Life in the Land: The Upper Yellowstone River. The Life in the Land project is a series of films that hears from folks around Montana speaking to the value in community-guided and holistic approaches within the landscape. The content is available for free at LifeintheLand.org LINKS: The Upper Yellowstone Watershed Group Montana Freshwater Partners Project Indigenous Dan Bailey's Outdoor Co. Park County Environmental Council Give Back to the Yellowstone Campaign Wild Livelihoods Business Coalition Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to spark positive action for people and place. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction     #yellowstone #montana #rivers #upperyellowstone #paradisevalley #recreation #flyfishing #fishing #montanarivers #montanafishing #rafting #community #rural #watershedgroup #climatechange #wyoming #yellowstonenationalpark #nationalpark #bozeman #livingston

Along this stretch of the Upper Yellowstone River in Montana, various dynamics exist. Hear from a rancher, a river restoration professional, an outdoor recreation business owner, and a Traditional Ecological Knowledge educator who are all deeply connected to this river. Whether the challenge is drought, flood, impact from river recreation, development, or otherwise, witness how approaches that are guided by local communities and by the river itself can create greater resiliency for the people and place here. This is Part 1 of 2 of our episodes on the Upper Yellowstone River, focusing on the historic floods in 2022, the aftermath, and looking forward for resiliency for people and place. This episode pairs with the film Life in the Land: The Upper Yellowstone River. The Life in the Land project is a series of films that hears from folks around Montana speaking to the value in community-guided and holistic approaches within the landscape. The content is available for free at LifeintheLand.org   LINKS: The Upper Yellowstone Watershed Group Montana Freshwater Partners Project Indigenous Dan Bailey's Outdoor Co. Park County Environmental Council Give Back to the Yellowstone Campaign Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to spark positive action for people and place. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction   #yellowstone #montana #rivers #upperyellowstone #paradisevalley #flooding #climatechange #rural #montanarivers #flyfishing #yellowstonenationalpark #river #bozeman #livingston  

Wildlife and humans have a need to move across the landscape. But our modern modes of travel have put those necessary pathways at odds with one another. Our highways create barriers for animals to carry out the daily movements and seasonal migrations that are necessary for their survival. For people, crossing paths with an animal on the highway is also a threat to our own safety and a cause for collisions that cost around $8 billion in damages in the U.S. every year. The topic of wildlife-vehicle collisions lies at the literal intersection of human needs and wildlife needs. In this episode, we take a look at how our approaches to this topic can relate to all areas of planning how our human needs and communities advance, in a way that acknowledges our place within our environments. We will hear from members of Yellowstone Safe Passages, a community-guided coalition in Southwest Montana that is taking a holistic approach to mitigate this issue. We will hear from a road ecologist about what this work looks like on the ground and the jaw dropping costs of continued conflict. And a policy expert will share how this topic creates bipartisan engagement and a model for productive legislative action. In this episode, WE HEAR FROM:  Marcel Huijser, Western Transportation Institute Liz Fairbank, Center for Large Landscape Conservation Max Hjortsberg, Park County Environmental Council Peter Brown, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Erin Sito, Wildlands Network Members of Yellowstone Safe Passages Other LINKS: Yellowstone Safe Passages Yellowstone Safe Passages Facebook Yellowstone Safe Passages Instagram Download the ROaDS app to contribute data as a citizen scientist! Follow directions on the linked document. Paradise Valley Online Dashboard of Citizen Science Data Montanans for Safe Wildlife Passage Wildlands Network Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes Wildlife Crossing, Flathead Reservation Upper Yellowstone Watershed Group Ben Goldfarb's book on road ecology, Crossings Ologies podcast episode with Ben Goldfarb on Road Ecology ARTICLES: Introducing Yellowstone Safe Passages Montana Projects Receive $9 million for Wildlife Crossings Report calls for highway improvements to lessen wildlife-vehicle collisions (in Montana) Mandating Wildlife Crossings in Mexico’s Infrastructure U.S. Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program   This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action. The series hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at LifeintheLand.org. Reach out if you would like to host a free screening of the content for your community, organization, or classroom! Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to spark positive action for people and place. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction   #Yellowstone #wildlife #roadecology #ecology #sustainability #montana #environment #ruralamerica

Today we will hear from Patrick Yawakie-Peltier, co-Founder of Red Medicine LLC, an Indigenous civic engagement service based in Montana. Patrick was present throughout Montana's legislative session this year, advocating for and against policy that will impact the state's tribal members. Patrick will share with us his personal experience in the session as an Indigenous person and community advocate, and also his calls for improved engagement and approaches in our state legislative process. Patrick shares messages intended for tribal members to gain information and entry points for advocacy, and also for non-Native folks to gain valuable insight and perspective. Like many of our episodes attempt to do, I hope that no matter your demographic, you can gain some insight about others or even yourself through these conversations…as I believe, whether you agree with someone or not, it benefits us to be more informed about the challenges, and humanized perspectives of those we share our world with. This episode also shares some context and introductory information on Montana's unique tribal communities and a few specifics that contribute to the field of Indian Law. We encourage you to continue your research on these topics. Below are a few links for starting points. LINKS: Red Medicine LLC on Facebook People's Food Sovereignty Program Native American Influences on U.S. Government Montana Indigenous Tribes: Their History & Location (from Office of Public Instruction) Montana Indian Education for All - curriculum & information for all ages Info on Indian Child Welfare Act: National Indian Child Welfare Association Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 American Indian Movement: AIM "The 1950's plan to erase Indian Country" piece from American Public Media Land Status of Indian Country in Montana: Policy Basics House Bill 163 to extend task force for MMIP - Missing & Murdered Indigenous Persons Indigenous language revitalization What the session means for Indian Country: Char-Koosta News article Article on funding for internet access for rural and tribal communities This episode is made possible with support from Headwaters Foundation, working side-by-side with Western Montanans to improve the health of our communities. Headwaters is committed to supporting the health and sovereignty of Native Americans through their grants and partnerships. Learn more at www.headwatersmt.org, or find them on Instagram and Facebook. Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. Learn more at StoriesforAction.org  Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction #tribalsovereignty #legislation #policy #tribalpolicy #indianlaw #montana #montanalegislators #democrat #republican #indigenous #indigenousvoices #nativevoices #advocacy #community #reservation #policymaker #senator #congressperson #helenamontana #mmip #mmiw #icwa #stategovernment #aclu #flatheadreservation  

It seems like these days, if you spend even the slightest amount of time tuned into public events and rhetoric, you become aware of growing divisions...that there is a silent, or sometimes very loud pressure to “pick a side”, narratives and messaging coming from higher levels of public messaging, social media, policymakers, to align, to pit us against them, and sometimes this narrative can grow louder than the moral compass inside our own head. This episode with Marissa Hackett touches on a lot of things, and I hope that one of them sparks an answer for you on how we can humanize one another again, individualize the real stories behind our actions and bandwagons. This conversation is about respecting the sacredness of a connected community and connection to place...it’s about sharing story, removing stigmas, and normalizing the hard conversations, and empowering us to allow human connection to rise above political divides.  Marissa Hackett speaks to her connection to the people and places of Montana, her work with the Human Resource Development Center in Park County and the realities in rural areas of folks needing support with housing, food, safety from abuse, or other vulnerabilities. She also touches on her experience growing up in what she terms as a cult, and parallels she sees with divisive messaging tactics that are growing today. LINKS: Marissa Hackett's blog "Breaking the Cycle" on Substack Human Resource Development Center (HRDC) Southwest Chemical Dependency Community Health Partners Leadership 49 program - MSU Park County Extension Montana Veteran's Affairs Division Livingston Food Resource Center ASPEN - Abuse Support Prevention Education Network Park County Library Article: MSU Extension & MT Dept of Ag join new USDA regional food business center partnership Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center This episode was made possible through support from Meadowlark Guide Co, which hosts river trips and retreats that embrace the mountains, prairies, and rivers of Montana and Wyoming. They weave together elements of personal development, healing modalities, and adventure with the intent that you will find deeper and meaningful connection to place, self, and community. _______________________________ Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. Learn more at StoriesforAction.org  Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction     #community #Montana #homeless #rural #foodbank #foodinsecurity #affordablehousing #polarizing #divisive #nonpartisan #roymasters #breakingthecycle #healing #communityhealth      

Helene Gaddie is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Generations Indigenous Ways (GIW). This community based Native nonprofit organization is dedicated to empowering American Indian youth with the knowledge of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education enhanced by Oglala Lakota values and way of life using Indigenous Sciences, operating in the Pine Ridge Reservation area. They host camps in all seasons, which consist of hands on learning that integrates traditional Lakota values and Indigenous Science with Western science, touching on everything from geology, astronomy, ecosystem health, learning modern technologies such as GIS or learning about physics through archery, with bows they construct themselves. Helene’s story and messages provides great insight for anyone already leading a community-guided organization, anyone who sees a need in their community but doesn’t know where to start to take action, anyone working in the spaces of youth outreach, education, science, and for anyone in the Oglala Lakota Nation or beyond, who want to hear about some inspiring and impactful work.   This conversation with Helene took place at the Strengthening the Circle gathering, hosted by Hopa Mountain in Bozeman in April 2023. This gathering aims to build the capacities of experienced and emerging Native-led nonprofit organizations that are working to improve economic development, education, and social services on or near reservations. LINKS: Generations Indigenous Ways Native Science Field Center National Science Foundation Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples Hopa Mountain Strengthening the Circle, gathering This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action, which hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at LifeintheLand.org Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. Learn more at StoriesforAction.org  Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction   #Lakota #Oglala #Indigenousleadership #indigenousnonprofit #traditionalecologicalknowledge #tek #indigenousscience #sciencefoundation #nativescience #southdakota #montana #youth #STEM  

Alma McCormick is the Executive Director of Messengers for Health, an organization which holds a mission to foster and support trusted community leaders to improve the health of Apsáalooke (Crow) men, women, and children using solutions that respect and honor Apsáalooke strengths, culture, stories, and language. Messengers for Health began with a focus in cancer prevention for women of the Crow Nation, but their work has expanded to serve Crow women, men, and children, in various aspects of health outreach.  Alma will speak to breaking through cultural stigmas about speaking about cancer and how important it is to have medical care advocacy be made up of and guided by the community itself. She also speaks about the healing power of forgiveness and by sharing her own story, she gives inspiration on how to take the path of helping others in the wake of tragedy. This conversation with Alma took place at the Strengthening the Circle gathering, hosted by Hopa Mountain in Bozeman in April 2023. This gathering aims to build the capacities of experienced and emerging Native-led nonprofit organizations that are working to improve economic development, education, and social services on or near reservations. LINKS: Messengers for Health State of Montana Cancer Screening Program MT State University's College of Education, Health and Human Development (Dr. Suzanne Held) Hopa Mountain, organization Strengthening the Circle, gathering This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action, which hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at LifeintheLand.org Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. Learn more at StoriesforAction.org  Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction   #Health #cancer #americancancersociety #crownation #breastcancer #cancerawareness #indigenousadvocacy #nativehealth #indianhealthservices #native #nativenurse #crowagency #hardin #billings #montana #indigenousleadership #cancerprevention

Daniel Kemmis has divided his public career between democratic theory and practice. He has been an active politician, author, and thought leader on the topics of community guided governance and decision making based upon citizens’ rooted connection to place. Kemmis grew up on a small family farm in Eastern Montana, attended Harvard University, and the University of Montana’s School of Law. Kemmis served in the Montana House of Representatives from 1974 to 1984, rising to be Speaker of the House. He went on to become the Mayor of Missoula from 1990-96. Utne Reader recognized Kemmis as one of its “100 Visionaries” in 1995, he was awarded the Charles Frankel Prize for “outstanding contribution to the field of the humanities” by President Clinton, and honored with the Wallace Stegner Prize from the Center of the American West. Kemmis has authored the books Community and the Politics of Place, The Good City and the Good Life, and This Sovereign Land. His most recent book, Citizens Uniting to Restore Our Democracy, was published in 2020. In this book, by examining the historical and current context of American society, Kemmis reminds us that when we bring our problem-solving skills to bear as engaged members of collaborative communities, we can rise above the divisive partisanship and polarization so common today, and move onto the truly democratic ground of the common good. We speak about these topics and more, and joining Daniel and I in this conversation is Bill Milton. Bill is a cattle rancher in the community of Roundup, Montana and is engaged in a variety of entities on a local, state, and national level, as an advocate for finding symbiotic relationships between people and the landscapes they're a part of.  LINKS: Citizens Uniting to Restore Our Democracy   This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action, which hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at LifeintheLand.org Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. Learn more at StoriesforAction.org  Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction   #Montana #missoula #politics #bipartisan #nonpartisan #polarization #dividednation #collaboration #danielkemmis #mayor #howtoheal #howtoconnect #createcommunity

For this episode of Stories for Action, we did an "episode swap" with the Reframing Rural podcast, hosted and produced by Megan Torgerson. While they graciously are airing one of Stories for Action's episodes on their feed, we are airing this first episode of Reframing Rural's third season. In it, Megan speaks with Sarah Vogel, attorney and author of "The Farmer's Lawyer: The North Dakota Nine and the Fight to Save the Family Farm." Sarah shares about her experience taking on the U.S. Government in a class action lawsuit brought forward by 240,000 farmers who were facing foreclosure in the 1980's farm crisis. This episode touches on the pressures facing local farms and ranchers, which we still see today, but also reminds us to be involved with our democracy, to use our voices, and to hold our elected officials accountable. It reminds us that relatively recently, the public was less concerned with political party loyalty and tearing down one another and more concerned with choosing leaders who selflessly got things done for the betterment of their constituents. We hope you enjoy this episode from Reframing Rural, and checkout their previous two seasons which share stories of people and places in rural America in an effort to cultivate curiosity and conversation across geographic, class, and cultural divides. LINKS: Reframing Rural Podcast "The Farmer's Lawyer: The North Dakota Nine and the Fight to Save the Family Farm," Sarah Vogel More on the 1980's farm crisis National Farmers Union Farmers' Legal Action Group Native American Agriculture Fund "Country" film by Richard Pearce (1984) “Going Under: North Dakota Lawyer Sarah Vogel Fights to Save Family Farms” feature story in Life Magazine (1982) USDA Equity Commission Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction   #reframingrural #familyfarm #northdakota #southdakota #montana #rural #farmlife #ranchlife #bipartisanship #nonpartisan #community #lawyer #usda #farmserviceagency

Elk are essential components to a healthy ecosystem, and food source for many. They can also create some very complex dynamics, some that can get tense. In this episode we are focusing on the intersection of ranchers and landowners, elk populations, hunters, and wildlife biologists and agencies involved in guiding management of wildlife herds. This episode is for those directly involved (ranchers, agency, hunters, wildlife enthusiasts) and beyond as there are messages that speak to anyone involved in getting folks in a room together to work out problems, or who may be jaded with our polarized society and need some renewed faith that when we work together, we can move mountains, as a guest today says. We are speaking with four longtime members of the Devil's Kitchen Management Team, which focuses on the Beartooth Wildlife Management Area north of Helena in Montana. This collaborative working group came together over 30 years ago, as ranchers, agency, and sportsmen who saw tensions around local elk herds building and did not want to end up in angry commission hearings. They took it upon themselves to begin managing the area, not only the elk herds but the greater ecosystem, in ways that worked for everyone, including the land and wildlife. Hear about the challenges, the methods of success, and why they have now become a model for collaborative groups on the landscape. Guests: Bill Long (Solid Ground Consulting), Chase Hibbard (Sieben Livestock), Cory Loecker (Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Region 4 Wildlife Manager), and Dave Cole (Hunter & Sportsman)   Other LINKS: Article: Hunting for elk management solutions in Devil's Kitchen Article: Groups overlap on some ideas for improving elk management in Montana Article: Citizens group holds virtual public meeting on Montana elk management plan Montana Land Reliance One Montana Montana Master Hunter Program Montana Citizens' Elk Management Coalition This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action, which hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at LifeintheLand.org Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction #elk #elkhunter #hunter #bowhunting #huntingseason #montana #ranching #rancher #wildlife #wildlifemanagement #collaborativeconservation #conservation #foodsystems #publiclands public lands

It could pop up in that field next to your home, or kid’s school, or elk migration corridor…and newly passed laws in Montana have made it that much easier for it to happen without input or transparency with the public. Gravel pits, or open cut mines…they may seem benign, but when you hear about how much this could effect you, your health, your well water, aquifers, the wildlife, it may make you wonder why more people aren’t talking about them. This episode will inform you about the impacts of open cut mines and inform and equip you with the information to take action if you find yourself impacted, or better yet, how to take action now to prevent the current system from operating as it does. This episode is also great for legislators and decision makers to hear, as well as agency and the Department of Environmental Quality.  Hear from Anne Hedges and Melissa Nootz of Montana Environmental Information Center, whose mission is to advocate for the public on issues that impact environmental and human health. We will also hear from two residents of Arlee, Montana, Jennifer Knoetgen and Shelly Fyant, who are now involved in grassroots efforts to mobilize their community in response to a gravel pit and asphalt plant proposed in their neighborhood (Friends of the Jocko).  LINKS:  Montana Environmental Information Center Friends of the Jocko Map of Open Cut Mine Sites in Montana   Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction   #Montana #gravelpits #environmentaljustice #mining #environment #propertyrights #water #cleanair #pollution #hb599 #meic

Today we are speaking with Cole Mannix, one of the founders of Old Salt Co-op, a Montana entity with growing avenues of operations to rebuild infrastructure for Montana’s meat…but their work goes well beyond the meat itself with a mission to connect customers and producers in a shared purpose; to be stewards of the land, and to strengthen community. This conversation with Cole will touch on so many larger concepts that go well beyond meat and well beyond Montana…because what the team of ranchers, chefs, butchers, and entrepreneurs behind Old Salt are building, centers around something much deeper. They are proving what can be possible when a business entity leads with respect for the land and people it is connected to, and the shaping of Old Salt is dictated by the holistic connections of people and place. This episode will speak to ranchers, policymakers, food consumers in all locations, those concerned about wildlife and their habitats, those concerned with community well-being, and entrepreneurs & small business owners of all kinds. In the face of so many pressures; of wild and agricultural lands being bought up and fragmented, rural and urban divides, environmental and social impacts of delocalized food systems, and a fading in human connections, our discussion today shows how Old Salt is creating the energy and impact to touch on all of these concepts. LINKS: Old Salt Co-op This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action, which hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at LifeintheLand.org Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction

Mike Ruggles is the Region 5 Supervisor for Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Mike has spent much of the last 10+years in the field working with wildlife and communities connected to the Musselshell River in Central Montana. The 350 miles of the Musselshell River flows through a great deal of agricultural lands, supports migratory birds and a variety of aquatic species, and has experienced a great deal of channelization over the past 150 years due to infrastructure for highways, mining, railroad, and irrigation. Mike will speak with us about the significance of agency positions creating relationships with folks on the ground and having them help guide the work, the value in honest dialogue and the need to break habits of making assumptions about different sectors or demographics on the land. He has great insight for folks working both in government agency, as well as landowners. He shares on his work with the Musselshell Watershed Coalition; a watershed group that brings together a variety of stakeholders to restore the natural floodplain of the river, and create communication around the needs of the river and water users. Mike also speaks to the value in connecting communities to their own environments, and an exciting project that MT FWP is partnering on with Musselshell County. LINKS: Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks Musselshell Watershed Coalition Connect to your local Conservation District This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action, which hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at LifeintheLand.org Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. StoriesforAction.org  Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction