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Tribal Chairman James Steele, Jr., campaigns for House District 15

By Alyssa Kelly

James Steele, Jr. (Amelia Adams photo)

ARLEE - Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Chairman James Steele, Jr., announced recently that he file at the last minute to campaign for House District 15 in the upcoming election.

"My main reason for filing is to help influence the legislature on issues that are important to the district and the Flathead Reservation," he says.

House District 15, currently represented by Democrat Joey Jayne, includes the Glacier, Flathead, Pondera, Lake, and Missoula Counties. There is over and estimated 9,200 residents and extends 3,137 square miles.

If elected to this four-year term, Steele would be responsible for helping create laws of Montana through extensive hearings with various local and federal organizations. So how will he balance a position on legislator and maintain his role as Tribal chairman?

"The legislator position is divided in a three-month session per year," he explains. "If I make it, I will need to work out a schedule with my fellow council members in that three month absence. I will be dedicated to both positions."

Throughout four-years on tribal council, Steele is accustomed to representing a vast community through decision-making. He possesses a bachelor's degree from the University of Montana in Political Science and has acquired credits towards a master's degree in Administration.

"I've always liked studying political structures in governments," says Steele. "It's been of interest in public service."

Steele has experience with the Flathead Base and Commission, as well as the Clark Fork Council. He understands first hand, the current issues that affect the areas under House District 15 and that served as inspiration for campaigning.

"There were a few tribal members that I encouraged to run for legislator and when they didn't step up to the plate I decided to join at the last minute," he explains. "My main concern is in the Water Rights Negotiation."

The Native American influence in Montana's legislator is growing with representatives like Margarett Campbell, Joey Jayne, Shannon Augare, Norma Bixby, Carol C. Juneau, Gerald Pease, Veronica Small-Eastman, Frank Smith, and Jonathan Windy Boy. "Any time you have Native people in legislator it's a good thing," says Steele. "It helps our influence and adds to the law making process of the state."

If elected, Steele hopes to model his balance of leadership roles after House District number 32 representative Jonathan Windy Boy. Windy Boy also served as chairman of the Montana-Wyoming tribal leaders council among positions with various organizations.

"Hopefully I will be successful and help the law making process of the state," says Steele.

Legislative Primary elections will be held on June 3 and General Election will be held on November 4.

Article edited from print version