Attorney General Candidate Tim Fox visits the tribes

By Alyssa Kelly

PABLO - With election season upon us, many state and national candidates are making an effort to extend their campaigns into Indian Country. Most recently, in pursuit of becoming Montana's next Attorney General, Republican candidate Tim Fox paid a visit to the Flathead reservation. "I want to learn more about the issues that are important to Native Americans and see if I could be of any help," he says.

In the past, there have been rocky relations between Montana's Indian nations and the Republican political party. Fox hopes voters won't allow his conservative stance to overshadow the key goal at hand. "Keep in mind we're here for the people," he says. "The political parties define our beliefs and philosophies in politics but our primary duty is to serve all of Montana, including Native Americans."

Growing up near the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Reservations in Harden, Fox says he's observed the particular issues surrounding law and Native American communities. "Because of my upbringing I've seen the good and bad of life on reservations," he says. "I understand and respect the fact that tribes are able to govern themselves, but I think it's the Attorney General's responsibility to provide assistance when needed."

Observing that at times racism could become an issue in the judicial system, Fox hopes to share a message of unity amongst all Montanans. "First and foremost I don't think there's any place for racism," he says. "Racism is a result of misunderstanding and it could be hard to overcome because change needs to start in the home. However, I think our government officials need to mirror the beliefs we expect all Montanans to have."

Although Fox had little understanding of Public Law 280, he credits his knowledge of tribal law to an instructor named Margery Brown. Fox learned from brown during his time at the University of Montana, where he earned degrees in geology and law. "I learned from an instructor who was very compassionate in Native American law so that has definitely had influence on me throughout my career," he says. "Our judicial system is only as good as our court system I'd like to see tribal courts have the same opportunities as state."

Fox plans to visit all of Montana's tribal councils throughout his campaign and he would like the tribes to know that if elected, he will be hiring an individual to work specifically in Native American issues. For more information on Tim Fox, visit his website at www.timfox4ag.com.