Sheehy must apologize for Native American remarks

As Montanans, the undersigned persons and groups fully support the compelling letter of Chairman Michael Dolson of the Confederate Salish and Kootenai Tribe calling Tim Sheehy, candidate for the U.S. Senate, to account for his racist comments directed at our fellow Native American citizens. His letter begins with this fundamental truth: “Montanans deserve a Senator that respects all of us, not one that uses damaging punchlines that divide us.”   

We endorse Chairman Dolson’s letter while fully acknowledging that historically all of us—including faith communities—have been complicit in imposing injustices on Native American tribes. We commit ourselves to joining with our Native neighbors in doing more to correct the wrongs of the past that unfortunately continue to the present day. And as non-Native allies, we need to speak out. If we do not, our silence gives agreement to Sheehy’s demeaning remarks and shows indifference to the harm he is doing. 

Uniquely among the states, Article II.4 of the Montana Constitution requires all persons and public and private entities to respect the dignity of each human being and to refrain from discriminating based on race, color, sex, culture, social origin and condition, or political or religious ideas. Mr. Sheehy’s words disrespect our Native American sisters and brothers in violation of the Montana Constitution. If not corrected, those words disqualify him from representing Montanans in any capacity.   

Signed by four churches and two hundred six (206) citizens, four of whom are from Whitefish.           

Jana Staton and Joe Loos, Missoula First United Methodist Church Mission and Outreach Committee