Fort Peck Democratic Tribal Committee Elects First in the Nation Chair and Vice-Chair

Maria Vega Elected Chairwoman and Lance Four Star Elected Vice-Chair of New Fort Peck Democratic Tribal Committee

Helena, MT — The Montana Democratic Party is now the first state party in the country to establish a Democratic Tribal Committee. At 11:30 am on February 25th, the Fort Peck Democratic Tribal committee elected Maria Vega and Lance Four Star to its leadership team. With their election, Maria Vega and Lance Four Star become the first ever Chair and Vice-Chair of a Democratic Tribal Committee.

“Establishing Democratic Tribal Committees is a core part of the Montana Democratic Party’s plan to lift Native voices and focus more work on the needs of Native populations,” said Donavon Hawk, Montana Democratic Party Treasurer. “This historic action guarantees that tribal members have a permanent and valued voice in Montana Democratic politics.”

Democratic Tribal Committees give Native Americans a seat at the table, an important decision-making role in the Democratic Party, and a louder voice in the political process. The Montana Democrats plan to establish 8 Tribal Committees in total.

“We are tremendously proud that the Montana Democratic Party is the first in the nation to have a permanent seat at the table for Native Americans,” said Robyn Driscoll, Chairwoman of the Montana Democratic Party. “I want to offer my sincerest congratulations to Maria and Lance — their voices will be invaluable as we work to strengthen and grow our party.”

Maria Vega, a lifelong resident of Montana, is from the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux tribes. Vega is a nursing student at Montana State University-Bozeman who hopes to continue her education as a Nurse Practitioner. Her mother and  grandmother are both nurses working at Indian Health Service in Fort Peck and Wolf Point Trinity Hospital respectively.  Maria is a passionate advocate for Native concerns, particularly Native health and the economic challenges in Indian Country. 

“Ensuring that the Fort Peck Tribe, and all Tribes in Montana, have a voice in the policies that impact our state is critically important.”said Maria Vega. “I am honored to be the first in this role.” 

Lance Four Star has lived in Fort Peck since 2003, and is currently a community organizer in the Fort Peck Nation. He is the proud father of three boys, Logan, Lucas, and Leon. He is a passionate advocate for Fort Peck and looks forward to serving as a voice for Native Tribes in the Montana Democratic Party.

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