About | Shelly Fyant for Montana Legislature House District 91

About Shelly

I have spent my lifetime supporting important community issues, from voting rights, environmental quality and quality education of the youth. I led community-improvement efforts and as former Chairwoman of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes (CSKT), I applied those values to working with Montana Governors, state and federal leaders, and influential organizations and businesses. I was raised on a ranch in Arlee, which instilled a strong work ethic and my parents also taught me service to community. These values have shaped my career thus far.

Forming a Unified Incident Command System (ICS) Team between Lake County and CSKT when the Covid-19 pandemic hit Lake County was critical. This quick interagency response was key with the goal of protecting the public health and safety of all Lake County and Flathead Indian Reservation residents. Former Lake County Commission Chairman Bill Barron and I joined forces to lead this effort focusing on clear communication, accountability and efficient use of available resources.

I currently work for a local non profit, the Arlee Community Development Corporation, as the Food Sovereignty Chair. I have been a proponent of food security, having laid the groundwork for the CSKT Food Sovereignty Committee, which has developed into a pilot program addressing food security on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

During my Tribal Council tenure, I ushered in an updated government system. While on Council, I saw the return of the Bison Range to the Tribes as part of the Water Compact legislation, as well as the purchase of the former Kerr Dam, now Selis Ksanka Qlispe (SKQ) Dam. As part of updating the tribal government structure, I helped develop seven resolutions to encourage future work on addiction, mental health, homelessness, food security, language and culture, earning opportunities and jobs, entrepreneurship and business ownership. Additionally, CSKT passed the Cultural Waterways Ordinance (the Tribal version of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act) to protect the Flathead River.

Prior to serving on the CSKT’s Tribal Council, I worked at the Kicking Horse Job Corps Center for 15 years serving disadvantaged youth ages 16 to 24. During that time, I developed the first School-to-Work program, establishing internships in the surrounding communities where student trainees could get practical work experience in their field. I served as the Career Technical Training Director overseeing the nine vocational training programs prior to my successful election to Council.

I also worked for the U.S. Forest Service in the Region One Information Office and the Powell Ranger District while attending the University of Montana. After I earned my B.S. in Business Administration-Management, I worked at the Clearwater National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Orofino, ID. I volunteered as the Native American Program Manager acting as a tribal liaison between the 5 Idaho tribes and the U.S. Forest Service, while working as a Contracting Trainee. I moved back to the Flathead Reservation to help create the former People’s Center cultural center and museum, now the Three Chiefs Cultural Center.

Why I'm Running

I watched the 2023 Montana Legislature from afar. Having been actively involved in the political process through my previous position as Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribal Chairwoman, I was shocked and disappointed in some of the legislation that was introduced and ultimately passed by the Republican super majority. I think the Montana Legislature can do better in fairly representing all people of the state. House District 91 is a large rural area covering three counties, including Lake, Missoula and Sanders, with some urban areas as well. People speak of protecting Montana values. To me that means preserving the environment, carefully planning for future growth and development, and respecting the diversity of the people we serve. I’ve gained experience to work across the aisle to draft and sponsor bipartisan legislation to create a better Montana. I am willing to tackle difficult issues and help come up with solutions to ensure a better world for our future generations.