Tribal leaders in Montana are calling for an apology from Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy following his controversial remarks about Native Americans. Audio recordings of Sheehy making derogatory comments were recently released by the Char-Koosta News, the official publication of the Flathead Indian Reservation. In the recordings, Sheehy can be heard making stereotypes about Native Americans, including stating that they were “drunk at 8 a.m.” and throwing beer cans at him on the Crow Reservation during a fundraising event held last November.
Sheehy, who is challenging Democratic incumbent Sen. Jon Tester, faced criticism for his insensitive remarks that were captured on the recordings. The Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council, representing 11 tribes and First Nations in the western U.S. and Canada, condemned Sheehy’s comments as perpetuating stereotypes about Native Americans. The council’s chairman, Bryce Kirk, called for Sheehy to formally apologize for his remarks that dishonored and diminished the Native community.
Despite the backlash, a Sheehy campaign spokesperson did not dispute the authenticity of the recordings, nor did they confirm whether Sheehy would issue an apology in response to the tribal leaders’ letter. The spokesperson emphasized Sheehy’s ties to the Crow Tribe, highlighting his work with tribal members on cattle ranching activities on the southeastern Montana reservation.
The incident has sparked strong reactions within the Native American community, with Char-Koosta News editor Sam Sandoval expressing the frustration felt by many tribal members over the perpetuation of negative stereotypes. Sandoval noted that Sheehy’s comments struck a sensitive chord within the Native community and highlighted the ongoing efforts to challenge and change such harmful perceptions.
As of now, Crow tribal Chairman Frank White Clay has not provided a public response to the situation. The controversy surrounding Sheehy’s remarks underscores the significance of respecting and addressing cultural sensitivities, particularly when engaging with diverse communities like Montana’s Native American population.
