Tribal leaders in Montana are calling on Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy to apologize for derogatory remarks he made about Native Americans. Sheehy was recorded saying that Native Americans on the Crow Reservation were drunk at 8 a.m. and throwing beer cans at him. The audio recordings were obtained and published by Char-Koosta News, the official publication of the Flathead Indian Reservation. Sheehy, who is backed by former President Donald Trump, is challenging Democratic Sen. Jon Tester in a closely-watched congressional race that could help swing control of the Senate.
In the recordings, Sheehy is heard making derogatory comments about Native Americans, including remarks about bonding with “all the Indians” and being in a tough crowd at the Crow Reservation. The Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council, which represents 11 tribes, called Sheehy’s comments perpetuating stereotypes about Native Americans. Council Chairman Bryce Kirk asked Sheehy to apologize for his remarks, which were seen as disrespectful and dishonoring to the Crow people and Native Americans in general.
The authenticity of the recordings was not disputed by a Sheehy campaign spokesperson, who stated that Sheehy does work with members of the Crow Tribe and visits the reservation to work cattle with them. However, it remains unclear if Sheehy will apologize or respond to the tribal leaders’ request for an apology. Montana has a significant Native American population, with almost 70,000 Native Americans representing about 7% of the total population. Traditionally seen as a Democratic-leaning voting block, Montana Republicans have been courting tribal leaders in recent years to gain their support in elections.
The Crow Tribe Chairman did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Sheehy’s remarks. While it is uncertain if Sheehy’s comments will impact voters, political analyst Paul Pope suggested that the remarks could motivate more Native Americans to register to vote, potentially benefiting Tester. Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL with no prior political experience, has been campaigning against Tester in a race that has garnered national attention. The issue of Sheehy’s remarks highlights the importance of respecting and understanding diverse communities, especially in the political arena.
The incident involving Sheehy’s remarks has raised concerns among tribal leaders and Native American communities about the portrayal and stereotypes of Native Americans. The tribal newspaper, Char-Koosta News, published the recordings in an effort to bring attention to the disrespectful nature of Sheehy’s comments. The controversy has also prompted discussions about the engagement and support of Native American voters in Montana politics. Ultimately, Sheehy’s conduct and response to the situation may impact his campaign and the broader relationship between political candidates and Native American communities in the state.
