Fyant elected to chair State Tribal Economic Development Commission

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Chairwoman Shelly R. Fyant of Arlee was recently elected as the new chair of the Montana State Tribal Economic Development Commission (STEDC). Fyant will replace longtime chair Shawn Real Bird.

Fyant holds a business administration degree from the University of Montana. She is in her second three-year term with STEDC.

The STEDC works in a government-to-government relationship to expand and improve economic prosperity opportunities through business expansion, capital access, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture and community development. The governor appoints members, including one from each of the eight tribal governments in Montana.

Established in the Native American Economic Development Act of 1999, the commission gathers for public meetings throughout Montana on a quarterly basis. Other members are Richard Sangrey, vice-chair, Chippewa Cree Tribe; Cheryl Reevis, Blackfeet Tribe: Shawn Real Bird, Crow Tribe; Ray King, Fort Belknap Indian Community; Kaci Wallette, Fort Peck Tribes; Gerald Gray, Little Shell Tribe; Lane Spotted Elk, Northern Cheyenne Tribe; Misty Kuhl, Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs; and Scott Osterman, Montana Department of Commerce.

“I look forward to serving the goals set by the commission to expand and improve economic opportunities for each Tribal Nation in Montana,” Fyant said. “Creating income earning opportunities for people, whether from a small business or through secure employment, is a goal embraced by our Tribal Council.”