MBPC is thrilled to announce Heather Cahoon as our new State-Tribal Policy Analyst. Heather brings a wealth of experience in policy research, and we know she will be an incredible addition to our team.
Heather is a policy scholar with a PhD in research on the evolution of tribal sovereignty in the U.S. as impacted by 
major pieces of federal Indian policy and subsequent interpretations by the U.S. Supreme Court. She has worked with numerous tribal, state and non-profit organizations to address socioeconomic issues facing American Indians in Montana and, in general, seeks to further decolonization as it relates to rebuilding indigenous governments, economies and other social institutions. She holds an Interdisciplinary PhD in History, Native American Studies, and Anthropology from the University of Montana.
A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, she was born and raised on her reservation but now resides in Missoula where she has taught for the University of Montana's Native American Studies Department for the past six years. During this time, she was named UM's first Eloise Cobell Institute Scholar, a title reserved for faculty who are continuing Cobell's legacy of working for justice and equity for American Indians and tribal communities. She also currently serves on the board of directors for Western Native Voice.
In 2011, MBPC established the State-Tribal Policy Analyst position to promote sound fiscal and budget policy that can help reverse the history of economic injustice that has led many American Indians to unacceptable levels of poverty, unemployment, and poor health. Our work aims to inform policymakers on how tax and budget choices affect Indian Country, and to increase participation among American Indians in advocacy for sufficient investment in the state budget.We are excited for all we can accomplish together.
If you would like to contact Heather and welcome her to this important work, you can do so at hcahoon@montanabudget.org.
MBPC is a nonprofit organization focused on providing credible and timely research and analysis on budget, tax, and economic issues that impact low- and moderate-income Montana families.