Blackfeet Nation chairman addresses Legislature

HELENA — Blackfeet Nation chairman Willie Sharp is calling for an increase in economic development for Native American tribes and the resumption of a grant program to grow Indian businesses.

Sharp delivered the State of the Tribal Nations Address Thursday to a joint session of the Legislature.

Education investment, tribal leadership and easing racial stereotypes between Native Americans and other Montanans were also highlighted in the address.

Native Americans make up 6.5 percent of the population in Montana and Sharp says they may soon make up the largest minority in the state. Sharp says that makes cooperation between the Legislature and the Native American reservations very important.