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House committee unanimously advances bill to name section of Great Falls bypass for Ojibwe leader Jim Louthunder Gopher
Summary
House Bill 448, to designate a portion of the Northwest Bypass near Hill 57 as the Jim Louthunder Gopher Memorial Highway, received broad support at a House Transportation hearing and passed committee on a 13–1 roll-call vote.
Rep. Jane Weber introduced House Bill 448 to designate a section of roadway on the west side of Great Falls as the Jim Louthunder Gopher Memorial Highway. The sponsor said descendants of Jim Louthunder Gopher requested the designation to honor his leadership, cultural role and community organizing on behalf of landless Indians living at Hill 57.
Multiple family members and tribal leaders testified in favor. Richard Parenteau, a Little Shell tribal member and descendant, described Louthunder’s life and leadership, citing his work to secure jobs, organize community ceremonies, and advocate for land rights, including travel to Washington, D.C., in the 1940s. Daniel Pocha, chairman of the Little Shell elder society, and Keaton Sunchild of Western Native Voice also spoke in support. Lance Forster, director of the Montana American Indian Caucus, submitted a letter asking for a do-pass recommendation.
John Swartz, maintenance administrator for the Montana Department of Transportation, appeared as an informational witness and said the department would cover sign costs within its operational budget; he noted a fiscal note had been completed but not yet published online and that the cost would be similar to other memorial sign projects. Swartz said the department would place the designation on digital maps and include it on printed maps in a reduced font size.
Committee members asked the sponsor and witnesses to clarify the exact location. The proposed stretch lies along the Northwest Bypass near the Stuckey Road turnoff by Hill 57 and adjacent community facilities such as the Little Shell cultural center. Devon Parnell (spelled in testimony) described Hill 57’s current landmarks, including an elder center and event space, and said the historic encampment retains ceremonial activity and a small number of families.
Representative Smith moved a do-pass recommendation. The committee took a roll-call vote: 13 in favor, 1 opposed (Representative Hinkle voted no). The committee chair said HB 448 will progress to second reading on the House floor.
Supporters provided historical context and a photograph of the family’s traditional 1803 Indian peace flag, which they said remains in the Gopher family. Witnesses and the sponsor framed the designation as a recognition of Louthunder’s cultural leadership, efforts to secure employment for community members and work to register voters.
The Department of Transportation said it would pay signage costs from its existing budget; committee members were told the departmental fiscal note would be similar to prior memorial signage projects. The bill received a do-pass recommendation and will advance to the House floor.
