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House committee advances HR 8, a resolution criticizing the Democratic Party’s history; tribal representative urges rejection
Summary
Representative Caleb Hinkle presented House Resolution 8, cataloguing historical examples of racism he attributes to the Democratic Party and urging apology and consideration of reparations. Patch Kiewake, speaking for multiple tribes, testified in opposition; the committee voted to advance the resolution 12–2.
At a meeting of the House Energy, Technology, and Federal Relations Committee, Representative Caleb Hinkle introduced House Resolution 8, which he said catalogs historical instances of racism and bigotry tied to the Democratic Party and calls on the Montana Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee to issue a public apology and consider reparations.
“By presenting House Resolution 8, a document that dares to confront a painful and obstinate obscured truth,” Hinkle said, listing examples including “the Trail of Tears, the defense of slavery, the horrors of Jim Crow, minstrel shows and human zoos,” and the internment of Japanese Americans. He said the resolution is meant “to demand honesty” and to prompt education and reconciliation.
The sponsor’s remarks drew opposition from Patch Kiewake, who identified himself as representing the Blackfeet Tribe, the Fort Belknap Indian Community and the Chippewa Cree Tribe of Rocky Boy and as co‑CEO of Red Medicine LLC. Kiewake told the committee the resolution’s whereas language was offensive to Native Americans and that recent legislation at the Legislature has targeted tribal sovereignty and hunting and election rights. “So please oppose HR 8 with a do not pass,” he said.
Representative Fielder, who told the committee he would remove his name as a cosponsor, said he believed the resolution did not add materially to the legislative work for the session and warned it risked “poking the bear.” The transcript shows another member also stated at the meeting that they had removed their name as a cosponsor; that member is not named in the transcript.
After public testimony and brief questioning — including an exchange in which Kiewake said history is often written by winners and that tribal histories have been skewed — the committee took executive action. A member moved that HR 8 "do pass" (the mover was not named in the transcript). The committee recorded 12 ayes and 2 noes; Representative Mitchell and Representative Kometsz were recorded voting no. The record also notes that Representative Vient and Representative Carter voted aye by proxy. The motion carried.
The committee concluded the executive action and adjourned. The record does not specify the next legislative step for HR 8 beyond the committee’s action to advance the resolution.
