Libertarian Senate candidate Kyle Austin stirred controversy with comments at an Oct. 23 forum, leading to both political attacks and criticism from the host and tribal communities. The remarks were made during a candidate forum in Billings, where Austin appeared with independent Seth Bodnar and Democrat Alani Bankhead. Republican Kurt Alme was absent. Hosted by Indigenous-led groups, the forum tackled health care and tribal sovereignty issues, among others.
When discussing federal roles in tribal maternal and infant health programs, Austin likened tribes’ dependency on government to “pets,” questioning their reliance on federal support. He suggested tribes should lead in reservation management and self-governance instead.
Patrick Yawakie, of the People’s Food Sovereignty Program, termed Austin’s comments “derogatory,” reflecting a troubling political climate for minorities in Montana. Previously, audio clips of then-Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, who also made controversial remarks about Native Americans, were condemned by tribal leaders.
Yawakie attributed Austin’s comments to ignorance about tribal treaties and their implications, emphasizing treaties as nation-to-nation agreements obligating federal support for tribal needs. Native Americans form a critical voting bloc in Montana, influential in federal elections that affect tribal-community funding.
Bill Snell of the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council criticized Austin’s stance as degrading, stating it underscores ongoing racial ignorance and the need for government recognition of treaty rights.
THE CANDIDATES’ CLAIMS
After the forum, Bodnar condemned Austin’s remarks. A circulated video showed Bankhead smiling, which Bodnar used to critique her, though her campaign rebutted that claim. Bankhead, identifying as Taíno, called Austin’s comments a misunderstanding of tribal sovereignty.
In his defense, Austin denied labeling Native Americans as pets, arguing his statement was about “victims of socialism,” not specifically targeting Native Americans. He suggested the uproar might prompt a reassessment of socialism’s impact.
Yawakie reported that Bodnar and Bankhead apologized for Austin’s remarks, though he noted campaigns might exploit tribal communities for political gains.
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