On April 20, 2017, Blackfeet tribal members will vote to determine the future of our water on the Reservation. The vote will approve or deny the Blackfeet Water Compact and the Blackfeet Water Rights Settlement Act.
You as individuals—and all of us as a Nation—have the opportunity to determine the fate of our water rights for our future generations. It has taken more than three decades get to this point, and it is now up to us. We encourage all eligible tribal members to vote.
Who can vote?
Enrolled Blackfeet tribal members who are 18+ years of age can vote in person at designated polling places on the Reservation.
*Please provide identification at voting polls. No registration is required for this referendum vote.
When and where can I vote?
When: April 20, 2017 (Polls open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m.)
Where:
| District | Polling Location |
| Browning District | Blackfeet Community College (A-B) |
| Browning District | Blackfeet Community College (C-G) |
| Browning District | Blackfeet Community College (H-L) |
| Browning District | Blackfeet Community College (M-R) |
| Browning District | Blackfeet Community College (S-Z) |
| Browning District | Blackfeet Community College (Off-Reservation) |
| Browning District | Starr School Head Start |
| Browning District | Babb Head Start |
| Heart Butte District | Heart Butte Head Start |
| Seville District | Seville Head Start |
| Old Agency District | East Glacier Head Start |
What will I be asked on my ballot?
Do you approve the Blackfeet Water Rights Compact negotiated among the Tribe, the United States and the State of Montana, which establishes the federal reserved water rights of the Blackfeet Tribe (also known as Winters rights), and the Blackfeet Water Rights Settlement Act enacted by Congress as Pub. L. 114-322, title III, subtitle G which provides for federal approval of the Compact and authorizes funding for the Compact.
| YES | NO |
What does a “Yes” vote mean?
Blackfeet’s water rights on the Reservation will be confirmed and quantified.
Blackfeet’s jurisdiction and authority over those water rights will be confirmed.
Blackfeet will receive $471 million in state and federal funding for water related projects.
What does a “No” vote mean?
The water compact will not be implemented.
Blackfeet’s water rights will be determined in the Montana Water Court where only the quantity of water will be determined.
Blackfeet will not receive $471 million in state and federal funding for water related projects.
Informational materials
Presentation from Community Gatherings
Answers to frequently asked questions at Community Gatherings
Informational brochure