Fresh from a meeting with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester breezed into the park at Pache Home Sites in Ronan at 3 p.m. Sunday.

It was a picnic atmosphere; Tester, a Democrat who hopes to retain his seat in the U.S. Senate,  greeted people and posed for many pictures as Gen Huitt, a well-known Native musician, sang and played her guitar. 

 Volunteers registered voters under one tent, and another tent housed Aunties’ Awesome Eats. 

The aunties, Franella and Jamila, who will also be at the Arlee Powwow, were making frybread for Indian tacos and preparing toppings. The line for the tacos snaked around the area as people filled their plates.  

Before Sen. Tester spoke a few words to the crowd of around 60 people, Wayne McCoy, Kootenai, and Stephen Small Salmon, Pend’Oreille, each said a prayer.  

Tester mentioned the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill that he worked across the aisle to get passed a couple of years ago. Among the Flathead Reservation projects financed by the bill is $110  million in funding to improve the north Ninepipe Corridor of U.S. 93. 

“The truth is there’s a lot more than that I’m about,” Tester said. “One thing is making sure the Salish Kootenai water compact gets implemented, as Congress intended. As far as the CSKT tribes go, that’s very, very important.”

Other items on his agenda include “making sure we’ve got good education for the next generation of leaders that are going to come out of this area and other areas around the U.S.,” and adequately funding law enforcement.

“I want to thank the officers who are here today,” Tester said, pointing out Flathead Tribal officers Isaiah Ascencio and Joseph Matt. 

“The challenges are out there,” he noted, “These two guys can’t do everything … We’re going to need more officers out there keeping us safe.”

Tester also emphasized the importance of elections. “We can vote early in this state or we can vote on Election Day. Whatever tickles your fancy is fine with me, but make sure you vote.” 

“There’s a lot of other good people on the ballot, too.” Tester said pointing to Shelly Fyant, a candidate for House District 91. He also mentioned Monica Tranel, who is running against Rep. Ryan Zinke for the Western Congressional District, gubernatorial candidate Ryan Busse, “who’s a great guy.” 

With many open seats on the ballot in November, he encouraged voters to “get educated up and vote.”

“And give a scratch for Jon Tester,” he added.

The third-generation Montana farmer was first elected to the Senate in 2006. He faces three opponents in the general election: Republican Matt Sheehy, Libertarian Sid Daoud and Green Party candidate Michael Downey. 

    Native singer Gen Huitt sings at the gathering for Senator Jon Tester on Sunday afternoon. She stands between Flathead Tribal Police officers Joe Matt, left, and Isaiah Ascencio. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
  

    The line for Aunties' Awesome Eats delicious Indian tacos at a gathering to support Senator Jon Tester was long but worth the wait. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
  

    Montana Senator Jon tester speaks with constituents at a gathering at Pache on Sunday afternoon. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)