Independent Seth Bodnar Statement on Indigenous Peoples’ Day

MISSOULA, MT — Former Green Beret and Independent U.S. Senate candidate Seth Bodnar released the following statement in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day:

“Today, we honor the Indigenous peoples who have called this land home since time immemorial and whose cultures, languages and traditions continue to shape the Montana we love. To Native Montanans: Your nations have been stewards of these lands, waters, and wildlife for countless generations, and your contributions to Montana’s communities and shared heritage are woven into the fabric of this state. Your nations, your cultures, and your languages are a vital part of Montana’s past, present and future.

“I have had the privilege of meeting and working directly with Tribal leaders, elders, and families across Montana, both during this campaign and during my time as president of the University of Montana. I have listened to and learned from your hopes for your children, your pride in your heritage and your vision for strong, thriving communities. I will carry those conversations with me to the U.S. Senate, where I will honor the nation-to-nation relationship this country promised and work every day in partnership with Montana’s Tribal Nations.”

Seth Bodnar is a Green Beret, business leader, and former president of the University of Montana running for the U.S. Senate to be an independent voice for Montana. Seth is guided by a lifelong commitment to duty, honor, and country. He graduated first in his class at West Point and served multiple overseas deployments, leading soldiers in the 101st Airborne Division and the 1st Special Forces Group, and serving as a special advisor to the commanding general in Iraq. After his military service and a successful career in business, Seth spent the last eight years leading the University of Montana. Under his leadership, the university achieved record high graduation rates, doubled research funding, launched the largest infrastructure renewal in campus history, restored financial stability, and was named the #1 military-friendly university in the country. Raised by two public school teachers, he believes leadership is about service, not party loyalty. Seth and his wife, a fifth-generation Montanan, are raising their three children in Montana.

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