05/24/2026
Many people do not know that before 2017, Native students in Montana could be told they were not allowed to wear tribal regalia or culturally significant items at graduation.
On April 21, 2017, Senate Bill 319 was signed into law, protecting the right of Native students to wear traditional regalia at graduations and public ceremonies.
A beaded graduation cap is not just decoration.
Every bead carries meaning—family, identity, culture, prayer, sacrifice, and pride. But it also tells another story: the power of student voices to create change.
This law passed because Native youth spoke up. Students shared why culture should never be separated from education or success. Their courage and the support of Western Native Voice helped Montana recognize that Native identity belongs on graduation stages, in classrooms, and in every space where Native students achieve their goals.
Young voices made history.
Now all across the United States, more and more states are passing a regalia bill.
Our traditions belong in every space where Native students succeed.
Western Native Voice sends a huge congratulations to the Class of 2026! 👏
Learn more: westernnativevoice.org/join
