Letter from the Editor

November has an immense amount of forgotten and neglected history. Most of us were taught about the “first Thanksgiving” in elementary school, but the actual history is commonly swept under the rug.

By solely going the route of turkey dinners and posts about being thankful, we’re ignoring so many cultures and their histories. We can do better.

We can take the time to learn and re-learn, to listen. We can acknowledge that November has been a one-sided month. Its history has been altered to be comfortable for us.

Take the time to get to know the people around you. Learn about the land you live on— the mountains, plains, and rivers that you love. The wild brush that grows up the hillside, the birds that sing in the morning. Be aware of where you live— physically and culturally.

Some of us aren’t from Montana. We moved here, our ancestors immigrated here. We can be more receptive to people around us and build a longer table. Welcome people to your table. Acknowledge people and cultures outside of your own. We all live in this state, we can do better at living together.

So, reach out to a neighbor. Take the time to listen. It can be easy to feel isolated in Montana, but we’re so much closer than we perceive. Even as a nation, from county to county, state to state, we can use our differences as a binding force.