​Engaging our 55+ Superpowers!

The 55+ generation has gifts and structural power that can be shared with younger generations. We will kick off the conference with a panel and group discussion on generational Synergy and Power. The panel will also discuss the cultural perspectives of Native Americans on the role of elders in traditional cultures.

Panelists:

• Crow Tribal Elder, former lawmaker and Big Sky 55+ Board of Directors member Angela Russell of Lodge Grass

• Education leader and former State Senator and Great Falls City Commissioner Mary Sheehy Moe

• Forward Montana! Billings Organizer Pari Kemmick

• Northern Plains Resources Council Staff Director Maggie Gordon

• Former Helena City Administrator, Dennis Tayler

• Moderated by Pat Sweeney

 

Fair Taxes Now!: Navigating and Challenging Montana’s increasingly tilted tax system

Taxes are important -- they pay for things our communities rely on. But the tax system has become increasingly unfair, benefiting the wealthy and large corporations while saddling others with higher shares of the taxes. Learn the context, get clarity, and learn how to talk about this sticky but very important issue. 

Panelists:

• MT Budget and Policy Center Dir. of Research Rose Bender,

• Former Director of the MT Dept. of Revenue Dan Bucks,

• Gallatin County Commissioner Zach Brown,

• MT Fed. of Public Employees President Amanda Curtis,

• MT State Representative Jonathan Karlen

• Moderated by Jon Ellingson

 

Keeping Healthcare Affordable in Montana

Medicare, Medicaid unwinding and expansion, prescription drug pricing, and the effects of healthcare policies on rural, Native American, senior, and other marginalized communities. 

Panelists:

• Senior State Campaigns Manager at Healthcare for America Now, Molly Moody

• Montana State Rep. SJ Howell

• Chief Health Officer at the Native American Development Corporation, Cora Neumann

• Moderated by Montana State Rep. Sharon Stewart Peregoy

 

Montana's Changing Media Landscape and Navigating Misinformation

Explore the current landscape of print, online, radio, and broadcast journalism, and learn about the rise of misinformation and disinformation and how to combat it.

Panelists:

• Daily Montanan Editor Darrell Ehrlick,

• Boulder Monitor Owner/Publisher Keith Hammonds,

• Middlefork Strategies Deputy Director Nick Lockridge

• Montana journalist, podcaster and author Russell Rowland

• Yellowstone Public Radio News Director Jackie Coffin

• Moderated by Ken Toole

 

No Wrong Door! Aging with Dignity and Grace in Montana 

How are Montana's long-term care and community-based service providers faring one year after the 2023 legislature? Learn more about best practices in serving aging Montanans in their homes. 

Panelists:

• Valley View Nursing Home Administrator Wes Thompson,

• MT State Senator Chris Pope,

• Great Falls City Commissioner and Veterans’ advocate Shannon Wilson

• Big Sky 55+ Executive Director Margie MacDonald

• Moderated by Barbara Archer