Northern Plains’ 51st Annual Meeting

It’s almost time for our favorite gathering of fun, fellowship, and learning! This year marks Northern Plains’ 51st Annual Meeting, and we have lined up movers and shakers, from throughout Montana and across the country to help us commemorate the occasion.

After two years of virtual gathering, we are thrilled to be back in person! This year is a wonderful opportunity to re-connect with folks from across Montana face-to-face. We will also be offering a virtual option via Zoom in order to encourage all forms of participation. Whether you attend in person or through Zoom, we are so glad to have you. Join us as we explore pressing and important topics central to our organization: mining and renewables, corporate monopolies in agriculture, and celebrating the women leaders of Northern Plains.

Our Keynote Speakers this year are John Boyd and Jim Nelson!

John Boyd is a prominent defender of civil rights and president of the National Black Farmers Association. A fourth generation farmer, John founded the NBFA in 1995 after experiencing the US Department of Agriculture’s discriminatory practices firsthand and learning other Black farmers experienced similar discrimination. Now, the NBFA advocates for Black farmers’ rights across America. Boyd is a past nominee for the NAACP’s highest honor, the Springarn Award, and formerly served as an agricultural advisor for the state of Virginia.

Jim Nelson is a long-time civil rights advocate and proponent for an impartial justice system. He served as an associate justice on the Montana Supreme Court from 1993 to 2012. Prior to joining the Montana Supreme Court, Jim represented individuals, small businesses, ranchers, farmers, and oil and gas matters in private practice. He also served as the Glacier County Attorney for 14 years. Since his tenure as a Supreme Court justice, Jim has taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Montana School of Law and currently serves on the legal advisory committee of FreeSpeechForPeople.org.

Friday, November 11, 2022

12:00 PM   Registration opens

1:00 PM     Meeting of the Membership*

4:45 PM     Cocktail Hour and Dessert Raffle

5:30 PM     YVCC Cowboy Supper

7:30 PM     Theater of the West/Staff Skit

Saturday, November 12, 2022

9:30 AM      Registration opens

10:00 AM    Opening Remarks

10:15 AM    Session I: Mining and Renewables*

11:30 AM    Break

12:00 PM    Keynote: John Boyd*/Lunch/Affiliate Awards

1:30 PM      Break

2:00 PM      Session II: Corporate Monopolies in Agriculture*

3:00 PM      Break

3:30 PM      Session III: Celebrating Women Leadership at Northern Plains*

4:30 PM      Mary Fitzpatrick on Planned Giving

4:40 PM     Announcements, Childrens’ Parade

5:00 PM     Cocktail Hour

5:30 PM     Keynote: Jim Nelson*/Dinner/Bob Tully and Mary Donohoe Awards/Evening Festivities

7:30 PM     Auctions Close

7:45 PM     Annual Meeting Adjournment

*Programming available for remote attendees.

Mining and Renewables

During this session, we will explore the impacts of renewable energy production, focusing on hard rock mining and the precious minerals needed to build solar panels and other renewable energy technology. This is an opportunity to grapple with questions surrounding the ethical and environmental considerations of the energy transition, and learn about the innovative ways in which we are transforming our grid system to address climate change.

Corporate Monopolies in Agriculture

Corporate monopolies are ever present in our society, and in our lives. They dominate nearly all of our industries ‒ from travel and tech, to clothing, energy utilities, banking, and certainly, our food system. This session explores the impact of corporate monopolies on our societies and ourselves, with particular examination on the livestock industry and the impacts of the big four meatpackers (Tyson, Cargill, National Beef, and JBS). We’ll discuss impacts to Montana’s ranchers and consumers, and learn about the upcoming opportunities we have to take action and fix the rigged monopoly system! 

Celebrating Women Leadership at Northern Plains

From the first days of our founding, which included the election of Ellen Pfister as the first full term chair of Northern Plains, our organization has recognized, cultivated, and elevated the leadership of women. This session will include storytelling that celebrates the invaluable, outsized, and ongoing contributions by women in building and sustaining one of the most powerful grassroots organizations in the country.

Dessert Auction

With the return of in-person gathering, we are bringing back the beloved dessert live auction! We will have a wide variety of baked goods from members and local bakeries, certain to satisfy any sweet tooth. So be sure to join in on the fun following the Meeting of the Membership on Friday afternoon! Due to hotel restrictions, please refrain from eating your desserts at the venue.

Cowboy Supper & Theater of the West

Join us on Friday night following the Meeting of the Membership for the highly anticipated return of the Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council (YVCC) Cowboy Supper and Theater of the West! We are so excited to be able to gather in person this year. Come re-connect with folks over a shared meal and fun entertainment! The Cowboy Supper will take place at 5:30 pm at First Congregational United Church of Christ (corner of 3rd Ave N & N 27th St) and then we will gather back at the DoubleTree for Theatre of the West at 7:30 pm. Cash bar will be available.

Hotel Reservations

Reserve your room at the DoubleTree here or call (406) 252-7400.

Parking

The DoubleTree offers complimentary parking for guests at the garage connected to the hotel. Use adjacent Park II City Garage and sky bridge; validate parking at the front desk or registration table.

Childcare

We will have onsite childcare available at the DoubleTree Hotel (free, with donations appreciated). Interested? Contact Effy at (406) 248-1154 or email effy@northernplains.org.