Representative Jonathan Windy Boy
Candidate for Montana State Senate, Senate District 16
Enrolled Member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe
www.jonathanwindyboy.com/

Congratulations, Jonathan!  Senator-Elect Jonathan Boy won his election bid in Montana with 80.86% of the vote.

Representative Jonathan Windy Boy, a member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe, is running for State Senate District 16 in Montana.

He is a twin son of John & Katherine (First Raised) Windy Boy. Jonathan grew up on the family ranch, where his parents provided the discipline and ethics of hard work, characteristics he still possesses today.   Because he was raised by Chippewa Cree traditions and incorporated the Grass Dance lifestyle, he is also guided by the basic values and teachings these practices have instilled in him as a part of his every day life.

Upon graduation from high school in 1976, Representative Windy Boy briefly attended Northern Montana University, transferring to Southwest Indian Polytechnical Institute (SIPI) to complete his Associate Degree in Telecommunications. He then started working in the oil field industry with jobs ranging from seismography to working the oil rigs.

After laboring in the oil field industry for five years, he felt the need to return to the dance arena. He achieved the wins of the International Grass Dance Championship 14 times and the World Championship six times, crediting his success partly to the discipline and physical strength cultivated during his time in the oil fields.  

During his pow-wowing, he became actively involved in promoting drug & alcohol free events, youth functions, and community empowerment activities. He has continued to remain a strong advocate for youth leadership and community empowerment pursuits.

In response to the question "Why did you choose politics?" Representative Windy Boy said, “The answer is simple. I felt the need for more representation for lower to middle class citizens.  The welfare issue was my deciding factor on the decision to pursue the Montana State Legislature.” Jonathan has served the Montana State House District 32 as Representative since 2002.

His father, the late John Windy Boy, was in the political arena for 24 years; 18 of those as the Chippewa Cree Tribal Chairman. Alvin Windy Boy, Sr., Jonathan’s oldest brother, is currently involved in the political arena, serving on the Chippewa Cree Tribal Council for 14 years, with the last two years as the Chippewa Cree Tribal Chairman.

As his third term in the House winds down, Representative Windy Boy has turned his sights to his state senate district, where he will continue to champion the well-being of Montana’s citizens.

State of the Race:
Representative Windy Boy won his primary against incumbent State Senator Frank Smith on June 3 by 113 votes.  He faces no Republican in the fall general election, but Smith has paid the filing fee to qualify as a write-in candidate on the November ballot.  We are proud to endorse soon-to-be Senator Windy Boy in his race, and hope you will support him!  You can also watch Jonathan on our INDN’s List video here.