Healing Divides and Building Unity through the Cross-Community Reconciliation Program in Montana

Wairimu Mwangi

May 15, 2025

A group of people stand close together outdoors in Montana, joining hands in the center, viewed from above—symbolizing Building Unity and Cross-Community Reconciliation.

People of Native American, Asian, African, and Caucasian descent work together to keep a flame alive during the opening smudging ceremony at a CCR event in Helena, Montana.

The Cross-Community Reconciliation (CCR) program in Montana, initiated by the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) in 2020, has become a cornerstone in fostering unity and understanding between Native American and non-Native communities. Drawing from GPF’s international peacebuilding experience, the CCR program aims to bridge divisions, reduce racial discrimination, and promote empathy across diverse populations in Montana.

A notable event in the CCR initiative took place on April 27, 2025, in Helena, Montana, led by Mike Yakawich, a regional director for Global Peace Foundation. Hosted at a local realtor’s office, the gathering brought together community leaders, legislators, and peacebuilders to honor Indigenous leadership and discuss the importance of reconciliation. Mayor Wilmot Collins shared his journey from immigrant to mayor, emphasizing perseverance and collaboration. Misty Kuhl from the Governor’s Office on Native Affairs highlighted that “peace means action,” urging attendees to translate dialogue into tangible efforts. Gail Hambleton, representing GPF, recounted her experiences in post-genocide Rwanda, emphasizing the global relevance of reconciliation and the commendable efforts in Montana.

A woman stands and speaks to a group of people seated around a conference table in Montana, with a presentation board displayed behind her and food and drinks on the table, fostering cross-community reconciliation.

Montana Senator Shane Morigeau who helped pass Indigenous Peoples Day in Montana speaks to CCR gathering in Helena.

The program also recognized Senator Shane Morigeau for his dedication to establishing Indigenous Peoples Day in Montana. Despite facing criticism, Senator Morigeau’s commitment led to the celebration of both Indigenous Peoples Day and Columbus Day on the same date, fostering meaningful conversations about history and identity.

Beyond ceremonial events, the CCR program has inspired creative expressions of peace. In December 2024, participants presented an art piece titled “The Gift of 1,000 Paper Cranes” to the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center in Wyoming. This gesture symbolized hope and reconciliation, reflecting the program’s impact on fostering understanding and healing.

GPF has long emphasized the importance of moral and innovative leadership, interfaith collaboration, and community-based peacebuilding in addressing historical grievances and social divides. The CCR initiative in Montana exemplifies the power of community-driven peacebuilding. It demonstrates how reconciliation can be pursued not through blame, but through recognition, healing, and partnership.

By facilitating dialogue, honoring cultural heritage, and promoting collaborative actions, the program continues to build bridges between diverse communities, setting a precedent for reconciliation efforts nationwide. Through such efforts, GPF reaffirms that sustainable peace begins at the grassroots, where communities acknowledge past pain, affirm shared humanity, and commit to building a future together.