CSKT honors late council member Anita Matt
CSKT Tribal Council Member Anita Matt died Monday, August 22, 2022. Matt was a “proud rancher” according to a CSKT spokesperson.(Photo by Shorty Matt)
Confederated and Salish Kootenai Tribal Council member Anita Matt died Monday according to a CSKT press release. The tribes will fly flags at half-staff to honor Matt, who had served in her position representing the Dixon District since 2016.
“She is remembered as a dedicated public servant who put family and community first, which was evidenced by her unwavering commitment to improve the Dixon community,” the release read. “Through her leadership, a concerted focus to improve, clean up and elevate resources for the Dixon area have been realized, and will continue as part of her legacy.”
Montana’s Districting and Apportionment Commission was scheduled to hold a meeting at Salish Kootenai College on Thursday, but announced that out of respect for the loss of Matt, they would be rescheduling for another date.
“Recognizing the significance of Councilmember Matt to the Tribes and the reservation community, the Montana Districting and Apportionment Commission will cancel its public hearing in Pablo on August 25th,” the commission release said Wednesday.
The commission release said when the new meeting date is available at the college, they will notify stakeholders via its email list and make information available online. The commission will still meet in Missoula on August 26.
Dixon was appointed by U.S. Sen. Jon Tester to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency State Committee in Montana in 2015 and also worked in land acquisitions with the organization, according to her council biography. She was President of the Rocky Mountain Intertribal Agriculture Council and her resume included service at the Tribes National Resource Department and Water Administration, as well as the Tribal Lands Department.
“Anita was a stalwart for the agricultural community, tribal water rights, and natural resources. Her steadfast and patient temperament, work ethic, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity for family and community will truly be missed,” the CSKT Tribal Council release read.
According to the release, CSKT offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday in honor of Matt.
Her family invites the public to Anita’s services including her arrival to the Longhouse in St. Ignatius, her hometown, at 10 a.m. on Friday, with services beginning at the Longhouse at 1 p.m., and a meal immediately following, the release said.