Montana’s first Indigenous legislator and Fort Peck tribal member was inducted into the Montana Historical Society’s Gallary of Outstanding Citzens.
Dolly Smith Cusker Akers, an Assiniboine woman who was Montana’s first Native legislator, championed Indian self-determination during the 20th century.
Following her legislative tenure, she was Montana’s first coordinator of Indian welfare. In addition to her political service in Helena, she was a fixture in Washington, D.C. for more than 60 years, fighting for passage of key federal legislation including the Indian Citizenship Act and the Indian Civil Rights Act.
In addition to this, she was also active in Fort Peck Tribal Government. She was the Chairman of the Tribes until she was removed from office by the Tribal Executive Board.
When she was removed from office, she refused to leave and would not leave her seat. Tribal officials had to physically carry her, while she clutched her chair, out of the building and put her outside in the snow.
The bridge immediately west of Poplar on US Highway 2 is named after her.
She died June 5, 1986, having dedicated her life to securing opportunity for American Indians, especially members of the Fort Peck tribes.
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