Known by many as "the most at-large Montanan," Steve Held is a rancher, a civic leader and dedicated advocate for the environment – not to mention a former Hollywood star. This month, he took time out to speak with Mary about how the world looks to him.
Steve's ranch covers 7000 acres at the southeastern edge of the state. It’s a sprawling, magnificent landscape, one that’s been shaping him since he was just a boy. Steve lives a deeply connected life – both to his hometown of 450 people, as well as to rural lands and communities across the state.
He spent 25 years in Hollywood as an actor, but always knew one day he'd return to his homeland. His children were raised on the land. One of them, Rikki Held, joined 15 other Montana youth to become the lead plaintiff in Held v. Montana, a landmark 2023 lawsuit in which they successfully argued all the way to the Montana Supreme Court that the state had violated their constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment.
Steve whole-heartedly supported Rikki and her peers in their legal case. He then built on their energy, brilliance and focus to encourage citizens around the state to learn and join in the climate advocacy movement. Steve sees himself as an energized Elder, devoting himself to organizing for social and environmental justice. His focus is clear and steadfast, advocating for fair treatment of the land and its people, animals and waterways.
You can learn more about Steve by reading his substack - Last Best Voice - and by doing the old fashioned thing of checking him out on Google.
And here's a link for learning more about Rikki Held and her fifteen associates in Held v. Montana. https://www.ourchildrenstrust.org/montana
Check it out. There’s lots to learn. But the most important thing we can all take away is Steve’s request that we, each and all, do everything we can to become good ancestors. Certainly worth some serious consideration and action.
MUSIC
Inspiring Folk Acoustic Guitar. Music by Music_for_Creators from Pixabay
The River Knows My Name. Music by Diana DiDI from Pixabay
Acoustic Guitar, Primavera. Music by Sound Music from Pixabay
Original theme music composed and performed by Gary Ferguson.
