× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

Crow Tribal Chairman A.J. Not Afraid threw his administration's support behind the Republican candidate for Montana's Congressional seat during a Friday meeting in front of residents.

The candidate, Greg Gianforte, was on hand and appeared at two events in Crow Agency. One was a tribal government meeting; the second was a more informal barbecue held by former tribal Chairman Darrin Old Coyote.

At the first event, held in the Crow multi-purpose building in Crow Agency, Gianforte briefly ran through a number of policy points, including the creation of a west coast coal port to serve Crow exports.

"The Crow people and all of Montana need a strong voice in Washington, D.C.," Gianforte said.

Coal resonated through Not Afraid's endorsement on Friday. The Absaloka Mine is a major revenue source for the tribe, and the slowdown in industry-wide coal production has hit the Crow as well.

He said that he felt Gianforte's voice would have the best chance to carry the Crow's concerns, which include resource development. Despite gloomy market conditions, the resurgence of the coal industry has been the topic of speeches by President Donald Trump, Gianforte and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.