Janet Robideau

1951 - 2024

Janet Robideau

August 26, 1951 - December 1, 2024

Honoring Montana's Janet ( Hatha-o-hio) Robideau, Standing Out Woman.--Maria Ibarbia.

"Before my grandfather died, he told me: Whatever you do, wherever you go, always remember that you Cheyenne. Don't ever forget that." --Janet Robideau (Interview. Free Library 2003).

After a lengthy illness that neither dimmed the cerebral sharpness of her mind, nor diminished her mischievous humor and charismatic strength, Janet Robideau, 73 , died peacefully the morning of December 1st 2024.

A contemporary of notable community and state activists like Carol Juneau and close colleague and friend Jim Fleischmann, Janet lived her life by the guiding principles of the Northern Cheyenne and her spirit totem , Great Bear, the grizzly. A revered social activist and Elder throughout Montana ,Janet was inducted into the Hotametaneo'o or Dog soldier Society, The Cheyenne warrior clan that resisted western encroachment , protected cultural values and defended its people.

Janet was born in San Francisco , California , on 26 August 1951, to Irene Issues, a U.S. Army Sergeant and Merville Archambeau. While a child, Janet relocated to the Northern Cheyenne reservation in Montana where she met members' of the American Indian Movement(AIM). Inspired by the AIM members' stories and the indigenous caused for which they fought, Janet resolved to follow in their footsteps: [AIM]... shaped my attitude forever toward fighting for change, standing up for what you believe in, and especially about power--who has it, what they do with it, and how it abused. " I'm willing to do whatever is necessary, because I'll be damned if I'm gonna let you walk all over people" (Interview. Free Library , 2003).

Janet soon grew into her Cheyenne name, "Standing Out Woman," by bolstering school pride as a cheerleader and graduating valedictorian at St. Labre Indian School, A Catholic Boarding school in Ashland MT. Relocating to Missoula in 1984 with her family to attend the University of Montana, Janet graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology.

Janet's community activism included building the Coalition for Nursing Home Reform with the collaboration of Montana People's Action, inviting the Reverend Jessie Jackson to take part in a rally for nursing home reform which successfully unionized care workers at Hillside Manor. As a member of Montana People's Action she helped to organize constituents lacking political power to win victories and establish alliances and coalitions like Montana Community Labor Alliance, Northwest Federation of Community Organizations, and Coalition for living wage Jobs; facilitate leadership through training and elevating voices in a regional and national effort for social justice. Eventually becoming the founder of Indians People's Action in 1997, and then Executive Director of Montana People's Action..

Janet lobbied statewide for health care for all and worked to dispel widespread falsehoods that Indians receive free healthcare, free housing and do not have to pay taxes. Janet also traveled to Washington D.C., along with other prominent Montana Educational Leaders and spoke in support of equal educational opportunities for Native Students,highlighting the need for schools to address racist bullying and discriminatory punishment.

Janet helped develope a program called Dismantling Racism to build bridges between the local law enforcement and the native community which helped to combat racial stereotyping.

Even as Janet worked to improve the lives of people statewide, she also worked to improve her personal life. With the help of Alcoholics Anonymous and it community, she worked to address the physiological and mental effects of trauma induced by years of Indian boarding school experiences and domestic violence. On November 7, 2024 had celebrated 32 years of sobriety.

"Grace and Unconditional love were [my mom's] super power,' Stated Francine. " I would choose her everyday and twice on Sunday to be my Mother. I am so grateful to have her as my mother.

Janet is survived by her daughter Francine ( Lone Pine Tree Woman) , her son Wamni ( Little Wild Wind) Omni Ska Robideau and a wide community of blood relatives, adopted relatives and friends.

A memorial in her honor Janet's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on June 21st, 2025 at the Cymatic Events Center, 5646 W Harrier, Suite B, Missoula, MT.