A “New” Code of the West Conference

Where Anti-Government Extremism

and
Anti-Indian Bigotry Roam Free

Montana Human Rights Network / P.O. Box 1509 / Helena, MT 59624 / network@mhrn.org / www.mhrn.org
2 A “New “ Code of the West Conference

The Montana Human Rights Network is a grassroots, state-based human rights non-profit organization
in Montana working to promote democratic values such as pluralism, equality and justice; challenge bigot-
ry and intolerance; and organize communities to speak out in support of democratic principles and institu-
tions. The Network uses a multi-faceted approach to expand the base for human rights in Montana, including
pursuing progressive public policy, exposing the radical right, and supporting local community organizing.
The Network has researched and reported on the activities of the radical right for more than 25
years. To learn more about this work, please visit our website at https://mhrn.org/right-wing-research/.
You can find more of the Network’s reports and issue briefs here: https://mhrn.org/resources/.

Montana Human Rights Network

P.O. Box 1509
Helena, MT 59624
(406) 442-5506
network@mhrn.org
www.mhrn.org

Montana Human Rights Network © September 2018

A “New “ Code of the West Conference 3
F
eaturing a lineup of speakers with histories
of bashing the federal government, conserva-
tionists, and American Indian policy, right-wing
extremists claim “A ‘New’ Code of the West” will
reveal how a shadowy “Deep State” is impacting
the West.1
Scheduled to be held in Whitefish, Montana, on
October 13, 2018, the keynote speaker is Ammon
Bundy, a member of the notorious anti-government
family that has engaged in two high-profile armed
standoffs with the federal government in Nevada
and Oregon. The family refuses to recognize the le-
gitimacy of the federal government, and members
of the Bundy family now travel the country teaching
their false version of American history, their uncon-
stitutional sovereign citizen views as fact, and en-
couraging communities to follow the contentious
Bundy example.
This will be the third time in eight months a
member of the Bundy clan will have spoken in
northwestern Montana. Both the organizers of the
event and many of the speakers are enthusiastic
supporters of the Bundy family and their armed
One of the Code of the West’s main organizers is Laura Lee rights of the Confederated Salish and Koo-
O’Neil, an avid supporter of the John Birch Society. On Facebook, tenai Tribes (CSKT). Willman is scheduled to
she posted this photo of local Birch Society supporters getting speak at the Code of the West event.
ready for a parade, and she’s posted videos by the group’s found-
er, Robert Welch.
Montana Human Rights Network © September 2018
standoffs against the government.
The speakers for the Code of the West promote
an array of extremist conspiracy theories that trace
back to the militia movement of the 1990s. Many of
these militia conspiracies were modified only slight-
ly from the anti-Semitic versions that are used by
the white supremacist movement.
While espousing slightly different versions of
the same conspiracy, the Code of the West speakers
spread fear and hatred of the federal government,
which they claim is working with shadowy cabals
to implement a one-world government that will en-
slave Americans.
The list of speakers includes Montanans and
others from around the region, and they are well
acquainted with each other. They interview each
other on their online radio and talk shows. Many
have shared the speakers’ podium together before,
including at the right-wing conspiracy fests known
as the Red Pill Expo. They promote each other’s
books and cite each other’s work, along with serv-
ing together on boards of directors. Instead of be-
ing a unique combination of speakers, they are all
part of the band of conspirators that travels
the country peddling fear, paranoia, and
sometimes a call to arms.
“This West is OUR West” is the driving
force behind the conference. Up until now,
the group has mostly existed online, main-
taining a website that espouses an ideol-
ogy at the nexus of the anti-government,
anti-Indian, and anti-environmental move-
ments. The website has predominately
been a vehicle for Elaine Willman, the most
prominent anti-Indian activist in the Pacific
Northwest.
The anti-Indian movement seeks to
eradicate the treaty rights guaranteed to
American Indians and uses tactics that am-
plify discrimination and bigotry towards
American Indian community members.
Willman moved to Montana a few years
ago specifically to fight against the treaty
Laura Lee O’Neil is the registered agent
4 A “New “ Code of the West Conference

for the corporation This West is OUR

West and the primary organizer of the
Code of the West conference.2 O’Neil
launched the This West is OUR West
website in October 2016, and it was
greeted enthusiastically by militia ac-
tivists.3
She frequently travels with Elaine
Willman, records Willman’s presen-
tations, and posts them online.4 Like
Willman, O’Neil has fought against
the CSKT Flathead Water Compact,
at one point calling it “THE most im-
portant issue” for Republicans to con-
sider during the 2018 Primary Elec-
tion.5 She’s an avid supporter of the
extremist John Birch Society and has
supported the Bundy family, saying
“Cliven Bundy isn’t WRONG.”6
This West is OUR West is offer-
ing discounted rates to the event for
elected officials and candidates for
office to help mainstream its radical dian activist in the Pacific Northwest, if not the en-
beliefs. Should these leaders attend the event, they tire country. The anti-Indian movement seeks to
will be fed conspiracy theories that target commu- deny legally-established rights to American Indians
nity members who are American Indian, federal by terminating treaty rights and tribal sovereignty,
employees, conservationists, and many others who while also erasing Indian culture in favor of white
will be portrayed as enemies to America. European culture.
Attendees will be encouraged to manufacture Willman has served on the board of the larg-
controversy and pick fights with both federal and est anti-Indian group in the country, the Citizens
tribal governments using inaccurate history and Equal Rights Alliance, for years, including six years
false legal theories. This event will provide nothing as its board chair.7 Willman tells audiences that
of value to the community. At best, it will create treaty rights should be terminated, and she claims
the kind of divisiveness that pits neighbor against that treaties with American Indians are “absolute-
neighbor. At worst, the Bundy family will continue ly invalid,” unconstitutional, and “dead language.”8
establishing the next beachhead for its war with She moved to the Flathead in 2015 to fight against
the federal government, but this time it could be the CSKT Flathead Water Compact, which she said
in Montana. could spawn a second American Revolution.9
Earlier this year, Willman revealed the role that
race plays in the anti-Indian movement. On Face-
A “New” Code of the West:
book, she posted a meme asking, “When is White
Scheduled Speakers and Organizers History Month?” that featured the white suprema-
cist mantra “100% White” and “100% Proud.”10 Var-
ious white supremacist record companies sell mer-
Elaine Willman chandise featuring this same “100% White/Proud”
Citizens Equal Rights Alliance saying.11
She posted another meme stressing the impor-
Elaine Willman is the most prominent anti-In- tance of white European culture: “You are WHITE.

Montana Human Rights Network © September 2018

A “New “ Code of the West Conference 5
Your ancestors did not steal this country…they BUILT
this country.”12 She frequently promotes this belief
that white settlers created the West, and American
Indians should just be happy they weren’t totally
exterminated.13
A key to Willman’s anti-Indian activism is her
claim to being “part Indian.” She routinely says that
she is part Cherokee, including telling a recent audi-
ence that a DNA test revealed she is 30% American
Indian.14 However, when she discusses her ancestry,
it is in the past tense.
She’s commented how she “deeply treasures”
her Cherokee heritage; however, she then asserted
the superiority of her American citizenship.15 Her
message is clear – American Indian ancestry and cul-
ture need to be left in the past. Anti-Indian groups
like to prominently feature their few American In-
dian activists as a rhetorical foil against charges of
racism. This assumes that a person cannot be preju-
diced against a group of people to which the person
belongs.
Willman weaves her anti-Indian activism into
popular right-wing conspiracies. She claims the
CSKT Flathead Water Compacts is part of “imple-
menting communalism and socialism consistent
with Agenda 21.”16 The Agenda 21 conspiracy claims
that a United Nations document promoting sustain-
ability and planning crafted in 1992 is a sinister plot
to subvert property rights and enslave Americans.
In a video posted by a leader of the militia-based
Montana Oath Keepers, Willman said American In-
dians work with “environmental extremists” and
the United Nations, because all of them are “adver-
sarial to the United States.”17 She’s also claimed the
UN is using tribes to “facilitate the dismantling of
our country.”18
She taps into the right wing’s fear of Muslims by
promoting a conspiracy theory that Middle Eastern
countries are using reservations as staging areas for
future attacks.19 With these views, it’s no surprise
that Willman has been involved in Red Pill Expos,
speaking at the 2017 event in Bozeman, Montana,
and attending the 2018 event in Spokane, Washing-
ton.20
During this election cycle, Willman has peddled
stories that voter fraud on reservations resulted in
electoral wins for US Sen. Jon Tester (D-Montana).
She’s claimed that the State of Montana has no abil-
Montana Human Rights Network © September 2018
ity to provide oversight of election results on res-
ervations, and Democrats pay American Indians to
vote for their candidates.21
Kerry White
Montana State Representative
Montana State Rep. Kerry White (R-Bozeman)
has been one of the central actors for Montana’s
anti-environmental “wise use” movement for de-
cades. The “wise use” or “multiple use” movement
began in the 1980s with funding and guidance from
extractive industry, which created astroturf com-
munity groups to promote industry’s agenda. While
the movement’s agenda is focused on opposing
conservation, it has long intersected with the an-
ti-Indian and militia movements, especially at the
local levels.
White helped found, and has been a longtime
leader of, Citizens for Balanced Use (CBU), a well-
known Montana wise use and ATV group that has
opposed wilderness, forest planning, the Endan-
gered Species Act, and many other policies.22 White
himself has been active locally in a variety of land
use and property rights issues. In 2011, he was
axed from the Gallatin County Planning Board due
to his antagonistic and polarizing presence.23
White routinely displays how his anti-conser-
vation views are based on underlying conspiracies,
which he sees manifested as environmental regu-
lations and policies. Particularly, White subscribes
to a one-world government conspiracy that wealthy
elites (in White’s version it’s environmentalists) are
taking over the world through the United Nations
and conservation groups. He has claimed,
“Agenda 21 is the most aggressive
attack on our country and personal
freedoms we as a nation have ever
experienced. Population control,
private property control, energy
control, food control, etc. Learn
what Agenda 21 is and you will be
alarmed and angry.”24
White has also promoted “coordination,” a rel-
atively new name for the county supremacy beliefs
foundin both the wise use and anti-government
6 A “New “ Code of the West Conference

movements. “Coordination” is a con-

voluted notion that counties can pass
natural resource plans and make fed-
eral agencies adopt them. He’s long
promoted the notion of county su-
premacy. He used CBU’s e-mail list
to promote a workshop by wise use
attorney Karen Budd-Falen back in
2010, and he attended the workshop
she gave in the Bitterroot Valley in
November 2017.25
Over the past year or so, White
has actively campaigned to re-
lease Wilderness Study Areas and
open them to motorized use.26 He’s
claimed that conservation organiza-
tions are funded by Chinese and Rus-
sian money to support wilderness
designations, in order to “increase
our dependence on unfriendly for-
eign nations.”27 He’s been a major
proponent of making the federal
Montana Rep. Theresa Manzella (R-Hamilton) posted this photo of Rep.
government transfer public lands to Kerry White attending a workshop by wise use attorney Karen Budd-
the states.28 Falen.
White supported the Bundy fam-
ily in their armed standoffs with the federal govern- claiming it was an effort to create a “Negro Soviet
ment. In April 2014, he announced plans to go to Republic” in the United States.33 The Birch Society
Nevada and stand with Bundys”29 During the Bundy was also a close ally of the segregationist Alabama
standoff in Oregon, White called on the local sher- Governor George Wallace.34
iff in Oregon to protect the militia supporters from As the Cold War subsided, the Birch Society
federal agents.30 He’s characterized the Bundys as took aim at the United Nations and became a pur-
“honest farmers and ranchers.”31 The Bundy fam- veyor of one-world government conspiracy theo-
ily isn’t his only foray into militia circles. In 2011, ries, in addition to promoting Christian fundamen-
he shared the speaker podium with militia favorite talism and the abolishment of numerous federal
Richard Mack at a rally in Bozeman, Montana.32 agencies.35
Newman is viewed by right-wing extremists as
Alex Newman an expert on the supposed “Deep State” after au-
John Birch Society’s The New American thoring a Birch Society report on the topic.36 The
idea of the Deep State isn’t new and has generally
Alex Newman currently serves as a foreign cor- referred to government entities like the armed forc-
respondent for The New American magazine, the es, intelligence agencies, administrative agencies,
flagship publication for the John Birch Society. and others working to undermine a country’s elect-
Founded in 1958, the John Birch Society fought ed leadership. The Trump Administration popular-
the perceived infiltration of communists in Amer- ized the notion by claiming a Deep State is trying to
ican society, even calling Dwight Eisenhower an stop his efforts, as his administration faces internal
“agent of the Communist conspiracy.” Promoting an leaks, critical media coverage, and opposition to his
extreme right-wing ideology, the group vigorously agenda.
opposed the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, For his part, Newman likes to take the Deep

Montana Human Rights Network © September 2018

A “New “ Code of the West Conference 7

State conspiracy even further, making its anti-Se- for being a so-called expert when it comes to the
mitic roots clearer. He claims this Deeper State is conspiracy theories regarding Agenda 21. He claims
comprised of power brokers, like the Rothschilds, Agenda 21 was crafted by a group of 35-40 inter-
Rockefellers, Council on Foreign Relations, Trilater- national bankers called the Club of Rome in 1968,
al Commission, Bilderbergs, and Illuminati.37 These where they decided to use “environmentalism” as
are the same boogeymen used by white suprem- a tool to subjugate the world to one-world govern-
acists and anti-government militias in their one- ment.47
world government conspiracies. He is obsessed with the idea that Agenda 21
According to Newman, these entities “domi- will enslave America to “global governance” by the
nate every organ of government.”38 He also frames United Nations.48 He also shares the militia move-
the battle taking place in spiritual terms, claiming ment’s beliefs that the government is establishing
Deep State entities are “absolutely involved with prison camps, with Happel stating such “relocation
the dark side, with what Lucifer is up to” and that centers” currently could house 20 million people.49
they engage in demonic rituals.39 He’s been a frequent supporter of the Bundy
Newman is a hostile critic of the public educa- family, calling them a very “law-abiding” family and
tion system. He believes the cur-
rent education system should be
viewed as an “act of war” trying to
overthrow the US Constitution.40
He has claimed public schools are
at “the heart of this globalist ef-
fort” to “enslave the world.”41
For him, parents leaving their
children in public schools are
“failing in their duty to protect,
nurture, love and disciple their
child.”42 A major component of
his criticism is that public schools
are “systematically undermining
Biblical religion and Christianity,”
which he views as part of the one-
world government agenda.43 Dan Happel features militia figures like Richard Mack on his radio show.
Like many other Code of the
West speakers, Newman is connected to the Red “decent genuine” citizens.50 He’s encouraged listen-
Pill Expo, serving as an editor for the so-called Red ers to his radio show to do anything they can to help
Pill University and speaking at the events.44 While the Bundy family and their supporters, whether it’s
promoting the Code of the West, Willman said financial help or moral support. In true Happel fash-
Newman would tie tribal issues to emerging one- ion, he’s claimed the federal government’s actions
world government efforts.45 Also like many Code against the Bundy family are part of Agenda 21.51
of the West speakers, Newman has supported the Happel has promoted the Oath Keepers, an
Bundy family. 46
anti-government entity dedicated to recruiting
law officers and military personnel into the militia
Dan Happel movement. An Army veteran himself, Happel was a
Host of Connecting the Dots featured speaker at a 2010 conference convened by
the Montana Oath Keepers while he was a Madison
Dan Happel, who has lived in Montana most County Commissioner.52 During his 2010 campaign
of his life, is best-known in anti-government circles for the county commission, he distributed business

Montana Human Rights Network © September 2018

8 A “New “ Code of the West Conference

cards for the Oath Keepers at table displays.53
Happel serves on the Leadership Council for
Freedom Force International. Freedom Force stages
the “Red Pill Expos.” Happel has framed the expos
as being about stopping the “transformation of our
constitutional republic and individual rights into a
Marxist/ technocratic/corporatist world govern-
ment controlled by powerful and ruthless men in-
tent on ruling over mankind.”54 He chaired the 2018
Red Pill Expo held in Spokane, Washington.55 He
told the media he was excited that the Expo would
feature a film glorifying one of the militia leaders
who helped lead the Bundy standoff in Oregon.56
Happel has been an avid proponent of various
anti-government beliefs, including
that gold and silver are the only le-
gitimate currency. He testified for
legislation that would have required
the State of Montana to back trans-
actions with gold and silver coin.57
Happel has also supported bills eu-
phemistically supporting “states’
rights,” which declared the federal
government was acting unconstitu-
tionally and included language about
secession and declaring the income
tax unconstitutional.58
While his ideology exists on the
fringe, Happel has used political
activism as a way to try and main-
stream his views. He has served as a
member of the Madison County Commission, and
he has also been active with the Montana Repub-
lican Party, currently serving as its Finance Chair.59
He has fought to keep extreme right-wing val-
ues in the Montana GOP’s platform. In a report
on the 2010 platform convention, he commended
participants for putting together a “very conserva-
tive Republican platform.” As proof, he referenced
planks to repeal the 16th Amendment; to remove
the US from the United Nations and kick the orga-
nization out of the country; and in support of the
“Birther” conspiracy regarding President Obama’s
citizenship.60
In 2015, he ran unsuccessfully to be chair of the
Montana Republican Party, claiming Montanans
were “losing our unalienable rights” due to “Fed-
eral over reach[sic].” 61 His connection to the Oath
Keepers became a liability during his campaign.62
Matt Shea
Washington State Representative
The Code of the West bio for Washington State
Rep. Matt Shea (R-Spokane Valley) says he is “rec-
ognized nationally as a Constitutional conservative
and pro-liberty legislator.”63 That’s a sanitized way
of saying he regularly shows up in anti-government
circles, and he’s used the Bundy standoffs to raise
his profile.
Shea worked with the Oath Keepers to send a
delegation of state legislators to the Bundy Ranch
in Nevada.64 He compared the militia supporters
engaged in the armed standoff to the colonists
during the American Revolution with Britain, saying
the Nevada standoff was between “freedom-loving
Americans” and “Constitution-ignoring socialists.”65
He more actively participated in the Bundy
standoff in Oregon, even funneling intelligence
from the FBI to the militia members.66 In Oregon, he
also hooked up standoff members with a Three Per-
cent Militia activist who helped anti-government
occupiers flee as law enforcement closed in.67 Shea
later presented this Three Percenter with a “2016
Patriot of the Year” award.68
His support of the Bundy family was hardly his
first venture into militia circles. He’s claimed the
federal government was behind the Oklahoma City
bombing, which was perpetrated by militia adher-

Montana Human Rights Network © September 2018

A “New “ Code of the West Conference 9
ent Timothy McVeigh.69 He believes FEMA is con-
structing concentration camps in which it will im-
prison Americans.70 He’s spoken at Oath Keepers
events and encouraged people to buy copies of
militia agitator Richard Mack’s book to give to their
sheriffs. 71
His connection to right-wing extremists was also
on display at a previous Montana event at which he
spoke in the Flathead. Back in 2011, he spoke at the
Preparedness Expo sponsored by a militia group,
The Flathead Liberty Bell. The group’s name came
from a militia strategy of forming phone trees that
would rally militia members to intimidate law en-
forcement during situations like traffic stops. At the
Preparedness Expo, Shea shared the podium with
anti-government preacher Chuck Baldwin, Oath
Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, and militia agita-
tor Richard Mack.72
Shea has embraced many extremist ideas, not
just of the anti-government variety. In June 2016,
he helped form a Spokane chapter of the anti-Mus-
lim ACT for America, which is designated a hate
group by the Southern Poverty Law Center and is
the largest purveyor of Islamophobia in the coun-
try. ACT for America equates all Muslims with ter-
rorists and claims Islam a political ideology, not a
religion, that wants to destroy Western civilization.
Shea has promoted common anti-Muslim conspira-
cy theories, including that the Muslim Brotherhood
has infiltrated the highest levels of the federal gov-
ernment.73
Like many other Code of the West speakers, he
has participated in Red Pill Expos, servings as mas-
Montana Human Rights Network © September 2018
ter of ceremonies for the 2018 Red Pill Expo, along
with presenting during a breakout session.74
Christopher Kortlander
Custer Battlefield Museum
Christopher Kortlander is an antiquities dealer
probably best known for buying and owning the
town of Garryowen, Montana, which is in Big Horn
County on the Crow Reservation. He also owns and
operates the Custer Battlefield Museum, which is
located on the land where the first shots of the Bat-
tle of the Little Big Horn were fired.75 His presence
at the Code of the West probably stems from his
history of anti-Indian activism and his decades-long
struggles with the
BLM and other federal
agencies.
Kortlander pur-
chased Garryowen in
1993 and moved his
antiquities operation
to the community
from California.76 He
came under federal
investigation after the
BLM received com-
plaints that he was
selling artifacts that
were allegedly recov-
ered from the Little Big Horn Battlefield.77 The in-
vestigation of Kortlander led to search warrants be-
ing carried out by federal agents in 2005 and 2008.
In 2009, the federal government decided not to
prosecute him and returned most of the confiscat-
ed artifacts, although some were kept to determine
who legally owned them.78
Kortlander’s view of these developments reads
like a soap opera script. He claims the whole feder-
al investigation stemmed from the jealous ex-hus-
band of Kortlander’s girlfriend who happened to be
an unethical BLM agent. As he weaves his tale in his
book Arrow to the Heart, he talks about shady in-
formants, agents engaged in entrapment, untrust-
worthy community members, and lots of litigation.
He also speculates that members of the Crow Tribe
were involved, saying it was “correct to believe that
both bureaucratic and Indian politics were fueling
10 A “New “ Code of the West Conference
the federal assault on Garryowen.”79
After this experience, Kortlander adopted lan-
guage toward federal agents that any militia mem-
ber would endorse:
• He called the agents carrying out the search
warrants “black-clad federal agents in hiked-up
jackboots” and “storm troopers run amok sent
by an all-powerful central government.”80
• He said he and others have been a “victim
of similar Nazi Gestapo-like raids by overzeal-
ous” federal agents.81
• Federal agencies, he claimed, had adopted
“a ‘Rambo’ type attitude and they’ve been run-
ning amok, threatening and raiding innocent
private citizens….”82
He also framed his experience in terms of the
Deep State conspiracy, referring to federal agents
as “the deep state entrenched.”83 He said these
“deep-staters” operate as if they are “invincible and
untouchable.”84
His hatred of the BLM seems to have made him
an instant ally of the Bundy family. Arrow to the
Heart contains a chapter about the Bundys charac-
terizing them as innocent victims. Kortlander says
the Bundys and their supporters have begun to
“turn the spotlight on several governmental orga-
nizations, including the BLM, that need to be scru-
tinized and taken to task for their abusive use and
displays of power.”85
Ammon Bundy wrote the forward to Arrow to
the Heart while he was still in prison and has pro-
moted the book on his Facebook page.86 Kortlander
thanked Bundy for his “willingness and determina-
tion” to inspire “countless Americans to join the
fight against federal overreach.”87
In addition to his militia connections, Kortland-
er works with the anti-Indian movement. He was
first elected to the Citizens Equal Rights Alliance
board in 2005 and is still listed as a member.88 Fel-
low board member and Code of the West speaker
Elaine Willman calls Kortlander a long-time friend.89
In the early 2000s, he was involved in litigation
against a tax imposed by the Crow Tribe.90 He and
other business owners refused to pay a resort tax,
with some threatening violence against the tribe if
needed.91
Montana Human Rights Network © September 2018
Claims about Indian voter fraud have recently
garnered Kortlander much attention in right-wing
circles. One chapter of his book is dedicated to sup-
posed voter fraud by the Crow Tribe that helped
elect Jon Tester to the US Senate in 2006. Among
his claims are:
• Tribal members used different names to
vote in more than one precinct.
• The Crow Tribe issued multiple tribal iden-
tification cards, one in a person’s Crow name
and one in the person’s English name, so tribal
members could vote twice.
• The Montana Democratic Party paid Ameri-
can Indians $40 per vote for Tester.92
Blaming tribal sovereignty, Kortlander claims
the State of Montana lacks the authority to admin-
ister and supervise elections conducted on reser-
vations. That leads to, he claims, voter fraud being
“rampant” with no way to “guarantee the sanctity
and validity of each individual vote.”93 Various con-
servative groups have picked up on these allega-
tions and are touting them as fact during the cur-
rent election cycle.
Norman Semanko
Water Rights Attorney
Norman Semanko is a GOP operative and attor-
ney from Idaho who has made a name for himself
representing water and property rights, including
efforts to undermine American Indian treaty rights.
In Idaho, he has served as the chair of the state’s
Republican Party; run a failed campaign for US Con-
gress; and served on the staff of US Sen. Larry Craig
(R-ID).94 At the national level, he currently serves on
the Republican National Committee on Rules and
Order of Business, which follows a stint as the Gen-
eral Counsel for National Committee.95
His reason for being invited to speak at the
Code of the West is most likely related to his years
of working in water rights, including almost two
decades with the Idaho Water Users Association.
While heading that group, Idaho ranchers filed a
lawsuit against the BLM. Ranchers and the BLM had
both filed thousands of overlapping claims to in-
stream stock watering rights.
A “New “ Code of the West Conference 11
After two decades of court battles, the Idaho
Supreme Court ruled that the BLM couldn’t own
the water rights, because it didn’t own livestock
and couldn’t use the water. “The cattle owner is
the one who owns the water right,” Semanko said,
“because they put it to beneficial use.”96 The basis
of this argument – that using a resource creates a
property right – is often used by militia supporters
to justify the Bundys’ defiance of federal agencies.
As an attorney, Semanko is well known among
Idaho’s conservation community as a tenacious
water and property rights attorney who has con-
sistently opposed measures to protect clean water
and salmon habitat.97 He’s railed against “strident
radicals in the environmental movement” and “ex-
tremist enviros” that he claims are attacking “the
sovereignty of Idaho water.”98 Like many other
speakers slated for the Code of the West event, Se-
manko supports transferring public lands to states.99
While representing water users, Semanko has
opposed American Indian tribal efforts to preserve
treaty rights when it comes to water and represent-
ed non-tribal members in litigation opposing tribal
sovereignty. 100 Semanko has lauded a Snake River
agreement with the Nez Perce Tribe that sacrificed
water rights guaranteed by treaty to the tribe in fa-
vor of non-tribal entities.101
Montana Human Rights Network © September 2018
The group putting on the Code of the West
event describes Semanko as working with North
West Property Owners Alliance against the Coeur
d’Alene Tribe on water issues.102 Additionally, Se-
manko has previously shared the stage with Elaine
Willman at a 2017 water rights event in Idaho.103
  His time with the Water Users Association
wasn’t perfect. While Semanko led the group, the
media discovered he had obtained loans from the
Association for over $170,000. These loans were
used for a down payment on a house and home im-
provement projects. While not illegal in Idaho, the
media noted the practice was illegal in other states.
It also questioned if some of the loan was used to
pay off debt from his failed congressional campaign
the year before. Semanko denied the charge.104
The Code of the West crowd no doubt finds
Semanko’s anti-tribal efforts intriguing. The Idaho
Water Users Association fights against tribal water
rights is similar to the fight over the CSKT Flathead
Water Compact, during which a Western Mon-
tana Water Users Association formed. Comprised
of non-tribal irrigators, this Association also chal-
lenged tribal water rights in the courts.
12 A “New “ Code of the West Conference
Endnotes
1) This West is OUR West, “A ‘New’ Code of the West.”
2) Midland Empire Republican Club, “The Spread of Tribalism,”
Sept. 7, 2018.
3) The Mental Militia, “This West is Our West,” Dec. 4, 2016.
4) Midland Empire Republican Club, “The Spread of Tribalism,”
Sept. 7, 2018.
5) Laura O’Neil, Facebook, May 31, 2018; Letter for Ravalli
County Commission, Feb. 28, ,2015; Montana Legislative
Services, Exhibit, March 27, 2013.
6) Laura O’Neil, Facebook, Aug. 28, 2017.
7) A “New” Code of the West, Speaker Biographies.
8) Montana Agri-Women, “Mid-Year Meeting,” April 22, 2017;
Midland Empire Republican Club, “The Spread of Tribalism,”
Sept. 7, 2018.
9) A “New” Code of the West, Speaker Biographies; Institute
for Research and Education on Human Rights, “Anti-Indian
Escalation in Montana,” Nov. 3, 2015.
10) Elaine Willman, Facebook, March 2, 2018.
11) Examples include Tightrope Productions and NSM88 Re-
cords.
12) Elaine Willman, Facebook, June 26, 2018.
13) Midland Empire Republican Club, “The Spread of Tribal-
ism,” Sept. 7, 2018; Montana Agri-Women, “Mid-Year Meet-
ing,” April 22, 2017.
14) Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights,
“Anti-Indian to the Core: Elaine Willman, the Citizens Equal
Rights Alliance and the Citizens Alliance for Property Rights,”
May 19, 2017; Montana Agri-Women, “Mid-Year Meeting,”
April 22, 2017; Elias Alias, “Elaine Willman on Tribal Govern-
ments Part 4,” Oct. 16, 2017; Midland Empire Republican
Club, “The Spread of Tribalism,” Sept. 7, 2018.
15) CERA Website, “CERA President Elaine Willman Speaks on
Federal Indian Policy,” undated; American Lands Council,
“When did the Political Winds Shift?” Oct. 21, 2014.
16) Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights, “An-
ti-Indian Escalation in Montana,” Nov. 3, 2015.
17) Elias Alias, “Elaine Willman on Tribal Governments Part 4,”
Oct. 16, 2017.
18) Elaine Willman, “Indian ‘Nations’ -- and Other Sham Terms:
Let’s Speak Clearly and Truthfully,” Jan. 27, 2017
19) News with Views, “The Spreading Epidemic of Tribalism in
America,” Jan. 11, 2016; Daily Interlake, “Alliance Cites Fear
of Federal Tribal Policy,” Sept. 27, 2015; Elias Alias, “Elaine
Willman on Tribal Governments Part 6,” Oct. 16, 2017.
20) 2018 Red Pill Expo, Website, “Conference Speakers;” Re-
doubt News, “Elaine Willman at the Red Pill Expo,” June 26,
2018; The New American, “Deep State Agenda and Schemes
Exposed at Red Pill Expo,” June 28, 2018.
21) Midland Empire Republican Club, “The Spread of Tribal-
ism,” Sept. 7, 2018.
22) Billings Gazette, “White Calls Land Transfer Unrealistic,”
Aug. 31, 2014.
23) Belgrade News, “County May Ax Two from Planning Board,”
Aug. 9, 2011.
24) Montana Human Rights Network, “Going from the Margins
to the Mainstream,” May 2012.
25) Citizens for Balanced Use, E-mail, Oct. 25, 2010; Theresa
Montana Human Rights Network © September 2018
Manzella, Facebook, Nov. 20, 2017
26) Kerry White, Facebook, July 30, 2018; Facebook, Jan. 14,
2018; Facebook, Feb. 7, 2018.
27) Kerry White, Facebook, July 30, 2018.
28) Independent Record, “Proposal to Transfer Federal Lands
to State Ownership Divisive, and Debated,” Aug. 31, 2014.
29) Montana Cowgirl, “Montana Lawmaker Says He Will Join
Armed Rebellion in Nevada,” April 17, 2014.
30) Kerry White, Facebook, Feb. 4, 2016.
31) Kerry White, Facebook, May 21, 2014.
32) Citizens for Balanced Use, E-mail, April 11, 2011; Bozeman
Tea Party, E-mail, April 14, 2011.
33) Political Research Associates, The John Birch Society’s An-
ti-Civil Rights Campaign of the 1960s, and Its Relevance To-
day, Jan. 21, 2014.
34) Southern Poverty Law Center, “Bringing Back Birch,” March
1, 2013.
35) Politico, “The John Birch Society is Back,” July 16, 2017.
36) The New American, “The New American’s Special Report on
the Deep State,” Jan. 8, 2018.
37) Bear Witness Central Conference, “The Deep State: Ameri-
ca Under Siege,” Jan. 13, 2018.
38) Ibid.
39) Ibid; Alex Jones Show Live, “New American Alex Newman
Interview,” Feb. 24, 2018.
40) Eagle Forum Live, “Phyllis Schlafly Interviews Alex New-
man about Dumbed-Down Education on Eagle Forum
Radio,” Sept. 7, 2016.
41) Right-Wing Watch, “Alex Jones Hails Manly Vladimir Putin
For Promoting ‘Masculine Men’ And Homeschooling,” May
27, 2015.
42) Hagmann Report, “Alex Newman - 06/25/2018 - Global-
ism, The UN & a One World Government,” June 26, 2018.
43) Ibid.
44) 2018 Red Pill Expo, Website, Conference Speakers.
45) Midland Empire Republican Club, “The Spread of Tribal-
ism,” Sept. 7, 2018.
46) The New American, “Whistleblower: Federal Thug Behind
Bundy Fiasco Had ‘Kill Book,’” Dec. 19, 2017.
47) Right-Wing Watch, “Cruz Montana Leadership Team
Includes ‘Agenda 21 Speaker,’” April 25, 2016.
48) Freedom Force International Second Congress, “Fighting
the Threat of Global Governance – Dan Happel,” December
12, 2015; YouTube, “Agenda 21, World Government, FEMA
Camps, Oregon Standoff, 2016 Election & More with Dan
Happel,” Feb. 9, 2016.
49) YouTube, “Agenda 21, World Government, FEMA Camps,
Oregon Standoff, 2016 Election & More with Dan Happel,”
Feb. 9, 2016.
50) Ibid.
51) Connecting the Dots, “Update On The Bunkerville/Mal-
heur Trials - Is Justice Being Served?” Nov. 18, 2017.
52) Montana Oath Keepers, Press Release, Jan. 1, 2011.
53) Montana Human Rights Network, Archives, Materials from
Dan Happel Campaign Table, Oct. 20, 2010.
54) Dan Happel, Website, “Ready to Take the Red Pill? Red Pill
Expo 2017,” May 11, 2017.
A “New “ Code of the West Conference 13
55) Spokesman Review, “Red Pill Expo Brings Leading Contrari-
ans to Spokane,” June 21, 2018.
56) Ibid.
57) Montana Human Rights Network, Archives, Notes from HB
639 Hearing in House State Administration, March 12, 2009;
Montana Legislative Services, Video Archive for House State
Administration Committee hearing on HB 513, March 14,
2011.
58) Montana Human Rights Network, Archives, Notes from
HJ 26 Hearing in House Judiciary, Feb. 23, 2009; Montana
Human Rights Network, Archives, Notes from HR 3 Hearing
in House Judiciary, April 15, 2009.
59) A “New” Code of the West, Speaker Biographies.
60) Dan Happel, “Dear Friends of Liberty,” June 25, 2010.
61) Media Trackers, “GOP Chair Candidate Interviews: Dan
Happel,” June 22, 2015.
62) Ed Berry, “How Dan Happel Would Destroy Montana’s
GOP,” June 23, 2015; Ed Berry, “Who Will Control Montana’s
Republican Party,” June 8, 2015.
63) A “New” Code of the West, Speaker Biographies
64) Center for Western Priorities, Going to Extremes, July 7,
2016.
65) Right-Wing Watch, “GOP State Rep: Bundy Standoff Pitted
‘Freedom-Loving Americans’ Against ‘Government-Depend-
ed Socialists,’” May 9, 2014.
66) Center for Western Priorities, Going to Extremes, July 7,
2016.
67) Ibid; Southern Poverty Law Center, “One More Enemy,”
Feb. 10, 2017.
68) Inlander, “Rep. Matt Shea Presents Oregon-Standoff Figure
Bosworth with ‘2016 Patriot of the Year’ Award,” Sept. 12,
2016.
69) Huffington Post, “Matt Shea, Washington Legislator, Tells
Tea Party Group To Buy Ammunition To Prepare For Eco-
nomic Collapse,” Aug. 1, 2013.
70) Center for Western Priorities, Going to Extremes, July 7,
2016; Southern Poverty Law Center, “Polarized Election
Season Marked by Extremist Candidates,” Oct. 19, 2012.
71) Coeur d’Alene Press, “Preparing for the ‘Inevitable Col-
lapse,’” July 28, 2013; Coeur d’Alene Press, “Tea Time with
the Posse: Inside an Idaho Tea Party Patriots Conference,”
April 19, 2011.
72) Polymontana, “Where Are the Protectors of Montana’s
People?” June 22, 2011.
73) Southern Poverty Law Center, “A Sagebrush-Supporting
State Legislator with National Political Ambitions has Ties to
America’s Largest Anti-Muslim Hate Group,” Feb. 22, 2017.
74) Spokesman Review, “Red Pill Expo Brings Leading Contrari-
ans to Spokane,” June 21, 2018.
75) Arrow to the Heart, Website, Aug. 30, 2018.
76) Billings Gazette, “Small Town’s Owner Getting Back to
His ‘Original Mission’— Building a New Battle of the Little
Bighorn Museum,” Jan. 25, 2018.
77) Cultural Heritage Lawyer, “Motion to Dismiss Filed in Kort-
lander Case - US Court of Federal Claims Issues Show Cause
Order for Party’s Failure to Appear,” Feb. 5, 2012.
78) Billings Gazette, “Small Town’s Owner Getting Back to
His ‘Original Mission’— Building a New Battle of the Little
Montana Human Rights Network © September 2018
Bighorn Museum,” Jan. 25, 2018; Auction Central News,
“Seized Artifacts Returned to Custer Battlefield Museum,”
April 2, 2014; Cultural Heritage Lawyer, “Motion to Dismiss
Filed in Kortlander Case - US Court of Federal Claims Issues
Show Cause Order for Party’s Failure to Appear,” Feb. 5,
2012.
79) Christopher Kortlander, Arrow to the Heart, 2018, p. 90.
80) Ibid, p. 76.
81) Christopher Kortlander, Press Release, Feb. 7, 2017.
82) Ibid.
83) Christopher Kortlander, Arrow to the Heart, 2018, p. 76
and 100.
84) This West Is OUR West, “Author of Shocking Expose Talks
about BLM Director William Woody’s Patterns of Abuse,”
Downloaded Sept. 6, 2018.
85) Christopher Kortlander, Arrow to the Heart, 2018, p. 145-
159.
86) Ammon Bundy, Facebook, Oct. 5, 2017.
87) Christopher Kortlander, Arrow to the Heart, 2018, p. 266.
88) CERA News, October 2005.
89) Midland Empire Republican Club, “The Spread of Tribal-
ism,” Sept. 7, 2018.
90) Christopher Kortlander, Arrow to the Heart, 2018, p. 39.
91) Los Angeles Times, “REVENUE : Where Custer Last Stood,
Businessmen Vow to Fight Tribal Tax,” July 10, 1996.
92) Christopher Kortlander, Arrow to the Heart, 2018, p. 108-
120.
93) Ibid, p. 108-119.
94) Spokesman Review, “New GOP Chairman has His Work Cut
Out,” July 22, 2008.
95) Idaho Politics Weekly, “Guest Column: A Preview of the
2016 Republican National Convention,” July 16, 2017.
96) Capital Press, “Bill Would Codify Landmark Water Rights
Victory in Idaho Law,” Jan. 10, 2017.
97) Idaho Statesman, “Delegation Backs Craig’s Salmon Water
Rider,” Oct. 13, 2007; Boise Weekly, “Why We Fight for
Idaho’s Water,” April 27, 2005.
98) Boise Weekly, “Idaho Has Not Forgotten About Threats To
Our Water,” March 21, 2005; Boise Weekly, “Why We Fight
For Idaho’s Water,” April 27, 2005.
99) Norman Semanko, Facebook, Feb. 21, 2016.
100) Coeur d’Alene Press, “A Big Year in Water Rights,” Jan.
7, 2018; Redoubt News, “Court Says NO to Tribe’s Water
Rights Claims,” May 15, 2017; Seattle Times, “New Prece-
dent Set for Upholding Idaho Tribal Court Decisions,” Nov.
6, 2017; Coeur d’Alene Tribe v. Kenneth and Donna Johnson,
August 2017.
101 ) Western States Water Council, 2005 Annual Report.
102 ) This West is OUR West, “The Idaho Public Utilities
Commission Has Decided to Cancel the July 23rd Hearing in
Boise!” Aug. 31, 2018.
103 ) Redoubt News, “North Idaho Water Rights Draws Large
Crowd,” July 17, 2017.
104 ) Idaho Statesman, “Idaho Nonprofit Director Owes Orga-
nization $161K,” Oct. 18, 2011.