Montana advocate celebrated for decades of public service

Two Spirit activist David Herrera has served as an influential leader supporting Montana Indigenous communities since 1986. Drawing on his education at Stanford University, his Mestizo heritage and his adoption into the Blackfeet Tribe in Browning, Herrera has been at the forefront of health, education and community support for Two Spirit individuals statewide since the height of the AIDS epidemic. 

Herrera was recently recognized by the city of Missoula for his long list of contributions to the community — including health work focused on HIV, educational opportunities centering Two Spirit perspectives and the long-running Montana Two Spirit Gathering that takes place every summer. The city of Missoula dedicated Aug. 15, 2026, as “David Herrera Day,” highlighting in its proclamation his “exceptional courage, selfless compassion and visionary leadership.”

The Montana Two Spirit Society, which Herrera co-founded in 1996, also celebrated the impressive legacy of its executive director. Community members offered thanks, memories and words of support for Herrera and his impact, and the Montana Two Spirit Society noted that “a life of service is ultimately measured in the people and communities we touch along the way.”