Rae Peppers
Rae Peppers
Rae Peppers, a proud member of the Crow and Laguna Pueblo Tribes, is a dedicated leader, advocate, and entrepreneur with a deep commitment to Indigenous and rural communities. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration and Information Systems, an M.S. in Communications and Information Processing, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Indigenous and Rural Health.
Rae served for eight years (2013–2020) in the Montana State Legislature as the Representative for House District 41. During her legislative tenure, Rae championed groundbreaking legislation addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) in Montana, passing the first MMIP legislation in both the state and the United States. She also successfully sponsored and passed bills to support veterans, promote economic development, and enhance pay for Tribal Historical Preservation staff when investigating Indigenous matters.
Currently serving as the Finance Manager for the Northern Cheyenne Development Corporation, Rae brings a wealth of professional experience gained from her work with Chief Dull Knife College, the Crow Tribe, Lame Deer School, and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. In addition to her professional endeavors, Rae has been a driving force behind numerous community initiatives, including creating the Crow Tribe Veterans Park and managing construction projects for the Tribal Chairman. She also enforced the Community Reinvestment Act, securing the establishment of a First Interstate Bank on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.
As a board member for the Pretty Eagle Woman Foundation, Rae continues her advocacy for justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons and the empowerment of Indigenous communities. Beyond her public service, she and her husband have successfully owned and operated a construction company for over 20 years, in addition to managing a haying and cattle operation on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. They also raise horses for ranch work and trail riding, reflecting their enduring dedication to the land and their community.
Rae’s extensive experience, leadership, and tireless advocacy have made her a respected and impactful figure in Montana and Indigenous communities nationwide.