These groups have opposed tribal government at virtually every turn. From tribal hunting permits to the management of the National Bison Range, ACE has yet to see a tribal effort of which it approved. ACE activists and board members have associated themselves with hard core racist groups in the past. For example, a former vice president of ACE distributed anti-Semitic literature in the community. In addition, a group formed by racist activists Frank Ellena and Keith Roberts, called the Freedom Fellowship Forum, claimed several ACE activists as supporters.
Indian tribes control numerous natural resources ranging from timber to minerals.
CERA is the most visible and politically active anti-Indian group at the national level. CERA's connection to the Alliance is not surprising. In 1995 the Alliance held a meeting in Ronan with speakers including Montana Republican House Speaker John Mercer and unsuccessful Republican congressional candidate Allan Mikkelson. The national president of the group at the time was Montana's own Bruce Vincent, founder of Citizens for a Great Northwest. So Much Denial Despite the gains of the far right in recent years, racism remains politically unpopular.