MOTHERING IN MONTANA | Suzanne Sutton

_{She was taught to find her way back to her homeland. Generations later, her daughter's story reveals what it means to raise a family, preserve values, and cultivate a legacy in Montana.}

The Gathering Table Talk |  IWD406 Podcast

What do we inherit from our mothers—and what do we intentionally carry forward when raising our own families?

Some of the most important lessons about motherhood begin long before we become mothers ourselves. They are shaped by the women who came before us, the circumstances they endured, the beliefs they carried, and the choices they made along the way.

In this episode of the IWD406 Podcast, host Julie Walz welcomes Suzanne Sutton for a Gathering Table conversation on Mothering in Montana—an exploration of family history, Indigenous heritage, faith, motherhood, marriage, land stewardship, and the responsibility of passing values from one generation to the next.

Suzanne shares the extraordinary story of her mother, whose early life included being sent to Chemawa Indian Boarding School in Oregon, where she was trained for domestic service. She was later sent to San Francisco to work as a housemaid, navigating an unfamiliar city and a life shaped by circumstances beyond her choosing.

She would not learn to drive until she was 65 years old.

Yet throughout her life, she carried an important teaching from her Native community: Find your way back to your homeland.

That homeland was St. Ignatius, Montana.

Her mother's experiences, resilience, and relationship to her ancestral home became part of the foundation upon which Suzanne would eventually build her own understanding of family, belonging, and purpose.

IN THIS EPISODE

THE STORIES OUR MOTHERS CARRY

Suzanne reflects on her mother's experiences at Chemawa, her journey to San Francisco, and the lasting influence of Indigenous heritage, cultural teachings, and returning to Montana.

BECOMING A MOTHER. BUILDING A FAMILY.

What is the difference between becoming a mother and intentionally raising a family?

Suzanne discusses her upbringing, her transition into motherhood, and the values she wanted to cultivate within her home. We explore how the examples we inherit can shape our parenting—and how we decide what to preserve, reconsider, or do differently.

FAITH, VALUES & DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES

Rooted in Christian faith, Suzanne reflects on the perspectives she encountered throughout her life and how her beliefs helped guide her decisions, relationships, and responsibilities as a mother and wife.

RETURNING TO THE LAND

Suzanne shares her sense of being called to Montana and what it means to become a steward of the land.

Through farming, cultivating the soil, and pursuing healthier ways of living, she discusses the relationship between what we grow, how we nourish ourselves, and the responsibility we have to future generations.

MOTHERHOOD DOESN'T END WHEN CHILDREN GROW UP

As a grandmother, Suzanne's understanding of mothering continues to evolve.

Our conversation explores the changing role of a mother, the wisdom that comes through experience, and the opportunity to support younger generations without losing sight of their independence.

WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN

From offering counsel to new mothers and married couples to helping women feel healthier and more confident in their lives, Suzanne shares her philosophy of service, encouragement, and meaningful connection.

THE BIGGER CONVERSATION

Motherhood is often discussed through the responsibilities of raising children.

But what about the responsibility of raising a family?

What do we teach through our daily choices, our relationships, our faith, and our connection to the places we call home?

And how do the experiences of our mothers and grandmothers continue to influence generations they may never meet?

Suzanne's story invites us to consider motherhood not simply as a role, but as an evolving relationship between identity, heritage, responsibility, and legacy.

Because sometimes the greatest inheritance we receive isn't something we own. It's something we were taught.

ABOUT THE GATHERING TABLE

The Gathering Table is an IWD406 community created for women in Montana to come together through meaningful conversations about life, identity, belonging, motherhood, relationships, change, and the experiences that shape who we become.

Our Table Talk discussions welcome different perspectives and lived experiences in a space built around curiosity, mutual respect, and connection.

Come to observe. Come to share. Come to listen.

Different perspectives. Shared stories. One table.

Join The Gathering Table through IWD406 and continue the conversation on Mothering in Montana.

ABOUT THE IWD406 PODCAST

Hosted by Julie Walz, the IWD406 Podcast is a Montana-based storytelling platform dedicated to discovering, documenting, and amplifying the experiences of women whose lives, work, wisdom, and contributions shape our communities.

Through intentional, in-depth conversations, the podcast explores the people behind the stories and the experiences that deserve to be heard, understood, and preserved.

PASS THE MIC. SHARE THE STORY.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

www.iwd406.com/podcast

IWD406 Podcast | Montana Women. It's Their Story to Tell.

Julie Walz | Founder & Host