Shelly Fyant was born in St. Ignatius, Montana. She earned a high school diploma from Ronan High School in 1975, an associate degree from Haskell Indian Nations University in 1978, and a bachelor's degree from the University of Montana in 1989. Her career experience includes working as a consultant focusing on food security and cultural awareness and appreciation. Fyant is affiliated with the Bitterroot Salish, Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes. She has served as a board member of the Western Leaders Network; on the Buffalo Nations Food Systems Initiative Advisory Council, on the Leadership Montana Indigenous Advisory Council, and as food sovereignty chair of the Arlee Community Development Corporation. She served on the CSKT Tribal Council from 2014 to 2021, as CSKT Tribal Chairwoman from 2020 to 2021, and on the Arlee school board from 2012 to 2014.
