Shootaachi, balashee Aaxue Itche hook. Hello, how are you? My Apsaalooke (Crow Tribe) name is Good Hider, which relates to the cultural activity called Handgame. It was given to me by my aunt, Loreen Crooked Arm-Walks Over Ice, who is a champion Handgame player. She also gave me the rite to speak, aho. In my tribe, the person who names a child often chooses a name that reflects a personal accomplishment.

My English name is Cali Walks Over Ice. I am from Billings, MT, and an enrolled tribal member of the Apsaalooke people (Crow Tribe). I also have relations with the Nakoda people (Ft. Belknap Assiniboine Tribe), the Blackfeet (Pikuni) people of Browning, MT, and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians from Belcourt, ND. My daughter is from the Northern Cheyenne people in Bernie, MT. Because of these many connections, I often call myself a “mutt.”

This is my second year as an AISES student representative, and I am extremely grateful for this amazing resource and opportunity. I am currently focusing my studies on Accounting and working toward a bachelor’s degree in Accounting at Montana State University Billings. I have about seven years of professional experience. I also worked in customer service for five years.

I have a passion for empowering Indian Country and the youth. My current professional position is with the State of Montana as a Tribal Contract Liaison for the Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program (MTUPP). In this role, I am fortunate to work with all eight tribal health departments and two urban Indian centers in the state. I collaborate with MTUPP, Tribal Tobacco Education Specialists, and communities to promote ceremonial tobacco use and connections.

Some personal facts about me: I am twenty-six years old, deeply connected to my culture and family, and a mother to an almost four-year-old daughter. My favorite food is spaghetti, I prefer the mountains, and my favorite movie is Pulp Fiction. I am comfortable sharing about myself in conversations and find joy in engaging, movement-focused activities—unless it’s a hike over two miles, then please count me out. I have traveled to Europe and the Northeastern and Northwestern United States. I am a morning person and extremely time-oriented.

Thank you for reading! I look forward to serving in this position.