Dana Wilson - Apsaalooke tribal member, cultural interpreter

A discussion on respect, clan system, enrollment, education, and psychology of a modern day Crow Indian. The Apsaalooke people had an educational and socialistic way of life, beginning at birth similar to Maslows Heirarchy of needs, with a different twist. We will also discuss how many higher educational programs sometimes overlook the natives who were born and raised on the reservations and attended reservation schools. Even though modern Apsaalooke people can never accomplish “war deeds” as our forefathers did, we can still achieve honor through different avenues such as sports, military honors, and higher education.

Wilson is an enrolled member of the Apsaalooke Tribe, Big Lodge Clan, child of the Bad War Deeds. He grew up in the Mighty Few District, graduated from Lodge Grass High school and worked in the coal mines for 15 years. He has served as an elected member of the Crow Legislative Branch for nine years, also vice chairman of the Crow Executive Branch four years. He earned a BS in geosciences from The University of Montana, and is a graduate of the Western College of Auctioneering. Wilson participates in many cultural activities, loves the outdoors and likes to call himself a horseman. He was instrumental in creating the Apsaalooke Language App, which is free to download.