Biiluukè Strong

Biiluukè Strong Launches Intergenerational Mask-Wearing Campaign Among Crow Nation

Crow Agency, MT - After witnessing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on Navajo Nation, Montana's Tribal leaders have continued to act quickly to protect their communities. Despite these efforts, COVID is hitting emergency levels across Indian Country in Montana, and cases per capita on some reservations are 4x that of any other county. Native Americans compromise 7% of Montana’s population, but 37% of the total COVID-related deaths in Montana are Native American. 

To help slow the spread and save lives, Native-led nonprofits are joining Tribal authorities in efforts to protect their communities. 

One leading organization is Biiluuké Strong, a youth-led organization on Crow Nation that recently launched a powerful mask wearing and messaging campaign. Crow youth-activist Ember Singer started Biiluukè Strong as a mentoring program to unite youth and elders to preserve traditional learning that is current and culturally appropriate. When COVID hit, she quickly pivoted to educate her community about the importance of mask-wearing, social distancing and safe hygiene.

“We have a wealth of customs, knowledge, and traditions we are protecting. Our youth up to our elders of all ages and health histories are best protected by mask wearing,” says founder Ember Singer. “This campaign reminds Crow youth about our tradition of protecting one another, as a nation. It’s the Apsaalooke (Crow) way.” 

The campaign includes beautiful imagery and messaging around why mask wearing matters, which can be seen on Biiluuké Strong’s Facebook page and Instagram feed. 

As one young participant, Yellow Plume “Isabella Old Elk”, shared, “Let’s help one another. Stay home if you’re sick, wear a mask, wash and sanitize your hands often, practice social distancing and help stop the spread of COVID-19 on our reservation.” 

In addition to the messaging campaign, the group has helped distribute thousands of masks, hygiene kits, activities for youth, food, and water to families impacted by COVID. Biiluukè Strong is supported by We Are Montana and Western Native Voice, working in partnership with  Plenty Doors and Messengers For Health.

Support Biiluukè Strong’s work by donating directly here. Follow their work on Facebook and Instagram.

Contacts:
Biiluukè Strong, 406.638.1505, BiiluukeStrong@gmail.com
We Are Montana, 406.285.8903, cora@wearemontana.org

Biiluuke Strong: Biiluukè Strong is a nonprofit 501c3 that serves the Crow Indian Reservation youth in Montana. The organization upholds food sovereignty resources, traditional mentoring programs designed after the Crow Cultural Clanship System, and provides social services for youth, adults, and elders. The mentoring program is centered on strengthening family bonds and relationships while providing opportunities to learn and increase knowledge of Crow tribal language, history, and traditions.