The Apsáalooke - or Crow - Nation in SE Montana is comprised of approximtely 1.8 million acres of rolling hills, remote canyons, mountains and rivers.

Lucretia Birdinground grew up here, surrounded by sacred places and stories, with her life revolving around family, tradition, and the modern world.  Like any other rural teenager she likes music, shopping and Jesus.  Her mother Glenette and grandmother Alta are strong, respected female figures in her life.

Attending St. Labre Catholic Academy allowed Lucretia educational opportunities that local public schools lacked.  In eighth grade, she and three other Crow girls won the Bayer National Science Foundation Award.  Their project culminated in the building of a strawbale study hall for the community of Crow Agency, through the help of the Red Feather Development Group and other non-profits.  During this time, Lucretia emerged as the lead spokesperson for her group.  Since then she has had many public speaking events representing her tribe, taking her around the United States and all the way to Argentina.  Says Lucretia, "I never thought I could ever make a difference in my community.  Now that I have, I truly believe every person has a spirit of leadership in them."