Kinsley WalksAlong (Ánováóó’o – Beautiful Girl) grew up in Lame Deer, Montana on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. There, she became immersed in her cultural heritage and learned the art of creating beadwork, regalia, and quill work from her grandmothers. As an adult, she continuously seeks ways to advocate for Indigenous People. For instance, she strives to revive customs as the Traditional Cheyenne Quill Work Instructor at Chief Dull Knife College. She was also recently honored by hosting the Northern Cheyenne table at the Mayor’s World Languages Dinner in Billings, Montana.
Kinsley combined her passion for indigenous values with her vigor for community empowerment when she became the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council Communications Health Specialist in 2022. In this role, she is a champion of tobacco-free living, which she promotes through Good Medicine Keepers.
Kinsley is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications from Montana State University Billings. She holds an associate degree from Chief Dull Knife College and a Basic Tobacco Intervention Skills Certification for Native Communities through the University of Arizona HealthCare Partnership.
Kinsley finds happiness in spending time with her family and two children, traveling to powwows, and participating in handgames throughout Indian Country.
