My Name is Kendall Grant Old Elk. I am member of the Apsaalooke Nation (Crow Tribe of Indians) of Montana. My name given to me by one of my Clan Uncles is Aagaaniexhiesa (which means He-Rides-Good) A name is a wish. Mine is a wish that anything I ride, I ride well, be it animals, education, dancing, singing, entertaining, anything. I come from a small town on the Crow reservation by the name of Wyola. At the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains. I have heard many stories and histories growing up, from my uncles, grandfathers, people I have always looked up to and respected. I have also studied, both in College (Montana State Univerity, Billings) and on my own. I am very curious. And I like to study. This way I have both sides of the story. Oral and written. I have travelled extensively throughout my life. I was in the US Army from 1986 to 1990, with a brief extra 2 months in 1991.

I have travelled the “Powwow Trail” throughout the US and Canada. I come from a very well known powwow family. As a result I am also known through out the “trail”. I have participated in many contests, and have won or placed in many contests. Both singing and dancing. I have also been asked to judge competition.

I am currently residing in Europe, both in Germany and in Spain. The reason I am in Europe is to help bring to life and share my culture. I do this by singing and dancing, talking at conferences and schools, sharing traditional methods of artwork. I have been doing this here in Europe for over 18 years. I look at it as a way to open lines of communication and understanding, as well as a way to tell the truth and break stereotypes. Many people here in Europe only know they see in the movies, about the Native American.

I am always keeping up to date on my histories and facts. And many times I have corrected myself. I am in constant communication with my family and friends back home on my reservation as well. I am also always open to discussion and always trying to learn. One of my favorite quotes by one of my heroes (Chief Plenty Coups of the Apsaalooke Nation) is that “education is an important tool, without it you are the slave of the white man, with it you are his equal”. As a result I am always open to learning new things.

Am I traditional? Yes I am in many aspects of my life. I follow the ways that were taught to me. And I try to teach my daughter the same things. What do I think about Eurpeans? As with any culture there are many types of people. But in general I find europeans open and willing to learn, with respect. There are those that for whatever reason do not want to learn. But my basic philosophy is not to focus or dwell on the negative, but to focus on the positive. In this way we always move forward.