BOARD: Dr. Velma Pretty On Top

Velma is an enrolled member of the Crow Tribe. Her Indian name is Bili’taashisshewaaxpa, Sacred Butterfly, which was given to her by her late Great-Grandfather George Reed, Sr. Velma is a member of the Whistling Water Clan, and a child of the Bad War Deed Clan. Velma was raised by a traditional Crow family, and is a first-language speaker. This has shaped her worldview and dedication to Indigenous language and culture. She is also a member of the Tobacco Society, the NightHawk Dance Society, the Native American Church, and participates in the Crow Sundance. Velma not only designs and beads traditional Crow outfits, she is also a Crow-style traditional dancer. She has traveled extensively throughout the globe, dancing with various Indigenous dance troupes.

Velma is a certified teacher and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education-Business Education from Montana State University-Billings, and a Master’s of Science Degree in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University. She also attained a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation at Marymount University. She is a Crow language and Crow culture educator who has many years of experience teaching Crow Studies. She has developed curriculum for Indigenous language programs, a Crow language proficiency scale, and revised the Crow Language Standards. Velma translates children’s publications and conducts recordings for the Crow Dictionary, Crow books, and an E-Learning platform. Currently, Velma is employed with Billings Public Schools and is dedicated to celebrating, educating, and enriching students with Indigenous language and culture.