Ruby’s Crow name is Biachəgata, which means “Pretty Woman.” Being a member of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation means spending lots of time in nature, learning about her culture, and going to the Crow Fair every August. At the fair, Ruby loves to dance. She especially enjoys the fancy-shawl dancing and jingle dress.

Besides picking berries, river rafting, and outdoor ice skating, Ruby loves to make traditional toys from natural supplies, fabrics, and beads. She enjoys selling them at the Crow Fair and art shows, and every tenth toy is donated to the Indian Child Welfare Court so children everywhere can own something from their culture.

For the Crow people, the earth, air, and water are very important. But Montana’s ongoing permitting and burning of fossil fuels is causing negative consequences for Ruby and her family. Thick wildfire smoke, increasing with each accelerating fire season, makes it difficult for her to breathe outside.

Ruby joined this lawsuit in hopes that something can be done to protect the natural environment where her ancestors have lived for generations.

Malesch, Lilian’s Crow name, means “Loved by Many.” As a member of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation, Lilian’s name was given to her during a ceremony with her family. Most of her family live in Crow Agency, where Lilian loves to visit them, sleep in tipis or tents, and enjoy the outdoors.

The great outdoors is an important part of Lilian’s cultural identity. She loves to pick wild berries, raft on local rivers, and ice skate outdoors. However, increasing temperatures and accelerating climate change is putting everything Lilian loves at risk. Wildfires are becoming bigger and lasting longer in Montana. They’ve come very close in proximity to where Lilian lives and have destroyed so much of the beautiful and traditional landscapes she loves.