by Dan Ninham, Contributing Writer
Brynecia Hugs’, aka “Baby ShowDog,” Apsaalooke name is Bishée Baakúuwisseesh which means Wealthy Buffalo. “It is a name given to me by my clan uncle, he told me he went up to the Bighorn Mountains to fast and during the third day a shiny buffalo approached him and told him that his name was Bishée Baakúusseesh,” said Brynecia Hugs.
“I’m a member of the Crow Tribe which is located south of central Montana,” said Hugs. “I’m from Pryor, Montana, a small town located 25 minutes away from the largest city of Billings, Montana.
”Hugs is a junior at Plenty Coups High School. She played varsity volleyball and participated in varsity track, and is currently playing varsity basketball.Accomplishments were being named First Team All State and First Team All Conference freshman and sophomore years. Hugs averaged 23.3 points per game her freshman year and 28.1 points per game her sophomore season. She scored her 1000th career point in the sixth game of her junior season.Indigenous core values guide star athletes in making their best decisions for themselves and their teammates.
“I have three core indigenous values that influence how I practice and compete,” said Hugs. “The first core value is respect, and based on my upbringing which is to respect of my elders led me to respect my coaches, teammates and the people around me.”
“My second indigenous core value is my competitive nature which is found in my ancestors. My parents remind me I come from two powerful chiefs, Chief Pretty Eagle and Chief Plenty Coups.”
“My third indigenous core value is my faith in the Creator who has given me this ability and love for the game.”
