Bookakii Rita Bustos

Okii iitaamiikskiinatoni niksookwaaks (Hello)! My name is Bookakii Rita Bustos, which translates to “little woman” in our Blackfeet language. I am named after my grandpa Gilbert (Charlie) Mountain Chief’s grandmother, Annie Flat Tail (her English name). My parents are Margie Yellow Kidney and my stepdad Terrance Yellow Kidney. My maternal grandparents are Cathy Azure and Gilbert Mountain Chief. My father is Javier Bustos, and my paternal grandparents are Agenus (Bootsy) Devereaux and Alfred Eagle Feathers.

I am a 17-year-old junior at Browning High School and a member of the Lady Indians wrestling team. After graduating, I plan to attend cosmetology school and pursue my rodeo career. Until then, I am focusing on my academic studies and attending rodeo schools this summer. These schools, taught by top-notch women, cover safety procedures, proper tack, mindset, and techniques like getting off on the pickup man. At the end of most schools, we compete in a rodeo, with awards and buckles given to the best riders.

I compete in ranch broncs, proudly representing the MMIP (Missing and Murdered Indigenous People) movement by wearing a red handprint on my face to raise awareness. My goal is to make MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) and MMIM (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Men) a significant cause in the rodeo community, bringing recognition to the issue and supporting families seeking justice.

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