“Okii, Nintankoo Naatoyioopainii. Nistoo Amskapkii Pikunii, Niitoom’tootoo Siksikaitsitapii.”
Rickson Bull Calf, a proud member of the Blackfeet Nation, has been named Haskell Brave 2025-2026. Representing the Amskapii Pikunii people, Bull Calf enters the role with a quiet strength, grounded in cultural values, life experience, and a sincere desire to support fellow students.
For Bull Calf, the title of Haskell Brave is more than a symbol; it’s an opportunity to be someone others can relate to and talk to.
“Representing Haskell and my community means a lot to me,” he said. “I want to lead and be a good example for who I am and where I come from.”
Much of Bull Calf’s platform centers on mental health and suicide prevention, issues he believes deserve more open conversation, especially in Native communities.
“We all deal with sad and gloomy days,” he shared. “Some people don’t know how to talk about their feelings. I want to help people know they matter.”
Bull Calf speaks candidly about personal challenges that shaped him. He recalls taking on the responsibilities of adulthood after a difficult breakup, maintaining an apartment alone while balancing school, golf, and everyday life. “It made me grow up quickly,” he said. “But I learned a lot about myself. It taught me that no matter what, everything is going to be okay.”
His reflections are deeply rooted in the philosophy of the Niisitapii, with values such as respect, responsibility, love, and connection. Bull Calf isn’t aiming for perfection. He aims to stay grounded and live with purpose.
Language revitalization is also important to him. He continues to learn Blackfoot and encourages other Native students to reconnect with their languages and traditional teachings. “We’re not going back to living in tipis,” he said, “but we can go back to the thinking, the philosophy, the respect. That’s what I want to carry forward.”
To students who may be considering leadership roles but don’t feel “ready,” Bull Calf offers encouragement: “Don’t be afraid. If you want to be a leader, you’re going to have to do things that others won’t, like stepping up and trying to make a difference. But at the end of the day, we’re just regular people. There’s nothing about me that you can’t do too.”
His message to the next generation of Haskell students is simple and honest: “You’re human. You’re going to make mistakes. That doesn’t mean you quit. Keep your head up, take it day by day, and don’t give up.”
Rickson Bull Calf enters his term as Haskell Brave with humility, heart, and a clear sense of who he is. Through culture, care, and quiet leadership, he hopes to remind students that healing, growth, and strength are possible, even in the toughest moments.
