An enrolled member of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation, her Crow name, Sweet Sage Woman, was given to her by her paternal grandmother, Francis Gardner OldDwarf, through a vision during the Crow Sundance. Yolanda was raised on the Crow Reservation by her parents, the late Nathan OldDwarf and Julie Kreitzberg.
Yolanda has always been artistic, learning to draw at a young age from her parents. She excelled in school, graduating valedictorian and earning degrees in Business Administration, including an MBA from the University of Montana, all while raising her family and overcoming personal loss. Her career has been dedicated to helping tribal members through business support, and in 2011 she was awarded Montana’s Minority Business Champion of the Year for her work supporting over a thousand Crow entrepreneurs.
After losing her job in 2017 and battling postpartum depression, Yolanda turned to therapy and healing, which led to the creation of Sweet Sage Woman—a clothing brand inspired by Apsáalooke designs and affirmations of empowerment, love, and courage. Her first design, Baaalaxiileetash – I Am Fearless, marked the beginning of a journey that now includes pieces like I Love Me, Centered (MMIW), Gratitude, and Courage. Each design shares a message: “Empowered, loved, strong, fearless, centered, alive, grateful, patient, and courageous.”
Sweet Sage Woman designs are worn by people across the country and speak to those reclaiming identity, strength, and voice through Indigenous fashion. Her wearable art can be purchased from her website: www.SweetSageWoman.com
Aside from fashion, Yolanda is a proud mother of four, a grandmother, and a dedicated advocate for healing and cultural resilience.