By Kimberly Barber, Salish Kootenai College Student Success Coach
2025-2026 Indigenous Visionaries: Women’s Leadership Program
Long Time Mountain Woman
My name is Kimberly Barber. I am Salish and Blackfeet, and my Blackfeet name is Long Time Mountain Woman, a name my uncle gave me many years ago. I’ve lived in the Salish area my entire life, right up against the mountains, but I’ve always stayed closely connected to my Blackfeet roots and relatives. I joke that every time I go back to Browning, Montana, I discover a new cousin.
I married young and spent 25 years married to the love of my life. Together, we raised two beautiful daughters, Mariah and Madison. We divorced 10 years ago. These days, the only man in my life is my 11-year-old grandson, Eastyn, whom I’ve been raising on and off for the past decade! He keeps me busy in all the ways that matter most.
Life Connected to Salish Kootenai College
I’ve worked at Salish Kootenai College (SKC) for 30 years. That’s a long time, but in many ways, SKC has always been part of my life.
My mom began her own journey at SKC in the early 1980s when she decided to earn her GED. I was in seventh grade at the time. She went on to complete an associate’s degree in human services at SKC and later earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Montana.
My sisters earned their degrees at SKC as well. My sister, Nicki, received her bachelor’s degree in education. She is a pre-school teacher at Ronan Elementary. My other sister, Cori, received her general education degree through SKC and went on to earn her master’s in human relations with an emphasis in counseling through the University of Oklahoma. My brother received a Certificate of Completion in building trades and my brother-in-law also earned an associate and a bachelor degree as well at SKC. Two of my nephews earned degrees at SKC, my niece took courses at the college, and my daughter Madison will graduate with a bachelor’s in social work in June 2026. This is a family affair. SKC has done so much for all of us, and I’m so very proud!
Finding My Place at SKC
I could see how much my family enjoyed their time at SKC, and I realized I wanted to work there too.
I applied and was hired in SKC’s Nursing Department, making $8.50 an hour. A year later, I transferred to Student Services, where I worked for 15 years as the Retention Coordinator. I loved every bit of it, especially working with students. I also loved working with other Native people, and I was around a lot of Native students.
During that time, I completed my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Services at SKC. It felt like it took forever, but it was something I worked hard for, and I’m proud of that degree.
Eventually, I transferred to the Department of Academic Success, where I’ve worked for 15 years as the Student Success Coach. Helping students has always been the most rewarding part of my job. Because of that, I never really felt the need to pursue an advanced degree. I’ve always been content working behind the scenes and helping students at the ground level, making connections where I really wouldn’t expect to. This is probably where I’ll stay until I retire.
Where I Am Now
Sometimes I wish I had gone further in my education, and I know I still could if I wanted to. But right now, I’m happy. I want to work, bead, and enjoy my life. Beading is my favorite hobby. It soothes my soul. I want to spend weekends with my daughters, when I can, and watch my grandson play whatever sport he’s into at the moment.
I’m grateful for my roots, family, work, and the path that led me to exactly where I am today. Salish Kootenai College gave me a life and a career that I am very proud of. Thank you, Salish Kootenai College!
Ronan chief head beadwork by Kimberly.
Keychains and barrette beadwork by Kimberly.
Heart beadwork done by Kimberly.
Kimberly Barber, Salish Kootenai College Student Success Coach.
Kimberly with her daughters.
Kimberly’s family photo of her daughters and grandson.
