What’s your most memorable Halloween experience?

My most memorable Halloween experience wasn’t about the candy, the costumes, or even the haunted houses. It was the feeling of being a kid and getting to experience a little bit of magic. Halloween was one of the rare times I remember my mom being genuinely happy. For that one night, there was a lightness in the air, and I got to go trick-or-treating, knock on neighbors’ doors, and interact with other families in the neighborhood. It gave me a sense of belonging and normalcy.

Tell us why you would make it to the end of a horror movie.

Why would I survive a horror movie? Honey, I grew up on a reservation where Native women are hunted, and the men who hurt us too often escape accountability. I’m 46 years old, and I’ve survived a world where the odds were never in our favor. I don’t run toward the basement, investigate strange noises, or trip while running from the killer. I’ve already lived through the plot. I’m not the victim in the horror movie. I’m the final girl. 🩸

What would you do with the unlucky $13,000?

I’d put the $13,000 toward building a nice little nest egg. I’d love to remodel parts of my house, but I also want the peace of mind of knowing I have money set aside for unexpected expenses, like car repairs or an emergency bill. Having that financial cushion would give me a little breathing room and help me feel more secure about whatever life throws my way.

Who is your real-life hero who you would want to survive a horror movie with?

My tribal elder and chief is my hero. He’s a master hunter, a skilled canoe builder, a true survivalist, and absolutely deadly with a machete. If I had to survive a horror movie or the apocalypse, he’s the person I’d want by my side. He knows the land, understands survival, and has the kind of traditional knowledge you can’t learn from a survival guide. With him, I wouldn’t just be running from the monsters — we’d probably be figuring out how to hunt them. 😂