For Rhiannon Eaglespeaker, February was about using both cultural expression and community service to bring people together and support important causes. As a Rocky Mountain Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Rhiannon participated in events that raised awareness while continuing to give back to families in need.
During the second weekend of February, Rhiannon helped the Bozeman University Tribal Council with a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) presentation held during halftime at a boys basketball game in the university’s main gym. The presentation used dance and song to bring attention to the ongoing crisis affecting Indigenous communities across North America.
As part of the presentation, Rhiannon and fellow participants danced while singers performed both an honor song and a straight song, creating a powerful moment that combined cultural expression with advocacy. Events like this help educate audiences while honoring the lives and stories connected to the MMIW movement.
For Rhiannon, being able to represent her community on campus was especially meaningful.
“It was amazing to represent my community on campus grounds,” she shared.
Alongside her campus involvement, Rhiannon also continued serving her community through her work at the Bozeman Rib and Chop House. Each weekend, the restaurant participates in efforts to donate food to families in need, helping provide support to community members who may be facing difficult circumstances.
Through both advocacy and service, Rhiannon has seen how people around her are eager to help and get involved in supporting their community.
“It’s amazing to see how many people want to get involved,” she said.
Whether through cultural presentations, raising awareness about important issues, or helping provide food for families, Rhiannon continues to demonstrate how leadership can take many forms—from the dance floor to everyday acts of generosity.