When the drums echoed across the Northern Cheyenne Reservation this fall, Rhiannon Eaglespeaker (Blackfoot and Kiowa), Rocky Mountain Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, was there not just to dance — but to teach, to give back, and to keep her culture alive through every step.
Rhiannon balanced service and cultural preservation, hosting a fundraising gourd dance for her partner’s uncle, who is battling cancer, while also leading traditional dance workshops for students at St. Labre Elementary in Ashland, Montana. Her efforts reflected both compassion and purpose, weaving together community support and cultural education in beautiful harmony. The fundraiser began with a heartfelt Gourd Dance and community games, where Rhiannon and her family came together to raise awareness and funds for their loved one’s healing journey. The event wasn’t just about helping someone in need — it was also a celebration of togetherness and cultural pride.
Later, Rhiannon shifted her focus to the classroom, working with elementary students to introduce them to social dances such as the potato dance, push dance, round dance, rabbit dance, kahomani, owl dance, and snake dance. She and her partner didn’t just demonstrate the steps — they shared the stories and meanings behind each movement, helping the students understand that these dances are more than performances; they’re living expressions of Native history and identity.
“Teaching students is my favorite thing to do,” Rhiannon shared. “To help them learn about the dancing, and why our people created these dances, which we should pass on to more and more kids in our community. But to make that happen, we have to try and build small and work it up.” By the end of the week, the young learners were eager to keep going — asking questions, showing excitement, and even inviting Rhiannon and her partner to return. On the final day, the two brought in their regalia, beadwork, and dresses, explaining the meaning behind each design, the symbolism in colors and patterns, and the significance of what they wear when they dance.
Supported by family and community, Rhiannon’s week in Ashland and Lame Deer, Montana, became more than just teaching — it was an act of cultural preservation and a bridge between generations. Her ability to share stories, laughter, and movement with the next generation reflects the heart of UNITY’s mission: to uplift Native youth through leadership grounded in culture.
As the Rocky Mountain Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Rhiannon continues to inspire Native youth to lead through connection — showing that each dance, each story, and each small act of teaching strengthens the future of Indian Country. Her leadership reminds us that healing and hope often begin with the rhythm of the drum — and the courage to pass those teachings on.