NATIONWIDE — At nearly 100 years old, Unci Rita Long Visitor Holy Dance finally fulfilled a lifelong dream on October 21 when she walked across the stage in a cap and gown to receive her high school diploma. The celebration took place at the Rio Rancho High School Performing Arts Center, where a crowd of family, friends, and community members gathered to witness this milestone.
According to KBTX 3, the event was a complete surprise for Unci Rita, a well-respected elder, public speaker, and voice of the Oglala Lakota people. “She thinks she’s here to meet with the kids,” explained Scottie Pierce, a close friend and event organizer. However, it appeared Unci Rita may have had an inkling, as she arrived in full graduation attire, adorned with vibrant designs and meaningful imagery.
In Lakota, “Unci” (pronounced oon-ch-ee) means “grandmother,” and it’s a title of endearment for Rita, who is seen as a matriarch by those in her community — even by other grandmothers. As a founding member of the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers, she embodies the wisdom of the council, which represents over 900 years of collective experience among its members. “Unci Rita is our matriarch,” shared her close friend Flordemayo, a Maya elder and fellow council member.
The Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers, according to their website, grandmotherwisdom.org, is an international alliance dedicated to issues like environmental preservation, human rights, and indigenous cultural advocacy. Members include Aama Bombo from Nepal, Maria Alice Campos Freire from Brazil, and Rose Bernadette Rebienot Owansango from Gabon, all prominent advocates for indigenous rights.
Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull and Suzanne Nguyen, the executive director of Native American Programs, opened the ceremony, welcoming about 100 students, faculty, and supporters who had gathered to honor Unci Rita. Superintendent Sue Cleveland expressed the community’s joy in honoring her, saying, “Unci Rita brings with her nearly 100 years of knowledge and wisdom, and we are privileged to share this ceremony with her today.”
The tribute included an honor song sung by Anpao Duta Flying Earth, NACA’s executive director, and School Board President Amanda Galbraith presented Unci Rita with her diploma, acknowledging the significance of the moment. “Sometimes an ordinary space becomes sacred,” Galbraith noted. “And today, this theater in Rio Rancho has become just that.”
After the diploma presentation, One Generation Executive Director Kara Bobroff offered closing remarks, and a reception followed, celebrating Unci Rita’s journey. Overcome with emotion, Unci Rita, who had waited decades for this moment, radiated joy. Pierce summed up the day by acknowledging her patience and dedication: “May we all not have to wait 99 years to achieve our dreams.”
