Lakota grandmother turns 100,
helped share culture globally
Imagining life a century ago may be difficult for some people. But for Rita Afraid of Bear, May 25, 2025, marked her 100th birthday and the life experience that comes with it. Her life in Slim Buttes has been shaped by her dedication to community service and her global connections through an international nonprofit group focused on helping others.
“Being 100 years old feels natural and like anything else,” says Rita. “But flying over the sea to other countries and helping people is a surreal experience. As Lakota people, we were taught to help others and I’m grateful to do that my whole life.”
Sisterhood across borders
Rita and her sister Beatrice helped found the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers in 2004. The group worked to spread awareness of indigenous people around the world.
The grandmothers met with other elder women to share cultural traditions and advocate for indigenous people. Together, they worked to spread awareness about protecting sacred lands, encouraging healthier lifestyles, and more. Rita carried Lakota teachings with her, sharing prayers and stories that helped build understanding between cultures.
Advocating for each other
“The Lakota word for community is ‘tiyospaye,’ which is about everybody within the family and community,” says Rita. “As grandmothers, we all look out for each other, make sure everyone is safe, and prioritize that for those around us.”
The council visited Nepal, India, Mexico, Japan, and Sweden as part of their journey. For Rita and the grandmothers, these trips offered deep connections to the roots of people around the world. They met with the Dalai Lama in Dharmasala, visited Rome to learn about historical injustices, and more. Rita still travels to attend gatherings and ceremonies with her family.
Homegrown strength
Rita grew up in Pine Ridge and the surrounding area. As a young girl, she learned to sew, cook, and picked up other skills at the Mission school. She graduated from eighth grade and then had to stay home and care for her sick mother and help with the family ranch.
Rita moved to Idaho in 1967 in search of work, where she had eight children, including two twin sons. She supported her family by working during the harvest seasons and then worked for the Idaho National Laboratory until her retirement. Along with some family members, she returned to the Pine Ridge area in 1987 and now resides again on the land her grandparents were allotted, where she was raised.
Staying connected
Rita explains that in her twenties, phone service had just reached her area. In 1997, Rita became a member of the Golden West Telecommunications Cooperative. Her son, Nathan, helps care for her and explains the importance of the connection for his mother.
“The phone is essential out here, especially a landline,” says Nathan. “Her service is very handy because it keeps her connected with family and she needs a phone both to talk to me and other people in her community and for emergencies.”
