11/02/2025
In Loving Memory of Unci Rita Long Visitor Holy Dance
Oglala Lakota Elder • Beloved Grandmother of the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers
🌿 Born on Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota ~ Journeyed to the Spirit World 10:37 p.m., October 24, 2025 🌿
From Nathan Blindman:
With a heavy heart and deep love, I share that my dear mother, Unci Rita Long Visitor Holy Dance, has journeyed to the Spirit World. She passed away peacefully on the evening of October 24, 2025, at the age of over 100 years old.
Unci Rita was the oldest living member of the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers and a revered Oglala Lakota Elder. Born on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, just one year after Native Americans were granted U.S. citizenship, she dedicated her entire life to her family, her people, and the preservation of Lakota language, traditions, and ceremonies.
From her early years caring for her dying mother after leaving school in the 8th grade, to her later decades working tirelessly for youth empowerment, cultural revitalization, and spiritual healing, Unci Rita lived every day in service. She taught by example—through love, humility, and prayer—helping generations reconnect with their Lakota identity and spiritual ways, from the Sundance to language preservation.
She leaves behind a vast family—children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren—along with countless hearts around the world who called her Unci (Grandmother).
As my mother said of her Grandmother Sisters, “I often wondered about the other grandmothers and what challenges they had when they were young women.”
Now she joins them again in that sacred circle of prayer beyond the veil.
Honoring Unci Rita’s Journey
Her two-night wake will begin Thursday evening, October 30, and continue Friday evening, with the funeral service on Saturday afternoon, November 1, 2025, at the Sioux Funeral Home on Pine Ridge Reservation.
Our tribe will cover basic funeral expenses, but our family must provide for traditional needs—food, giveaways, gas, and ceremonial items—to properly honor her in the Lakota way.
If you are moved to help, your donation of any amount will be deeply appreciated and will directly support the costs of these traditional protocols.
💛 Tax Deductible Donation Link: bit.ly/UnciRitaElderFund
The Path
3103 North Maywood Avenue
Boise, ID 83704
Memo : Unci Rita Edler Fund
From the bottom of my heart, I thank each of you who prayed for my mother and walked beside her throughout her journey. Your kindness and support have carried us through.
Wopila Tanka – Deep Gratitude and Blessings All Ways,
Nathan Blindman
on behalf of the Long Visitor Holy Dance Family
PS: you can send condolences to Nathan Blindman, PO Box 1756, Pine Ridge, SD 57770
