The United Indigenous Dancers: Bringing Traditional Indigenous Dance to the Community

In November of 2022, the United Indigenous Dancers were featured at the Indigenous Peoples Cultural Celebration held by the Denver Art Society.  The United Indigenous Dancers, founded 8 years ago, is a collective with members originating from different nations. Over time it has evolved from just being a platform for traditional Dance performance to bringing cultural awareness. They aim to shine a light on social issues Indigenous people face in today’s world.

At this celebration, I met Rhyia JoyHeart and Thomas Yellowhorse-Davis of the United Indigenous Dancers. Rhyia JoyHeart is a co-founder of this group. She shared the story behind as well as presented the traditional Jingle Dress Dance. Thomas Yellowhorse-Davis is also a co-founder of the United Indigenous Dancers. At the celebration, he shared a men’s traditional dance where many of the deeds performed by warriors of the past are re-enacted. After speaking with both of them, I created this report.

Original Air Date: 06/03/23

Recently, I got the chance to reconnect with Rhyia JoyHeart. We invited her on The Morning Set for our Live & Local feature to share some of the work that the United Indigenous Dancers were doing in the community this month. The United Indigenous Dancers have continued their work in uplifting Indigenous culture and uniting the community and were anticipated to be at Aya-con 2023 as well as The 2nd Annual Tribute to Elders Pow-wow scheduled to take place June 17th and 18th.

Original Air Date: 06/03/23

You can follow the United Indigenous Dancers on Facebook to keep up with their presence at community events as well as to have access to their schedule of upcoming meetings. For more information on The 2nd Annual Tribute to Elders Pow-wow, you can visit bromleyfarm.com.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the United Indigenous Dancer’s Facebook Page

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