Rita Long Visitor Holy Dance
Introduction '''Rita Long Visitor Holy Dance''' is a Native American spiritual elder who is a member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe and comes from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Through her work as an indigenous elder stateswoman, Rita has gained international recognition through her work as part of the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers - a group of spiritual elders, medicine women and wisdom keepers since its founding in 2004.
Personal Her older sister Beatrice waited for Rita to wed and they enjoyed a double wedding. She is a descendant of Long Visitor, and a member of the Crazy Horse Band. She works with a youth ambassador program for Lakota youth that connects them with their spiritual traditions, including the Sun Dance, and works to free youth from substance abuse. She has taught at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies.
The International Council of 13 Grandmothers In 2004, Rita was approached by The Center for Sacred Studies to serve on the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers.
Notes
References *Chittister, J, April 24, 2009, Blog on National Catholic Reporter website,  The past is a very living thing: Try not to forget it. * Grandmothers' Council website about the Grandmothers * Native Village Publications,  *Sacred Studies,  Grandmother's Biographies. *Schaefer, C, (2006) Grandmothers Council the World: wise women elders offer their vision for our planet. Trumpeter Books 978-1-59030-293-4
External links *  International Council of 13 of Indigenous Grandmothers Official Website*  Official website for documentary*  For The Next Seven Generations Film Trailer*  The Center for Sacred Studies* Statement of the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers*