Thrive Tribe

This weekend, four incredible young women from Thrive Tribe had the honor of attending the 150th Commemoration of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, and what they experienced can never be taught in a classroom.

They experienced culture. Pride. Resilience. Strength. Honor.

They stood on the very land where our ancestors fought to protect their way of life. They slept in tipis beneath the endless Montana stars, cooled off in the waters of the Bighorn River, joined round dances, played hand games, witnessed sacred pipe ceremonies, and watched hundreds of Indigenous riders thunder across the battlefield as they reenacted the victory over Custer.

But what impacted us the most wasn't just the reenactment.

It was seeing thousands of Indigenous relatives from nations across Turtle Island gathered together as one people. The Oceti Sakowin stood alongside tribes from every direction, proving that despite everything our ancestors endured, we are still here. Our languages are still spoken. Our songs are still sung. Our horses still run. Our ceremonies still live.

These young women didn't just learn history-they felt it. They walked where their ancestors walked. They witnessed what resilience truly looks like. They came home carrying something no one can ever take away from them: a deeper connection to who they are and where they come from.

This is why Thrive Tribe exists.

To create opportunities where our youth don't just read about their culture-they live it.

Our hearts are full of gratitude to every elder, organizer, family, rider, singer, dancer, and volunteer who made this unforgettable gathering possible.

What an incredible honor it was to be part of this historic moment.

Mitákuye Oyás'iŋ. ❤️🖤💛🤍

Danica Miller

149 years ago, on the rolling plains of what is now Montana, our ancestors stood together in one of the most significant moments in Indigenous history—the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

On June 25-26, 1876, Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors united to defend their way of life, their families, and their homelands. Leaders such as Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, Gall, Two Moons, Lame White Man, and countless other warriors played a role in what became one of the greatest Indigenous victories against the United States Army.

This battle was never just about war. It was about sovereignty. It was about protecting culture. It was about a people refusing to disappear.

This week, my youth class, Thrive Tribe, will have the incredible honor of traveling to Montana for the 150th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. We will walk the battlefield where history was made. We will sleep in tipis beneath the same stars our ancestors once looked upon. We will listen, learn, pray, and remember.

For many of our youth, this will be more than a field trip. It will be a journey home to their history. A chance to connect with the strength, courage, and resilience that runs through their veins.

As Indigenous people, our stories did not end in history books. We are still here. We are still speaking our languages. We are still carrying our songs, our ceremonies, and our teachings forward for the next generation.

I am deeply grateful to be able to share this experience with our Thrive Tribe youth. These are the moments that build identity, healing, pride, and belonging.

The ancestors fought so we could still be here. Now it is our responsibility to ensure our children know who they are and where they come from.

Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ. ❤️🖤💛🤍

I am beyond honored to have been invited to take up space and share my heart with the Mitchell Lions Club about Thrive Tribe. 🧡

What started as a vision in my heart has grown into something so much bigger than I ever imagined. A dream to create a space where our youth can reconnect with their culture, their identity, their stories, and their strength has become a movement built on healing, hope, and community.

I truly believe when we pour into our youth, we are healing generations. 🌿

I cannot wait to continue showing Mitchell the beauty of our culture -the teachings, the language, the stories, the resilience, and the love that has always been carried by our people.

This journey has reminded me that one person’s idea can become a community’s heartbeat when we come together.

Wopida tanka to the Lions Club for welcoming me, supporting the vision, and giving me the opportunity to share what we are building. ❤️

The best is yet to come. ✨

✨ BIG THINGS ARE HAPPENING WITH THRIVE TRIBE ✨

A dream that started with a vision of helping our youth reconnect, heal, and find their strength is growing into something even bigger.

Thrive Tribe is officially working towards becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and we are preparing for some exciting new changes! 🤍

For over a year, we have been holding space through our diversion classes -creating a place where youth can learn, grow, and reconnect with culture. That work is continuing, and we are expanding.

🔥 Coming soon:
✨ Two days a week dedicated to diversion classes
✨ Mentorship opportunities for youth AND adults navigating the legal system
✨ Oceti Sakowin language night
✨ Adult culture classes - creating space for learning, connection, and healing
✨ AA/NA 12-step meetings that incorporate Native American culture, traditions, and healing practices
✨ Classes once a week for anybody wanting to learn Oceti Sakowin culture

And much more !!!!

This is more than a program.

This is about rebuilding connections.
This is about healing generations.
This is about creating a space where people are seen, supported, and reminded of who they are.

Our doors are opening wider, and we cannot wait to share this next chapter with our community.

📣 Be on the lookout for upcoming dates and announcements!

The Thrive Tribe is growing. 🪶✨

🔥 PLEASE HELP US WELCOME DANNY PACHECO AS THE NEW TREASURER OF THRIVE TRIBE! 🔥

Thrive Tribe is proud to announce Danny Pacheco as our Treasurer - a strong community leader, mentor, man of faith, and advocate for Native youth and families.

Danny is a member of Dakota AIM Grassroots and serves as a deacon at First Body of Jesus Christ Church. He brings not only leadership and accountability to this role, but also a powerful testimony of healing, resilience, and transformation.

As a proud Lakota man, Danny speaks openly about overcoming addiction, incarceration, hardship, and personal struggles. Instead of letting those experiences define him, he turned them into purpose - dedicating his life to helping others heal, grow, and reconnect with faith, culture, and community.

Danny is passionate about mentoring Native youth and encouraging people to break cycles of addiction, violence, hopelessness, and disconnection. Through honesty, compassion, cultural pride, and faith in Jesus Christ, he continues to uplift others and remind people that change is possible.

His commitment to helping families heal, empowering young people, and strengthening community makes him an incredible addition to Thrive Tribes leadership.

We are honored to walk alongside someone whose life reflects courage, accountability, humility, and hope for the next generation.

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Danny Pacheco to the Thrive Tribes family! ❤️💛🖤🤍

Meet, Chelsey Prusha. 🖤 Thrive Tribes second board member & board secretary .

Chelsey Sarah Prusha, B.Msc., is the founder of Synergy Wellness Collective, Heartfelt Healing Hypnotherapy, and Synergy Living Education & Childcare-a Waldorf-Lakota inspired approach to early childhood education and care. Her work is centered around creating supportive, structured, and heart-centered environments where individuals and families can grow, connect, and feel a true sense of belonging.

With a background in both Western healthcare and holistic approaches, Chelsey brings a well-rounded perspective to the spaces she creates. She is passionate about bridging practical structure with emotional awareness, ensuring that both children and adults are supported in ways that feel safe, consistent, and empowering.

Chelsey’s work is deeply shaped by her own lived experience. As a troubled teen navigating environments that often misunderstood her needs, she understands firsthand the importance of having spaces that provide guidance, structure, and genuine support. This perspective drives her commitment to helping create environments where youth feel seen, valued, and encouraged to grow into who they are.

She also carries a deep respect and connection to Indigenous wisdom and community through her daughter, who is Yankton Sioux. This connection has expanded her understanding of the importance of community-centered care, cultural respect, and honoring the role of lineage, land, and tradition in how we support and raise children.

As a board member of Thrive Tribe, Chelsey is passionate about helping build safe, supportive, and structured environments where children and families feel deeply supported. She brings a connection-centered perspective to her role, with a focus on fostering emotional wellbeing, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging.

We can also give a huge 👏🏽 for the FOUNDER of of the name , Thrive Tribe, itself.

Wophila tanka , Chelsey Sarah Prusha- for believing in our vision.

Dear parents & students ,

Class will be held tonight at park at 6pm.

This month- we are focusing on Moon of the Greening grass (Pħežithó Wi).

We will be doing an outdoor activity related to nature . 💚

Dokśa ✌🏽 see you later .

🔥 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THRIVE TRIBE 🔥

We are proud to share that Thrive Tribe has OFFICIALLY created a Board 🙌🏽
This is a powerful step forward for our vision, our growth, and the impact we are building in our community.

Over the next few days, we’ll be introducing each board member one by one… starting with the woman who started it all 💛

✨ Meet Danica✨
Founder • President • Director of Thrive Tribe

Danica is an Indigenous woman who grew up in a predominantly Caucasian community, often feeling disconnected and confused about her identity. Like many who carry unhealed pain, she turned to drinking and drugs before she ever had the chance to truly meet herself.

Her early teens and twenties were filled with struggle, including time spent in and out of incarceration. In 2022, after hitting rock bottom, she made the decision to turn her pain into purpose, and began her healing journey.

In recovery, Danica recognized a deep need in Mitchell. With reservations all within an hour, Native families often come into town, but many lack access to cultural connection and community while they’re here. She knew Indigenous youth needed a space to feel seen, inspired, and uplifted.

🌿 From that vision, Thrive Tribe was born- a cultural healing class rooted in identity, strength, and community.

What started as a vision has become a movement. Today, Danica continues to walk boldly in her purpose:
• Pursuing a degree in Sociology & Oceti Sakowin Language
• Assistant Director at the Mitchell Indigenous Archaeological Site
• Runway model & **signed calendar model**
• Former pageant queen
• Motivational speaker
• Mother of 3
• Content creator sharing her experience, strength, and hope

Her story is proof that where you come from doesn’t limit where you’re going.

This is just the beginning. Stay tuned as we introduce the rest of our incredible board 💫

We’re raising funds for something special 🖤

Thrive Tribe is working toward our 501(c)(3) status and building out our space at the Guild Hall. To help us reach our $250–$300 goal, we’re hosting a fundraising drawing.

✨ Up for support:
Two hand-beaded medallions made by our Board Member, Danny Pacheco (Rosebud Sioux Tribe) — each piece is unique and handcrafted with care.

💫 How to participate:
• Comment below to claim your spot
• $10 = 1 entry
• $20 = 3 entries
• Payment can be sent via money apps (message us for details)

Once we reach our goal, we’ll go LIVE to randomly select the recipients.

Your support helps us take the next step in creating a community-centered space rooted in culture, connection, and growth 🤍

Thank you for being part of Thrive Tribe.