Heewekse’s mom danced all the way through her pregnancy with Heewekse, passing down a love for an important Nez Perce tradition early on. Heewekse’s grandma then introduced her to a form of dancing called Fancy Shawl, and began taking her to compete at powwows.
Now a teen, Heewekse continues to dance Fancy Shawl—partly because she knows how happy it makes her grandma to see her dance and partly because she wants to carry on Nez Perce tradition. But dancing also brings Heewekse joy, a feeling of being in the moment with the wind and music all around.
Also a basketball and volleyball player, Heewekse plans to continue to dance and would love to travel to compete in large powwows like Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque someday.