Bound by Blood, Driven by Purpose: Inside the Shared Journey of Tahkyah and Cole Brings Plenty

In the heart of Indian Country, two names began rising at the same time—Cole Brings Plenty and Tahkyah Brings Plenty. Though they were cousins, their bond extended far beyond family ties. Each walked their own path, but both shared the same fire: to give Native youth visibility, voice, and strength.

Before the world lost Cole too soon, the two had become symbols of what Indigenous excellence could look like—on screen, on stage, in powwow circles, and beyond.

This is the story of their shared journey—one that began with roots, deepened through purpose, and now continues through legacy.

Lakota Bloodlines That Run Deep

Both hailing from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Cole and Tahkyah grew up in spaces that were both sacred and complex. They weren’t raised with silver spoons or bright spotlights—but with drums, languages, family stories, and ancestral responsibility.

“We were taught that your name isn’t just yours—it belongs to your people,” said Tahkyah in an early interview. “So when you speak, act, or lead—you’re carrying everyone with you.”

Cole echoed similar sentiments when he once told a journalist, “I’m not trying to be a star. I just want kids who look like me to know they belong in those spaces too.”

Though they didn’t grow up side by side every day, their lives always circled each other—at powwows, family events, youth programs, and eventually, through their work in the public eye.

Two Paths, One Purpose

While Cole’s path led him into acting—most notably landing a recurring role on 1923, the Yellowstone prequel—Tahkyah’s journey centered around community work, cultural education, and advocacy.

By 16, Tahkyah had already served on Native youth councils, represented as Miss Phoenix Indian Center Youth, and later as Miss World Indian. She was a powwow dancer, cultural judge, speaker, and mentor for Native youth. Her presence was commanding yet deeply rooted in cultural humility.

Meanwhile, Cole was bringing Indigenous masculinity to national screens with a quiet strength that captivated audiences. His performances were never performative—they were intentional. He didn’t just act—he honored.

Their platforms were different, but their vision was aligned.

“We used to talk about doing something big together,” Tahkyah recalled. “Something where we’d merge art, culture, and leadership. We wanted to be visible not for fame—but for healing.”

A Rising Legacy Cut Short

When news broke about Cole’s passing, it shook Native communities across the country. But for those closest to him—especially Tahkyah—it was more than grief. It was a rupture.

“It felt like the road split in two,” she said quietly. “We were both climbing, in our own way. And then I was left trying to carry both our names, both our dreams.”

Still, she didn’t stop. In fact, Tahkyah stepped up with even more purpose.

Today, she continues her work with Native organizations, participates in cultural programs, and is developing her career as a public figure and actress—appearing in national programs like Yellowstone, America’s Got Talent, and more. She uses every appearance and interview as an opportunity to speak on representation, cultural survival, and youth empowerment.

“I don’t want the world to only remember Cole for how he died,” she said. “I want them to remember how he lived—and how he showed up for his people.”

Continuing on Separate Roads

Since his passing, Tahkyah’s career has taken on a different meaning. She’s not just performing anymore—she’s preserving. Every dance, every speech, every public appearance feels like a thread back to her cousin.

But she’s also building something that’s hers. A name. A brand. A space where Indigenous youth—especially girls—can see what leadership, beauty, and brilliance look like in one package.

She is preparing to become a mother while simultaneously navigating the spotlight, community work, and the responsibility of being a role model.

“I don’t claim to be perfect,” she told us. “But I am present. I’m trying. And I know Cole would be proud of that.”

One Family. Two Stars. One Still Rising.

The story of Tahkyah and Cole Brings Plenty is not a tragedy. It’s a living story of legacy, strength, and rebirth. One light may have gone out, but the fire didn’t die—it simply moved.

And now, through Tahkyah, it continues to burn.