Daybreak Little Sky, the actress and Disney artist, died October 24, 2025, on the Monument Well being Hospital in Speedy Metropolis, South Dakota. She was 95.
Little Sky was married to Eddie Little Sky, one of many first Indigenous Individuals to play Native roles in tv and movie. His films included “Little Massive Man” and episodes of “Gilligan’s Island.”
Daybreak started working for Disney’s Frontierland after she and Eddie married, and was additionally employed at Walt Disney Studios as the primary Native artist to paint Disney animation cells.
“Her work behind the scenes introduced Indigenous creativity into one of the crucial influential inventive areas within the nation. It was meticulous work, usually invisible to the general public eye, however it mattered. It mattered as a result of she was there, and since she introduced her perspective to a medium that shapes how youngsters see the world,” wrote the Native Solar Information As we speak.
Daybreak’s “journey by artwork and storytelling leaves behind a path others can observe,” the outlet added. “Eddie’s work continues to resonate in each Native actor who steps onto a set with satisfaction and objective. Their legacy isn’t just within the roles they performed, however within the change they made doable.”
Daybreak and Eddie additionally acted collectively in a number of productions, together with “Gunsmoke” and “Have Gun—Will Journey.” In addition they appeared collectively in “Chief Loopy Horse,” “Cimarron,” “Duel at Diablo” and “Journey By Rosebud.”
Daybreak’s additionally resume included credit for “The Apple Dumpling Gang,” “Gypsy” and “Rawhide.”
The pair moved again to South Dakota within the late Seventies and Daybreak started educating artwork on the Little Wound College.
“Daybreak loved watching all her grandchildren dance at powwows, and she or he particularly liked listening to the drum teams,” her obituary reads. “She was a devoted mom, auntie and grandma to many. She would assist and ‘lili’ for them on the sidelines. She is affectionately known as, ‘Grandma Daybreak’ by many individuals due to her loving and mild spirit. She all the time gave an ‘I like ya’ and a kiss on the cheek.”
Eunice “Daybreak” Elsie Little Sky was born on April 17, 1930 in Fort Yates, North Dakota.
She is survived by her youngsters Tojan Norma Rendon, Prairie Rose Little Sky-White and John “Chepa” (Naomi) Little Sky; grandchildren, Ryanne White, Darryan White, Britni Little Sky, Makana Little Sky, Abigail Little Sky, Chaske Little Sky, Edsel “Eddie” Little Sky, Aleta Little Sky, Kathryn Thunder Hawk, Fawn Little Sky, Trae (Jocy) Little Sky, Lakota Duel (Aidyn) Little Sky, Winona Wamblie Little Sky, Sparrow Little Sky (Lane), Chanda Noticed Eagle, Robert (Halli) Rendon, Aspen (Oscar) Rendon, January Rendon, Nadine Janis, Ardie (Kayla) Janis, and Ian (Tonia) Rendon; brother-in-law, Ernie (Elizabeth) Little; sister-in-law, Babe Little; daughters-in-law, Mary Little Sky, Orlena Little Sky, Carol Rave Little Wounded, and Hunka daughter, Patty Medina; and quite a few nieces & nephews, nice & great-great grandchildren.
