Between racism to hate crimes, culture and ethnicity has divided us in many ways. For some, this has made them feel unwelcome, but for others, this has taken away much more than their dignity. 

For sophomore Dakota Sandoval, this took away his friend; his family; his brother.

On March 31, Lawrence actor, Cole Brings Plenty was announced missing, when he did not show up to a previously scheduled audition.

“Cole is my adoptive brother…. His name and my name was Brother Coco and Brother Bear. In our culture when you Sundance together (a cultural, religious dance) you immediately become brothers and you use this through a hunka ceremony,” said Sandoval. 

“For about four years now we’ve been Hunka brothers and when you make that vow to each other, you bond your hands together and you hold the feather together and you shed each other’s blood. That’s to bond you guys for life.”

Five days after he went missing, police found a deceased body in a wooded area that they identified was Brings Plenty.

“(When I found out) I did cry for about two days. But in our culture, it’s frowned upon to cry for that – it’s more they’re going home,” Sandoval said.

“What hurt the most was his hair being chopped. I think that’s what made me cry…. That’s something that is everything to us…. It’s our life, our wisdom, our guidance and basically our roots to our past.”

In honor of Brings Plenty, on April 8, many braided their hair to bring awareness to his story.

“It’s definitely not something I would see as disrespectful if they want to honor that for my brother,” Sandoval said. “If they’re doing it out of respect and kindness, then I see that and I acknowledge that and I’m sure everyone else will to.”