Siyo, Taylor Pearce is a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation from Leach, Oklahoma. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Native American Studies. While at OU, Taylor was honored to be a member of the 61st President’s Leadership Class and the Withrow Leadership Scholars. She is also a proud sister of Gamma Delta Pi, OU’s first and only Indigenous-interest sorority. Taylor plans to pursue a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology with the goal of working with Indigenous populations.
From a young age, Taylor’s family taught her the importance of Cherokee culture and honoring her ancestry. Serving three terms on the Tribal Youth Council expanded her knowledge and understanding of what it means to be Cherokee. Throughout her time in college, she became involved with the Native community in Norman and learned from Indigenous students and leaders about the importance of giving back to the communities from which they come. These experiences, along with her family’s connection to the Remember the Removal Bike Ride, inspired her to apply for the program. Her grandmother, grandfather, and mother served as support staff on the original 1984 ride, further encouraging her involvement with the Remember the Removal journey.
Serving as a 2026 Remember the Removal Bike Rider has been one of the greatest honors of Taylor’s life and one of the most transformative experiences she has ever had. Through the journey, she has learned more about who she is, her ability to push beyond her limits, and the many ways she can honor her ancestors and Cherokee culture in all that she does.
