The Yellowstone Universe continues to expand, introducing viewers not only to the Dutton family’s ancestors but also to the roots of other important characters in the modern-day series.

While 1883 focused on the early Duttons’ journey to Montana, 1923 dives even deeper, revealing a wider family network and new characters whose legacies echo into the present.

Among the most intriguing new faces is Teonna Rainwater, a Native American girl whose story in 1923 is both harrowing and compelling—especially because of her familiar last name.

Yellowstone fans immediately recognized the Rainwater name from Thomas Rainwater, the influential leader of the Broken Rock Reservation in the main series. With Monica Dutton, a key Native American character married into the Dutton family, fans naturally wonder: are Monica and Teonna Rainwater related, or is their shared heritage just a coincidence?

Teonna’s storyline is one of the most difficult and emotional in 1923. She’s a student at a brutal boarding school, where nuns and priests use violence and religious manipulation to erase Native American culture. While all the students suffer, Teonna stands out for her courage; she’s one of the few who openly rebels against the oppressive rules.

Her resistance comes at a steep price, as she endures severe punishment. By the end of 1923’s first part, Teonna escapes by killing one of the nuns, showing she’s reached her breaking point.

Though her fate remains uncertain, it’s clear Teonna will play a crucial role in the story going forward. Many viewers speculate she is an ancestor of Thomas Rainwater, suggesting her legacy will shape the Yellowstone world for generations. But does this connect her to Monica as well?

To answer that, we have to look at Monica’s relationship with Thomas Rainwater in Yellowstone. While the two share a close bond—Thomas supports Monica through her most difficult times, such as the loss of her baby and helping her and Kayce find a new home—they are not blood relatives.

Monica is the granddaughter of Felix Long, a close friend of Thomas Rainwater. Since Monica lost her parents at a young age, Thomas has acted as a father figure and trusted family friend, but there is no direct familial connection.

Therefore, if Teonna is indeed Thomas Rainwater’s ancestor, it is unlikely she is Monica’s ancestor as well, unless future episodes of 1923 introduce a marriage between Teonna and a member of the Long family. Such a twist would create a direct link between Monica and Teonna, which would be a surprising development for fans.

In summary, while Monica and Thomas Rainwater share a deep, almost familial bond, they are not actually related by blood. Teonna Rainwater is likely Thomas’s ancestor, but unless the storyline connects her to the Long family, she is not Monica’s ancestor.

Still, the evolving relationships and intersecting legacies in the Yellowstone Universe keep fans guessing—and eager for more revelations.

What do you think will happen to Teonna in future episodes? How do you interpret the bond between Thomas and Monica? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for more Yellowstone updates!