Art. Tradition. Support.
Founded with a vision to honor and uplift Indigenous voices, the Walker Youngbird Foundation strives to create a world where Native artists can reshape cultural perceptions, preserve heritage, and drive societal change through artistic innovation.
Who We Are
The Walker Youngbird Foundation is a Native-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to supporting emerging Indigenous artists across North America. Through fellowships, storytelling, exhibitions, and institutional partnerships, we invest in the future of Native art—championing visionary creators who are reshaping cultural narratives through contemporary expression.
Rooted in the belief that art is both memory and movement, our work is grounded in reciprocity, community, and the power of Indigenous knowledge systems.
What We Do
NATASHA SMOKE SANTIAGO | Skennen Kowa, 2023
We build pathways for Indigenous artists to thrive—not just survive—in the art world. This includes:
Grants and Fellowships for emerging and early career artists
Storytelling Initiatives to document and amplify Native voices
Support for Exhibitions and Public Programs that bridge traditional and contemporary practices
Strategic Partnerships with institutions committed to ethical engagement with Native communities
We believe art is more than aesthetics—it’s sovereignty, visibility, and a vehicle for generational change.
Our History
The Walker Youngbird Foundation is named in honor of Hans Walker Jr., a Mandan, Hidatsa lawyer who spent his career listening deeply and advocating fiercely for Native nations. His legacy of cultural stewardship—quietly expressed through a lifetime of collecting art and building relationships across Indian Country—inspired the founding of the organization by his son, Reid Walker.
The “Youngbird” family name speaks to emergence: a generational call forward, a belief that new voices are rising and ready to be heard.
F.A.Q.
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Follow us on Instagram @walkeryoungbirdfoundation for behind-the-scenes content, artist spotlights, and upcoming opportunities. It’s the best way to stay connected to our work in real time.
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We’re always looking to connect with emerging Native artists. Visit our grants page to see if we’re currently accepting open applications, and we encourage you to introduce yourself by emailing us at info@walkeryoungbird.org or reach out to us on Instagram.
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Thank you! For collaborations, media inquiries, or partnership ideas, email us at info@walkeryoungbird.org
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We welcome thoughtful, well-researched loan requests from institutions committed to ethical engagement with Indigenous art. Please reach out to us at info@walkeryoungbird.org with details about your exhibition, timeline, and curatorial approach. We review each request with care to ensure alignment with our mission and the artists’ intentions.