Support Through Pivotal Moments
Founded to honor and uplift Indigenous voices, the Walker Youngbird Foundation supports Native artists who are reshaping cultural perceptions, preserving heritage, and driving societal change through artistic innovation.
A Native-led foundation
The Walker Youngbird Foundation is a Native-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting Native artists through pivotal moments of development, transition, and institutional engagement.
Our support takes several forms: grants, fellowships, and residencies; mentorship, storytelling, and exhibitions; institutional partnerships and acquisitions.
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.
Meet our team →
Pathways for Native artists
We build pathways for Native artists to thrive in the contemporary art world: grants and fellowships for artists at pivotal moments in their careers, storytelling that documents and amplifies Native voices, support for exhibitions and public programs that bridge traditional and contemporary practice, and 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.
The name
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 was quietly expressed through a lifetime of collecting art and building relationships across Indian Country which 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.
Read the full origin story →
Common questions
How can I stay updated on your artists and programs?+
Follow us on Instagram @walkeryoungbird for behind-the-scenes content, artist spotlights, and upcoming opportunities. It’s the best way to stay connected to our work in real time.
I’m a Native artist. How can I get involved?+
We’re always looking to connect with emerging Native artists. Visit our programs page to see if we’re currently accepting applications, and we encourage you to introduce yourself by emailing us at info@walkeryoungbird.org or reach out to us on Instagram.
I’d love to support the Foundation. What’s the best way to contribute?+
Thank you! For collaborations, media inquiries, or partnership ideas, visit Get Involved or email us at info@walkeryoungbird.org.
I’m interested in loaning work from your collection for an exhibition. Who should I contact?+
We welcome thoughtful, well-researched loan requests from institutions committed to ethical engagement with Native American art. Please see Loan Requests or 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.
