Bunky Echo-Hawk
(Pawnee/Yakama)
I am a proACTIVE ARTist. I believe this is a great time to be Indigenous. There are a great number of issues facing Native Americans today, which I confront with my choice of weapons: paints, brushes, canvas, my mind and my culture. There is also a great deal of beauty and humor in our cultures, which I also render every chance I get.
I have been painting for years now, and have exhibited my work throughout the nation and overseas. I also write, mainly poetry these days, but have had some of my plays produced. I am also a free-lance graphic designer and photographer.
I proactively use my art to address issues, to fundraise for various Native nonprofits, and to help Indian-owned businesses. I travel a great deal, which isn’t easy with a family, all over the country. I love public speaking and meeting people from all over.
In addition to being a full-time husband and dad, I am also a co-founder and the Executive Director of NVision, a national Native nonprofit that focuses on Native youth development. We reach out to Native youth through multi-media arts and leadership development. It’s fresh. We’re new, but we’re already doing big things in Indian Country!
I live to paint. I live for our culture. I live to write. I live for our youth. I live for our future. I live to exchange ideas. I live to be a voice. I live to see, in my lifetime, change for the better. I live for proactive action. This is how I’m living. How are you living?
