David Bernie

"I aspire to create through the inspirations that surround me – from thoughts to visuals. I capture images with cameras, document thoughts with a pen & paper, create visuals with colors and textures, and illustrate my life through the medium of art. I am an indigenous (Yankton Sioux – Ihanktonwan Dakota) contemporary artist. I am David Bernie. I do not live in a tipi nor was my great-great-grandmother an Indian princess. I do live and breathe native identity, the inherent desire to combat ignorance and misconceptions, and the preservation of culture." - David Bernie

The subject of David's work is predominantly social and economical in equality, both within Indian Country and worldwide. He is inspired by his constant desire to comprehend the genesis and outcomes of these issues.  He works to makes others aware of these issues and be motivated to discuss them further.  

First Peoples Fund assisted David in this important work by helping him create an in-house print shop which will cut costs, maintain quality control and create highly skilled artwork with new methods.