An enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Oyate, Wakinyan Naca (Thunder Chief) is also of Cheyenne River Lakota descent through the Mnicoujou and Hunkpapa bands. An artist, mentor and cultural educator committed to serving Lakota youth and community, he is arts manager for the Cheyenne River Youth Project.

Born in California, Wakinyan discovered the art of graffiti at a young age and went on to explore multiple artistic disciplines, mediums and styles. His experience includes participating in art shows and graffiti jams, teaching workshops and painting murals.

In 2016, Wakinyan returned to Lakol Makoche (Lakota homelands), where his work has focused on mentoring Native youth and sharing Lakota culture and traditional knowledge. After working with Generations Indigenous Ways and the Oglala Lakota Cultural & Revitalization Initiative, he joined CRYP in 2022.

As arts manager, Wakinyan is responsible for the teen Art Internship and Lakota Art Fellowship programs, as well as a variety of community classes and workshops. He also supervises CRYP’s Youth Employment Initiative and helps lead the Lakota Culture and Native Wellness Internships, and seasonal Lakota culture and healing camps at CRYP’s Wakanyeja Kin Wana Ku Pi (The Children Are Coming Home) property adjacent to sacred Bear Butte.