Walt Pourier facts for kids

Walt Pourier is an American skateboarder, artist, and designer. He also works to help young people through skateboarding. Walt is a member of the Oglala Lakota people.

Walt's Early Life

Walt Pourier started skateboarding when he was young. He grew up on the Pine Ridge Reservation. For a while, he lived in Orange County, California with his mom. There, he enjoyed skating in empty swimming pools. Later, Walt moved back to Pine Ridge. He became an artist and started his own company, Nakota Designs.

Walt's Art and Designs

Walt Pourier is a talented artist. He paints and creates designs. He uses skateboards, canvas, and other materials for his art. In 2017, he was a special artist at the Denver Art Museum.

Stronghold Society: Helping Kids

Walt Pourier and fellow skateboarder Jim Murphy started the Stronghold Society. This group helps young people in Native American communities. Walt Pourier is the leader of the Stronghold Society.

Skateparks for Native Communities

Walt and Jim created the Wounded Knee Four Directions Skatepark Program. This program builds and supports skateparks. These skateparks are for young people in Native American communities. The Stronghold Society helps run this important program.

Wounded Knee 4-Directions Toby Eagle Bull Memorial Skatepark

Walt Pourier and the Stronghold Society worked with Jim Murphy. They also worked with musician Jeff Ament. Together, they helped build a skatepark. This park is called the Wounded Knee 4-Directions Skatepark. It is on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The skatepark opened in 2011.

Live Life: Call To Action Campaigns

The Stronghold Society also runs campaigns called "Live Life Call To Action." These campaigns are for young people in tribal communities. They want to give hope and support to Native youth. Walt Pourier says this work helps with mental well-being.

Special Recognition

In 2014, Walt Pourier received an award. The State of Colorado gave him the Governor's Creative Leadership Award. He earned it for his great work with the Stronghold Society.

Nakota Designs: Walt's Company

Walt Pourier is also the founder of Nakota Designs. This company helps other businesses with their designs and branding. It is based in Colorado. Nakota Designs has worked with clients like the Tribal College Journal.