Lori Pourier

Lakota nation builder | Arts ecosystem architect | Culture bearer advocate

Lori Pourier has spent more than three decades highlighting the power of Native artists as culture bearers, economic drivers, community leaders and visionaries. A citizen of the Oglala Lakota Nation, Lori served for 25 years as president and CEO of First Peoples Fund (FPF), transforming it from a donor-advised fund into a national platform for Indigenous creative and economic sovereignty.

She leads with an abundance mindset that invites collaboration and shared growth. From launching the nationally recognized Rolling Rez Arts Bus to spearheading the development of the Oglala Lakota Artspace and designing financial tools for Native entrepreneurs, Lori has pioneered an arts ecosystem that centers Indigenous identity and ingenuity. She is focused on capturing stories, deepening investment and expanding the pipeline of Indigenous artists and leaders. 

With the Bush Fellowship, she will explore socially responsible investing strategies that align with Native values and ensure sustained resources for generations to come.

What change are you trying to create?

For 30 years, I have dedicated my career to establishing a thriving arts ecosystem in Native communities. FPF was the first organization to recognize the connection between the arts and Native Community Development Financial Institutions in creating a robust ecosystem. Through this partnership, tribal communities have developed local art galleries, business training programs and art markets. I want to strengthen the social and financial investments necessary to support culture bearers and artist entrepreneurs and ensure artists have long-term access to capital and deeper investment in their work.

What do you envision for the next phase of your leadership journey?

I have successfully built capacity for artists and contributed to the development of financial products and services for emerging and mid-career artists. Now, I am eager to focus on financial products and new market opportunities for advanced Native artists and culture bearers. Through the Bush Fellowship, I see an opportunity to take my work further by developing financial products and strategies that will allow artists and culture bearers to thrive in an evolving market.