Coquille Citizen Kiana Younker Named Native Performing Arts Network's First Artistic Director Fellow
Younker will line produce ANTÍKONI by Beth Piatote at The Vault Theater in Hillsboro, Ore.
Native Performing Arts Network has chosen Kiana Younker as its first Artistic Director Fellow. A descendant of Kitzn Jin jn Ghallahd-a-lu'ee (Miluk Coos) and Gishgiu (Upper Coquille), Younker is a citizen of the Coquille Indian Tribe, one of 10 federally recognized Tribal Nations in the state of Oregon. In addition to studying and pursuing arts management, Younker is a performer whose artistic practice includes dance and choreography.
“Something that remains true, no matter where I live, or what space I choose to occupy, is that I am the solitary Indigenous person in school or on staff,” said Younker. “Seeing the post for this fellowship made me feel seen. It was the most exciting thing, because I knew that I would be surrounded by people who would get to know me, and be invested in my future. I have never had Indigenous mentors before. The thought that they might understand my art and my career goals is a feeling I have never felt. Feeling safe in NPAN's workspace gives me the opportunity to express my opinion fully without people alienating me because of my identity.”
The one-year artistic director fellowship is part of NPAN's commitment to leadership development. Younker will work closely with Artistic Director Jeanette Harrison and take on leadership roles throughout the season. For the National Day of Theater Readings for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives on May 5, she will serve as Lead Producer for a panel of MMIWR experts. The panel will be recorded and distributed to theaters nationwide to share with the community in conjunction with the presentations of readings of plays by Native playwrights that address the MMIWR crisis.
“I'm thrilled to be working closely with Kiana this year, and supporting her growth as an artistic leader,” says Harrison. “I'm looking forward to the ways her vision and aesthetics will help shape the programming at Native Performing Arts Network.”
Younker will also serve as Line Producer for NPAN's co-production of Antíkoni by Beth Piatote, which runs June 4–June 21 at Bag&Baggage. Additionally, Younker will work on visioning and other key responsibilities of being an artistic director. As part of next season's programming, she will take the lead on planning an Indigiqueer theater festival for 2027.
“Something that really brings me joy in my career when I'm not dancing is planning events, festivals, and working with guests. Hosting people, putting on events where young, queer, BIPOC people like myself can have fun, and feel safe,” says Younker, “that's how I practice Potlatch. Planning a festival for queer, indigenous artists seemed like the most obvious thing to do.”
Native Performing Arts Network's leadership and mentorship program began in response to studies from Dr. Stephanie Fryberg, IllumiNative, and many more. For over two decades, researchers have proven that bad representation has a negative impact on Native youth. The Norman Lear Media Impact Project's 2024 study measured the impact that stereotypical representations have on non-Native audience's perceptions of issues that affect Native people.
“The cost of getting our stories wrong is just too high for Native people. We need Native creatives in leadership positions,” Harrison said. “And Native people who want to take on those leadership roles need support. This fellowship is designed to teach leadership skills, provide hands-on opportunities to practice those skills, and most importantly, to connect our emerging leaders with networks of Indigenous artists and community leaders so they never feel alone.”
“I am looking forward to reconnecting with my Indigenous and dance communities, and meeting more artists, in the Pacific Northwest and West Coast,” said Younker, who returns to her homelands after seven years living in the Southeastern United States.
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