Frank Waln is a Lakota multi-genre music artist, public speaker and curator representing the Lakota Nation and the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. With a Bachelor of Arts in Audio Arts & Acoustics from Columbia College Chicago, he has garnered recognition for his commitment to building community through his work and has received numerous awards, including three Native American Music Awards and fellowships from NDN Collective and the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation.
Frank’s creative contributions have graced museums and art institutions worldwide, and he currently holds artist residencies at the University of South Dakota and Harvard University. As a devoted advocate for Native art, Frank has passionately shared his story, performed for diverse student audiences, and conducted Indigenous songwriting workshops around the world. He has made appearances on MTV, CNN and ESPN for his work, making him a leading voice in fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous history, culture and art. His role as a curator and his dedication to preserving cultural heritage have left an undeniable mark, most notably seen in the music interactive exhibit he curated at the Field Museum in Chicago. Frank Waln’s music is available on all streaming platforms.
