Take Flight with Jackie Bird

Her smile and positive attitude are infectious. Jackie Bird, a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Tribe of South Dakota and the Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota, grew up entertaining. As a six-year-old child, she danced in her first powwow in Pipestone, Minnesota, and she has been performing ever since. She is the daughter of South Dakota Hall of Fame artist, JoAnne Bird, and Gordon Bird, musician and storyteller—founders of Featherstone Productions. 

A global talent 

Jackie does it all! She sings, writes lyrics, dances, plays instruments, beads, and more. In 1988, she learned to hoop dance, and in 1992, she created a puppet, “Wild Flower,” who assists Jackie in her children’s shows.

Over the years Jackie has been fortunate to travel, sharing her talent with all types of audiences. Not only does she perform all over the United States, but also she has performed in Japan, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Sweden, Australia, Canada, and Peru.

Perhaps, her goal of “all nations working together for global peace and world healing” is what landed her the opportunity to perform at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Reflecting on that experience, she says, “The Olympic Games, with an audience of 30,000 and a worldwide viewership, was my most memorable performance.”

An inspiring message

Jackie is constantly on the road spreading happiness, and that's the way she likes it! When they can, her sons -  Gordon [Bigboy] and Sheldon - also perform with her, singing and accompanying for her. People of all ages enjoy Jackie's upbeat message about life, the opportunities that lay before them, and the power of positive thinking. Jackie values the time she spends with her audiences and loves the chance to be inspirational. 

Native Hope celebrates the vision and imagination Jackie brings to Indian country and beyond. Her inspiration provides a platform that will encourage young people to find their voices and to seek opportunities to better themselves.

We're on a mission to spread healing by telling the beautiful and the tough stories that come from the Native American experience. Help us spread healing today and inspire hope. #StorytellingHeals