Dana Warrington

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dana Warrington is a Menominee and Potawatomi artist, dancer, and cultural ambassador whose work bridges traditional tribal practices with contemporary Native artistry. Born and raised in the Menominee territory of Northern Wisconsin, Dana is the son of the late Royal E. Warrington, one of the founding member of the world renowned Smokeytown Singers, and Becky Warrington-Miller, a champion women’s applique dancer. Raised in a family rooted in powwow and ceremonial traditions, Dana grew up surrounded by woodland-style dance and singing, attending drum ceremonies and traditional gatherings throughout the region.

In his teenage years, Dana was drawn to the Men’s Northern Traditional dance style, which opened the door to a broader powwow circuit. Over the years, he has traveled extensively across the U.S. and Canada, competing in dance competitions and sharing the gifts of his culture with countless tribal communities, while inspiring the next generation of pow-wow dancers to push the limits of regalia and dancing style.

Dana’s path into artistry was shaped early on by time spent with his grandmother, the late Dorthy Young, who taught him the pure love of art along with the ethics that would eventually catapult his career in the arts. Although he did not initially call himself an “artist,” he has come to accept and appreciate the gifts he carries as an artist. His desire to create exceptional regalia for dance sparked a lifelong dedication to tribal arts and design. Since entering the Indian art market in 2017, Dana has earned numerous accolades, including multiple awards at Santa Fe Indian Market, where he was named Best of Classification in Diverse Arts in both 2019 and 2021.

Today, Dana travels with his partner and children, continuing to dance Woodland style, Original Style Jingle, and Women’s Applique—styles now rising in prominence once again. Together, their family takes great pride in upholding cultural traditions, promoting healthy lifestyles, and inspiring the next generation of Woodland-style dancers and artists.

Learn more at www.danawarringtonart.com