Help With Funeral Expenses, Healing & Recovery

Early Saturday morning, October 16th, Bunky Echo-Hawk (Yakama/Pawnee) was traveling from Denver to Pawnee to take his 15-year old daughter Alexie Echo-Hawk (Yakama/Pawnee) to attend a tribal ceremonial dance at the Pawnee Nation in Oklahoma. Bunky and Alexie were hit in a head-on collision by a driver traveling the wrong direction on I-70 in western Kansas. Alexie passed away at the scene and Bunky sustained multiple serious injuries to his eye, knee, chest and foot. He was released from the hospital on Sunday with a long road ahead with needed surgery and months of recovery according to his doctors.

Alexie's Yakama name was Tikáynút and her Pawnee name was Pahuks. She grew up in both Pawnee, Oklahoma, and Mosca, Colorado. She was a beloved daughter, sister and relative. Alexie loved her family and basketball. She is survived by her mom Crista Newmyer-Olsen, her father Bunky Echo-Hawk, her stepdad Sam Olsen, her stepmom Jasha Lyons-Echo-Hawk, her siblings Jonathan, Khaiya, Leo and Amelia Olsen, Rhiannon Elizabeth McCaughey, Ayo Pahaat Lyons Echo-Hawk, Puyvfekcv Tiwaku Lyons Echo-Hawk and Feather Echo-Hawk; her maternal grandparents H. Ray Newmyer and Catherine Rice-Gallegos; her paternal grandparents Walter and Pauline Echo-Hawk; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

The funeral service for Alexie is scheduled for Thursday, October 21, 2021 at the Roam Chief Building at the Pawnee Nation in Pawnee, Oklahoma. A prayer service and wake will be Wednesday evening. A memorial service will be held in Colorado at a future date.

This is a devastating time for Bunky, Alexie's mom and family. There are still many challenges that lie ahead. Due to Bunky's injuries, he is scheduled to have surgery next week and will have at least 3 or more months of recovery. He is absolutely devastated by the loss of Alexie. He will need many months to rest and heal from both his injuries and the loss of Alexie. At this time, we are asking Bunky's many relatives, friends and supporters across Indian Country to support him and his family. Funds raised through GoFundMe will go towards funeral expenses, the memorial service, Bunky's medical bills and living costs, for it will be many months before he is able to fully work again.

Background: Bunky Echo-Hawk

Bunky's biggest passions in his life are his children and family, his culture, art and Native peoples. He has been painting the reality and resistance of Native American people for almost twenty years. His work initiates discussions about environmentalism, Native rights, and other major issues impacting Indian Country through his vibrant and provocative work. Bunky's art is groundbreaking and challenges toxic stereotypes. false narratives and the erasure of Native peoples. As an advocate and an educator, Bunky travels extensively, creating live works of art for auction. Through his art, he has raised thousands of dollars for numerous national Native non-profit organizations and causes. Additionally, he speaks at conferences, conducts workshops, and teaches both art and writing.