Derek Walker, a member of the Big Sandy Western Band of Mono Indians, is a full-blooded Native American Grass Dancer whose life reflects both cultural strength and personal recovery. He began dancing at the age of six, learning from his brother and relatives within the powwow circle. Raised in Tollhouse, California, Walker graduated in 2016 and later worked a season as a Forest Service firefighter.

When that season ended, Walker entered what he calls the “black road,” a period of addiction, violence, and disconnection from family, culture, and spirituality—the opposite of the “red road,” which represents sobriety, tradition, and balance. With too much idle time, he became involved in drugs and street life, leading to incarceration and multiple failed attempts at rehabilitation. For safety, his family made the painful decision to distance themselves, fearing the path he was on.

After another arrest and difficult conversations with family members who had witnessed addiction and long-term incarceration within their community, Walker chose recovery. He entered Friendship House in San Francisco, a Native-centered rehabilitation program. Though initially resistant to city life, he completed seven months of treatment and reconnected with his higher power, culture, and identity.

Now 15 months sober, Walker has reunited with his family and returned to the powwow circle after four years away. Wearing his regalia and feathers once again, he remains grounded through cultural practices, serving as a fire tender, participating in sweat lodge, and dancing whenever possible. He credits his healing to his family, tribe, recovery community, and Friendship House.