Bountiful REI's

Bountiful REI's was created in 2016 as a way to showcase and share the emotions and memories that come from real experiences. Our artist, Bill Brien, draws inspiration from his Native American heritage, love for his family and grief over real-life struggles.

William “Bill” Brien is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa in North Dakota. He is a descendant from the Cut Head Band of Dakota, from the Spirit Lake Nation and Lakota from Standing Rock in North Dakota. Bill is a self-taught digital artist, whose passion for art was ignited by his wife, Geri, Cheyenne River Lakota. Geri was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. For four years she fought the cancer with courage, hope, and love. That journey inspired Bill to share Geri’s story through art. He attributes the inspiration and discovery of art to his wife because of what she endured and how she continues to lead him in his quest for healing and understanding. While Bill’s art is influenced by his life experiences, his work is a combination of his rich Indigenous heritage and lineage – Lakota, Dakota, Chippewa and Métis roots. Bill attends powwows and other events throughout the year where you will find him sharing his art and fashion designs.
Bill’s highlights:

• 2022 Santa Fe Indian Art Market, Santa Fe, NM.
• 2022 and 2023 Gift of Mother Earth Art Show at Crazy Horse Monument, South Dakota.
• 2022 and 2023 Red Earth Festival, Oklahoma City, OK.
• 2024 Colorado Indian Art Market, Denver, CO.
• 2024 “We Are Water” Fashion Show, Hocokata Ti Cultural Center, Shakopee, MN.
• 2025 Black Hills Indian Artist Market Holiday & Fashion Show, Rapid City, SD.
• 2025 Ówaŋg Wašteya Waȟwayela Mani Youth Fashion Show, part of the 2025 Lakota Nation Invitational, Rapid City, SD.