Chad “Little Coyote” Yellowjohn

Say hello to Chad “Little Coyote” Yellowjohn — the creative force bringing storytelling, humor, heart, and bold Indigenous representation to Pathways. Inspired by lived experience and powered by what he calls “optimistic activism,” Chad’s art celebrates being seen, being proud, and being unapologetically Indigenous.

Chad grew up near the Kalispel Tribal community, born to artists Ione Yellowjohn and David Browneagle Sr., with creativity central to his life from the start. While his mother worked multiple jobs, she encouraged his imagination with art supplies and VHS tapes — sparking the beginnings of his self-taught artistry. Artistic expression quickly became Chad’s natural language, a way to tell stories and share emotion through visual form rather than words.

A graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts, Yellowjohn holds a Bachelor’s in Cinematic Arts and an Associate’s in Studio Arts. His work celebrates storytelling and fosters awareness of the modern-day experiences and challenges faced by Indigenous communities. Drawing from his own childhood — when superheroes rarely looked like him — Chad creates art that empowers Indigenous people of all ages to feel seen, included, and proud of who they are.

Today, Chad continues to use his creative voice in collaboration with organizations, musicians, and fellow artists, promoting “optimistic activism” — protecting and uplifting through art. Through his work, he hopes to share joy, laughter, and representation with audiences everywhere.