Gertrude See Walker, also known as Birdie to her family and friends, was born to Pauline Looking Elk (See Walker) on February 16, 1956. She was born and raised in Fort Yates, ND and lived most of her early years there. She attended St. Bernard's Mission School through 6th grade and then continued her education at Fort Yates High School and lived in the dormitories. She also attended Chilocco Indian School in Oklahoma where she met her future husband Buffy Shanta from Mescalero, New Mexico. Birdie and Buffy made their way back to Fort Yates and started their family. Soon after their first child was born, they moved back to Mescalero where their 2nd child was born.

After a time, she moved back to Fort Yates and then to Denver, Colorado where she met her 2nd husband. Birdie's family grew to include four more children who eventually moved back to Fort Yates, ND.

Birdie was a quite person until you got to know her. Once you knew her, she was outgoing and had a great sense of humor. She was a loyal friend and treasured all of her friendships. Birdie was very adventurous and enjoyed learning new things. She was a talented and artistic woman, and this could be seen in her beadwork and sewing. She eventually moved back to Denver where she spent her remaining years with Wazi, her life partner.

Birdie's siblings include: June Szczur, George See Walker, Rosemary Delarosa, William See Walker and Mary Ann See Walker. She is survived by her three children, Joseph, Julian, and Wenona Ramirez, her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren and 1 sister, Junie Szczur.