Celebrating Indigenous Creativity: 11 Artists Making a Mark

As we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day this month, we take a moment to appreciate the rich histories and cultures of Native American communities. Yet, the support for Indigenous talent extends far beyond a single day, deserving recognition all year round. The heart of Indigenous design lies in its sustainability and deep-rooted traditions, evident in the visual narratives of Keri Ataumbi’s jewelry or Jamie Gentry’s custom moccasins. Amy Denet Deal of 4KINSHIP emphasizes the importance of conveying Indigenous stories authentically, aiming to break the cycle of misunderstanding and appropriation that has long plagued these communities in the fashion industry.

Supporting Indigenous, Native American, and First Nation-owned brands not only fosters small businesses but also promotes inclusivity and the preservation of authentic artistry. According to Denet Deal, the Indigenous community is diverse, consisting of over 574 distinct tribes, each with its unique viewpoint and story to tell.

Highlighted below are 11 Indigenous designers whose work celebrates their heritage and creativity:

1. Korina Emmerich: Drawing from her Coast Salish Territory lineage, Emmerich’s EMME Studio features vibrant designs that honor the sacred bond between humans and nature. Her commitment to her community was evident when she produced traditional face masks during the pandemic, blending functionality with cultural significance.
2. Lauren Good Day: Integrating her Arikara-Hidatsa-Blackfeet-Plains-Cree heritage, Good Day creates contemporary apparel adorned with Northern Plains aesthetics, merging traditional motifs with modern fashion.
3. Keri Ataumbi: Ataumbi’s jewelry transcends mere adornment, embodying stories and conceptual narratives that reflect her Kiowa background and contemporary design perspective.
4. Jamie Okuma: Okuma’s designs, characterized by meticulous beadwork and eco-conscious practices, encapsulate luxury with a nod to her diverse Luiseño, Shoshone-Bannock, Wailaki, and Okinawan roots.
5. Lesley Hampton: An advocate for mental health awareness, Hampton’s Anishinaabe and Mohawk heritage informs her sleek designs, making bold statements on runways and red carpets.
6. Jamie Gentry: Gentry channels her Kwakwaka’wakw heritage into crafting bespoke moccasins, each pair a testament to traditional craftsmanship and love.
7. Tania Larsson: Under the mentorship of Ataumbi, Larsson’s Gwich’in Fine Jewellery connects wearers with Indigenous culture and the environment through meticulously crafted pieces.
8. Amy Denet Deal: Through 4KINSHIP, Deal champions upcycled fashion and Indigenous storytelling, moving away from fast fashion to embrace sustainable and meaningful artwear.
9. ThunderVoice Hat Co.: This brand stands out for its upcycled luxury items and artwork that reinterpret classic pieces through an Indigenous perspective, offering both high-end products and accessible gifts like stickers and pins.
10. Ginew: The world’s sole Indigenous denim brand, Ginew incorporates Ojibwe, Oneida, and Stockbridge-Munsee motifs into its high-quality denim and leather goods.
11. Di’Orr Greenwood: From the Diné (Navajo) community, Greenwood’s bespoke creations in woodworking, from flutes to skateboards, carry ancestral significance, blending art with cultural narratives.

By acknowledging and supporting these artists, we celebrate the ongoing contribution of Indigenous creativity to the global tapestry of art and fashion.