LDL Magazine October 2023 - Vol. 2 Issue 10

LDL Magazine’s October 2023 issue honors Indigenous culture, heritage, and narratives. Dr. Tomasina Chupco, Seminole Tribe of Florida, graces the cover this month with Indigenous Intentions and Healing Hokte. Anishnaabekwe (Ojibway), Ininiw Iskwew (Cree), Navajo, Osage Nation, Afro-Indigenous, St’át’imc, Lakota, and Dakota are some of the amazing Nations and Tribes sharing their personal journeys. Find a healing spot as you enjoy the meaning of drumming, honoring Nature, the sacred art of tattoos, and journeys that will transform your life. With Love, Le’Marqunita De’Sharay Lowe (LDL) Afro-Indigenous St’át’imc Anishinaabe Lakota Dakota Seminole Ininiw Iskwew Navajo Osage Nation…

What inspired you to start your healing and Indigenous wellness advocacy journey? From a young age, I was deeply connected to the traditions and wisdom of my people. Witnessing the disconnect many people felt from nature and their own well-being, I was inspired to bridge that gap using the Indigenous knowledge passed down through generations. Additionally, in a world that constantly demands advocacy and community, I’Ve come to embrace the method of “rest as resistance”. Recognizing that true healing often requires us to pause, reflect, and rest, I advocate for the importance of restorative practices in our community work and wellness journeys. How has your dual heritage impacted your path that led to starting indigenous intentions? My dual heritage has given me a unique lens through which I view wellness.…

Photo Credits Portrait of Keyra taken by Gracie Herron featuring silk scarf from Kin Co. (New Indigenous sister brand from Thunder Voice Hat Co.) Mural picture with Adina Farinango taken by Eli Farinango Picture of Keyra’s aunt Maria Arroyo taken by Glenn Arroyo Picture of Keyra’s uncle Jose Pincay resting after a long day working on their land taken by Keyra Picture of ruins from Keyra’s nation (Kañari) that she visited back in 2021. Keyra wrote a small story about (shared down here) taken by Keyra. “and with each step, she felt the imprints of her footsteps align with the imprints of her ancestors”. What inspired you to become a climate justice activist? I wouldn’t call myself an activist. I come from a family line of agriculturists, and artisans both…

What inspired you to start your journey as a fashion designer and artist? I am inspired by the beauty of the world around me. I believe that fashion can be a powerful tool for self-expression. Also, I believe that it is important to honor one’s heritage. I am proud to be a Native American designer. I founded the Sky-Eagle Collection with my wife, Yanti, who is my muse and the premier of the Fashion House. We named the brand after our daughter. It is more than just a fashion brand. It is a celebration of Native American culture and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Together, we are building a legacy that honors our heritage and inspires others to follow their dreams. What does the name Sky…

Photo Credits 353 Media Group Jane Feldman (Jane Feldman Photography) Derrick Cooksey (Derrick Cooksey Photography) What inspired you to start Ah-Shí Beauty? For the first time in history, a tribal member has created a beauty brand that caters to Native Nations and Indigenous communities worldwide. Ah-Shi Beauty is an innovative brand that challenges the norms of the beauty industry. The significance of representation cannot be understated. Ah-Shi Beauty is a brand that not only provides exceptional beauty products, but also represents the voices of Native Nations. As a proud member of the Dine (Navajo) Reservation, I identify with many “REZ KIDS” who have grown up on and off the reservation. For decades, we have lacked a brand that genuinely resonates with our culture and values. Ah-Shi Beauty is more than…

What inspired you to start Pre&Peri? As a child, I enjoyed dressing up, drawing different clothing designs, and watching Fashion Television. My mom signed me up for sewing lessons where I took an interest in costume design. My choices from there moved me toward different creative elements of the film industry, so I went to college to become a hairstylist. After developing chronic pain, I completed the program, but decided to go to a university to develop my academic skills due to my physical limitations. Still, I couldn’t get away from the desire to be with fabric, so when I had the opportunity to take a program offered by the Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI), I took the chance. Their Fashion Your Future (FYF) program focused on developing a fashion accessory…