Table of contents for October 2023 - Vol. 2 Issue 10 in LDL Magazine

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 Grizzlypaws Main Interview Cover Credit: Pala Kovacs Book Launch: Lillooet Sulyalesta Grizzlypaws Ranch Credit: Specwitsa7 Grizzlypaws Credits: Levi Blackwolf Candice Camille Jonah Greenman What inspired you to start your dance and music journey? Growing up in Lillooet, British Columbia, and belonging to the St’át’imc community, my dance and music journey began at the age of sixteen when I immersed myself in relearning St’át’imc traditions. This exploration evolved into a way of life, a profound connection to the cultural heritage of my people. Initially, uncertain about navigating the complexities of being diverse and engaging in cultural pursuits in a colonial world, I questioned whether I could reconcile traditions with education without compromising either. The fear of losing my cultural identity in educational systems loomed large. The inspiration to dance…

If every word spoken was natural as the air we breathe, then we could alchemize how those words flow into our daily lives. In a world where we are constantly being bombarded with emails, dms, texts, and phone calls, the overwhelm can drive us into overload. It’s important as human beings with a sensitive energetic ethereal body that we practice moments of stillness. Stillness stimulates healing. Manifestations are a Divine gift utilizing words to practice stillness. When we speak every word that releases into the air becomes a spoken reality. We might not visibly be able to see the spoken reality, but believe that words are being activated. Written manifestations merely give us the ability to transfer our Spiritual desires onto paper. The hand to brain connection forms both a…

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 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…

Photo Credits Cover of Stephanie’s memoir, Thunderbird Rising. Image taken at her studio, Thunderbird Rising Studios…. copyright Stephanie Big Eagle. Stephanie in geometric print dress and buffalo necklace, Copyright Stephanie Big Eagle Sitting on the steps at the Louve Museum, Paris, France during International Indigenous Fashion Week, 2022 Photo Credit: IG @thefarmhousestudiosia Hair and Makeup: Jenni Machir Skirt: Sky - Eagle Collection Jewelry: Genevieve Salamone Dancing during the Roberts and Canon Camera sponsored Indigenous People’s Day Event, October 15, 2022, Indianapolis, IN Photo Credit: Hartongs IG @thehartongs Ribbon Skirt by Tomecina Escarcega Posing for photographers during the Roberts and Cannon Camera sponsored Indigenous People’s Day Event, October 15, 2022, Indianapolis, IN Photo Credit: Jennifer Sarles Eisberg Skirt by Tomecina Escarcega Shirt features Stephanie’s Thunderbird Rising Studios logo Posing during Paris…

What inspired you to start Yuku-na Glow? I have loved makeup and the artistry of it for as long as I can remember, but I think I was mostly inspired by my dad. I fell in love with the transformation process, and watching him evolve into this beautiful, confident person when he applied his makeup. I lost my dad unexpectedly in 2009 and wanted to do something that honored him as an Aboriginal man, and his experiences within the drag industry and as a gay male, I combined my love of beauty, my own personal journey, and my passion for empowering people, then Yuku-na Glow was born - the first Aboriginal owned cosmetics brand creating products that represent culture, connection, and country. There was no other Aboriginal-owned cosmetics brand creating…

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 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…

What inspired you to start your journey as a makeup artist? I was inspired at a young age to begin my career as a makeup artist. I knew that I was going to makeup school when I graduated high school. I had always loved expressing myself through art and found ways to experiment with my creativity. Likewise, there was barely any Indigenous representation in the beauty industry, and I wanted to change that. I want to be able to show the younger generation that you can pursue whatever makes you happy. I watched YouTube tutorials, and practiced for hours until I felt confident enough in myself and my abilities to start taking clients. I have been in the industry now for seven years. I love making people feel confident and…

What inspired you to start your dancing journey? My mother Violet signed me up for dance classes at the age of 3 in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada). What inspired me to stick with dance was the amazing feeling of artistic expression and freedom I felt while in movement. In our Indigenous culture, I was initiated in the Powwow circle at 3 years old as a Jingle Dress dancer. How would you describe your dance style? As a young girl, I wanted to try as many dance styles as I could. There are a couple of styles that I feel the most connected to which would be; Powwow, Contemporary Dance, and Hiphop. I have deep rooted friendships and connections from these styles of dance. How has your culture influenced your journey as…