Inspired Natives, not Native Inspired is the driving force behind Louie Gong's vision of creating a new way forward for Native artists with Eighth Generation. The whole crew recently gathered in Seattle for a panel in the historic Town Hall complete with Native art market and chefs.
@heartberry.co An incredible Inspired Natives Event. Shenanigans were had. @Eighth Generation @JohnIsaiahPepion @louiegong #oxdx #milocreations ♬ original sound - Heart Berry
Who are the Inspired Natives?
Louie Gong (Nooksack) founder of Eighth Generation whose inspiring and groundbreaking work has changed the industry through the reclamation of the wool blanket and changing the paradigm around how businesses should work with Native artists.
Michelle Lowden (Pueblo) of Milo Creations whose work has a resilience and vibrancy you can feel! Her eloquent lines cover many staples of the Eighth Generation line.
Heart Berry's own! But you knew that! People often ask - why do your products have "8th gen" on them? We work in close collaboration with Eighth Generation on art, product development, and marketing. Some of our work is produced here as Heart Berry Exclusives and some with them! We are on our 10th anniversary as an 8th generation artist and are so grateful to be a part of this movement to take back our narratives! @heartberry.co
John Pepion (Blackfeet) whose storytelling ledger work reclaims and weaves identity into his sometimes playful and always gorgeous work. Heart Berry's Giizh had a ton of fun challenging John to arm wrestling, crab eating, war cry contests. For your viewing pleasure...
@heartberry.co #warcry #nativetiktok #fyp @JohnIsaiahPepion @Eighth Generation ♬ original sound - Heart Berry
Jared Yazzie (Dine) of OXDX brings bold and contemporary together in such a beautiful way. You feel street and rez when you wear OXDX. Jared is known across the Native fashion and art industry as a forerunner in what is next for Native design.
The Inspired Natives first EVER gathering all together was -in a word- a joyful whirlwind. It is rare as a Native arts entrepreneur to be surrounded by peers, but what was better is how the idea that we all do better when we all do better really showed itself in this group and how we treated each other. Outside of the obvious need I had to arm wrestle John Pepion, the way these folks sit gently in their own power was magical and restful to be around.
We spent two days flying from photoshoot to interview to event but late at night we gathered to laugh and share stories around pizza knowing there was no competition between us. We have witnessed how abundant life is. For me personally, this was the largest take away. And it really got me thinking...
How do we do this more in our communities?
This historic Town Hall event was live streamed and moderated by Colleen Echohawk, Eighth Generation CEO. We shared a lot about cultural appropriation, how our work takes back narratives, and how thriving is our future rooted in our past.
Want to see shenanigans and learn more about these amazing folks? Follow their socials, emails, and most importantly
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING INSPIRED NATIVES, NOT NATIVE INSPIRED.
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