Native Artist by INDIGEFI

Erin Ggaadamits Ivalu Gingrich (Koyukon Dené Athabascan, Iñupiaq) is a carver and multi-disciplinary artist based in Dgheyey ‘kaq, known today as Anchorage, Alaska. Erin merges her carving practice with beadwork to create stunning visual art pieces rooted in her relationship with the Arctic and interior Alaska. In this episode, Erin describes how relationship with the lands and wildlife are core to her work as a contemporary artist. Her pieces strike a balance between intricate and minimal, depicting a visceral familiarity with the fish she grew up harvesting with her family. Her pieces tell stories that bring awareness and a call to protect the fish populations in the Yukon River.

Northern Cheyenne sisters Jordan and Madison Craig are the founders of the lingerie line Shy Natives. What started with Madi’s intimate garments hand-sewn to fit her and her sisters, became a full-on fashion label after she and Jordan teamed up to capture the essence of the brand. The Shy Native label bloomed with a captivating creative vision nurtured through sisterhood. By combining Jordan’s visual arts and Madi’s impeccable abilities as a self-taught fashion designer, the sisters have established Shy Natives as leaders in indie lingerie, occupying a rare niche which uplifts Indigenous intimacy, and opens a space for Indigenous women and LGBTQ+ relatives to exercise agency over their bodies and sensuality. The sisters describe their community and DIY work ethic as the backbones to their business. The devoted customer base, collaborations with other Indigenous creatives rooted in DIY culture, and photo shoots with real people as models are what make Shy Natives thrive. Today, Shy Natives count some of the biggest names in Native pop culture as their fans. Listen to hear from Jordan and Madi about the journey to creating the brand whose followers can’t wait to lap up the next Shy Natives drop.

Chloey Tláakw Sháa Cavanaugh, Lingít, is a graphic design artist with heritage in Ḵéex̱ʼ, Kake, Alaska. Inspired by the practices of her grandfather, Chloey’s modern formline designs spark dialog using playfulness and joy. Her deep commitment to the communities to which she belongs leads her to advocate for Indigenous and LGBTQ+ young people, and to create space for collective accountability. Chloey’s work is available through her small business, Black and White Raven Company, and can be found throughout southeast and southcentral Alaska. Sensitive content is discussed in this episode, including the role of missionary activities in so-called boarding schools and the ongoing impacts to Indigenous peoples today.

Leon Misak Kinneeveauk, Inupiaq from Pt. Hope in Arctic, Alaska, is an artist operating the largest ivory carving studio in Deghay’kaq, known today as Anchorage, at the Alaska Art Alliance. Carving walrus ivory is an original artform of Indigenous communities in the Arctic, stretching across Inuit lands in Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. In this episode, Leon shares the journey of discovering his role in community leadership after being incarcerated for a crime involving a death. Under Leon’s leadership, the studio offers a much-needed place of cultural belonging and camaraderie, that meets the specific needs of the art of ivory carving. Jerome Saclamana, King Island Inupiaq, joins to share his years of experience in ivory studios, and what makes Leon’s studio a rare gem in the urban center of Anchorage.

Laine Neech.yanagút Yéil Rinehart is Lingít and Taos Pueblo, based in Lingít lands, in what’s today known as Juneau, Alaska. Laine practices the traditional Lingít artform of Chilkat weaving, an intricate craft that retains its traditional designs, meanings, and uses. In this episode, Laine shares how their art practice is a natural way to express personal and cultural identity, and makes space to acknowledge the harms of colonization. Also, a peek at their ambition to increase access to the mountain goat wool used in original weaving practices. Their stories are imbued with gratitude for the communities of teachers from whom they’ve learned.