SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE
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NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
CONTENTS
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8 STYLE 09 12 13 14 17 21 24 28 30 34 36 37
HOW WE’RE WEARING THE TRENDS THE MOMENT: PENDLETON COVERUP STYLE WITH PURPOSE ACCESSORIES IT LIST GIRL ABOUT TOWN JG INDIE DOES ART GOLDEN GIRLS BEAUTY UPDATE NATIVES IN FASHION WEEKS BOLD GRAPHICS STREET STYLE DONE RIGHT SHIRTING, CITY STYLE
38 INSIDE THE GORILLA CAVE 39 SUITING: RE-INVENTED
ART
41 XFRX: THE REMIX CULTURE 43 “HOW I DID AT SANTA FE”
CULTURE
46 GIRL ON A MISSION
RADAR
56 PROFILE: ADRIANNE CHALEPAH
CONTRIBUTORS
KRYSTINA BIA
MARCIE BAIN
Originally from Many Farms, AZ, Krystina is also the designer and owner of Urban Turquoise, a boutique jewelry and accessories line. Besides designing jewelry, Krystina is also a makeup artist, hair stylist and photographer.
Marcie Bain is truly a multi-faceted fashion designer; in this issue, we’ve featured her couture line B.JASH.I., and Native Steel. This month, Bain is expected to be the only Native American designer in Fashion Week San Diego.
REGINA STILL SMOKING
RACHEL SEENIE
Regina is the co-designer of Still Smoking Designs, which is set to debut their fall collection at Montana Fashion Week. Regina shared with us her and her husband’s journey to preparing for the first ever fashion week.
Rachel Seenie is the founder and innovator behind OJIBWE COSMETICS, a new cosmetics and skincare line out of Canada. Rachel not only provided us info about OC, she also shared with some makeup tricks and tips with us.
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M AGAZINE
EDITOR’S WELCOME GOODBYE, SUMMER! HELLO, FALL! To usher in the new season, hip hop artist and activist Frank Waln graces the cover of Native Max Magazine and talks with editor-in-chief Kelly Holmes about how he turned culture shock into a cultural revolution. Through his music and activism, he has taken on some of the tougher issues facing Indian Country and helped create more awareness of these issues in mainstream media. In addition to spotlighting the talented Frank Waln, we also take the time to share with you this season’s best in Fashion and Style with couture looks by JG Indie and B.JASH.I., the trend of Pendleton, graphic tees by Native Gorilla, Jeremy Arviso, Corey Begay and Dustin Martin, accessories spotlight on Urban Turquoise, B.JASH.I and Orlando Dugi, and makeup looks by Ojibwe Cosmetics. We report on the growing trend of Natives and Aboriginals of Indian Country being apart of more Fashion Weeks around the world and Etkie. The issue also features Siera Begaye and Feather Pewapisconias, two young Native women who are determined to make an impact in their communities, and the Survival of the First Voices Festival. We hope you enjoy our September/October issue.
KELLY HOLMES FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Editor in Chief KELLY HOLMES Executive Managing Editor JOHNNIE SISNEROS Marketing Team MARCUS TSOSIE & BECCA KIRK Beauty/Fashion Contributors HELEN ORO, CHELSEA CHEE & KRYSTINA BIA Staff Writers GIA BOLTON, DARYL BEGAYE, NOEL ALTAHA, RYAN YOUNG, JOLONZO GOLDTOOTH, TYREL BEGAY, ANTHONY BURRIS & EVERETT BAXTER CONTRIBUTORS WHITNEY MINTHORN II, REGINA STILL SMOKING, RACHEL SEENIE, KRYSTINA BIA, MARCIE BAIN, BLAIRE RUSSELL, JOURDAN BENNETT-BEGAYE, ALLIE YOUNG, MELVIN MUSQUA, BOBBI JO HANDLEY
NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE is published (starting June 1, 2014) six times per year by Native Max & Other Media Ventures, LLC. To obtain additional copies, please email info@nativemax.com. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. COPYRIGHT 2013, Native Max & Other Media Ventures, LLC. Published in Denver, Colorado, by Native Max & Other Media Ventures, LLC. Native Max & Other Media Ventures LLC cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Native Max & Other Media Ventures LLC takes no responsibility for ommissions or errors. We reserve the right to publih and edit any content submitted. All rights reserved.
Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, USA
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FAIRIES OF CAUSE How mother and daughter hope to inspire the lives of young girls and women with their foundation. By Kelly Holmes
M
other and daughter Lynette Adams and Siera Begaye, both of the Ta’baa’ha Edge Water Clan from Fort Defiance, AZ, always desired to have a positive impact on the Native society and empower females of all ages with confidence. Both founded Fantasy Fairy Foundation, a club dedicated to connecting young girls and women by way of socialization, education, mentoring, volunteerism and leadership training. The club’s mission is to bridge and bond relationships with respect, value, and honor, in a social female leadership setting. Adams, co founder of Fantasy Fairy Foundation, is inspired daily by her children. Her hope is to have a wonderful and inspirational social experience with all those she encounters through the foundation. With her Bachelor’s in Social Work degree, she was always interested in volunteering. “I always had a desire to volunteer in something I believe in. To be a part of something positive and to
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have positive impact on our Native society.” As the first ambassador of the foundation, Begaye strives to be an example to current and potential members of the club. At only 19 years old, Begaye has accomplished many goals, including working as a personal trainer and fitness instructor, and modeling part time. “I would like the opportunity to utilize my knowledge to educate and promote a healthy lifestyle.” The club’s mission is to empower females with the confidence and character of leadership by bridging and bonding relationships. With each meeting, the founders plan to promote and enhance respect, honor and value, while discovering friendship through a myriad of enriching experiences such as field trips, clinics, community service projects, cultural exchanges and environmental stewardships. The club also implements core virtues into its itinerary, such as compassion, resiliency, understanding, supportive and honesty. In the upcoming year, the club plans to host an annual Fairy Leadership Pageant, which will highlight ambassadors of all ages, along with a formal gown drive. The founders hope to collect donated gowns to offer a low-cost rental service for young girls around the Arizona area. The club has already successfully completed a few events initially planned, such as the club’s first meeting where members were able to create fairy wings and a community march to raise awareness for International Suicide Awareness Day on September 10th. Why a fairy as the icon of the club? “Fairies are whimsical and magical earth angels. It’s in their nature to be happy and positive,” explains Begaye. “That’s something our foundation wants to bring to the forefront of the lives of our girls and women we encounter.” A quote by Johann Wolfgang in which the founders intertwine into every project and club meeting: Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAY BEGAY
MAKE US PROUD
STYLE HOW WE’RE WEARING THE TRENDS Current fall trends we’re obsessing over: Layering prints, textures and colors, and how we’re wearing them.
LAYER, PRINTS, REPEAT Turn the page to see how we style this season’s biggest trends
PHOTO BY KELLY HOLMES
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STYLE
FALL 2014 READ ON TO REVIEW ALL OF OUR FASHION EDITORS' TOP TRENDS WE'RE ABIDING BY THIS MONTH
PRINTS & PATTERNS
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There's nothing more exciting than mixing different prints and patterns of separate color palettes together.
STYLE
TREND REPORT EDITED/PHOTOGRAPHS BY: KELLY HOLMES STYLING BY: BOBBI JO HANDLEY PHOTOS EDITED BY RYAN YOUNG
LAYERING
Make layers clash and complement by layering a sequined top over a long blouse in a separate pattern. Finish a look with a brightly-beaded medallion.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Top Left: Cardigan, scarf, watch, stylist's own; leggings, Urban City; sweater, Urban City; Bottom Left: Cardigan, bracelet, stylist's own; top, Elle; leggings, Urban City; THIS PAGE: Left: top, skirt earrings, stylist's own; leggings, model's own; Right: leggings, model's own; top, Urban City, skirt/leggings, Urban City; beaded medallion, Quilts + More by Gwen; earrings, stylist's own SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE
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STYLE THE MOMENT
PENDLETON COVERUP What's more perfect for a coverup than a Pendleton Woolen Mills wool cape on a chilly fall day
REVERSIBLE CHAPPARAL CAPE; PENDLETON WOOLEN MILLS; $399; PENDLETON-USA.COM
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PHOTO BY BLAIRE RUSSELL
STYLE
FASHION STORY
STYLE WITH PURPOSE CHELSEA CHEE discovers how Etkie, a collaborative social media enterprise, is affecting both the jewelry designers of the Navajo community and the world with beautiful accessories
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ETKIE
Etkie means “impact” in Turkish and impact is exactly what Etkie is doing! Etkie, a collaborative social enterprise, is making an impact in one Navajo community in New Mexico and the world. Because of Etkie, four Navajo women from Tohajilee are working to obtain a living wage and the world has an accessory that has purpose along with its beauty. Etkie is a luxury accessories company involving the collaborative work of five women. Founder Sydney Alfonso is
responsible for the internal and external interactions of the business while Dru Chackee leads the four Navajo women beading team. Etkie is moving toward building the capacity of the Navajo women to gain financial independence. For now, Etkie has two collections – the Southwest and Modern. Both collections are full of color and differ in designs so you can find a product that speaks to your style. You too can make an impact by purchasing an Etkie product at their website etkie.com!
Lead designer Dru Chackee with Etkie founder Sydney Alfonso and CFO Kerry Marler
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STYLE
ACCESSORIES IT LIST Ever wondered where the cool cats of Indian Country are getting their chic and glamorous accessories from? We hung down some of the best pieces from our favorite designers of right now. COMPILED BY KELLY HOLMES
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARCIE BAIN
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARCIE BAIN
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARCIE BAIN
PHOTO COURTESY OF LEAH STEIGER
1. B.JASHI B.JASH.I designer Marcie Bain features precious gemstones and intricate beads in her jewelry collections. All of Bain's jewelry looks host an extensive array of color and sizes, which is perfect when finding a piece for either a night out or casual shopping.
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STYLE
2. URBAN TURQUOISE Upcoming designer Krystina Bia of Urban Turquoise is certainly establishing her reputation for presenting chic, glamorous jewelry and accessories with her collections. She also creates pretty hairpieces. PHOTO COURTESY OF KRYSTINA BIA
3. ORLANDO DUGI What started out as a small brand of elaborately hand-beaded evening clutches, bags and jewelry has now emerged into a fashion house of couture accessories and evening-wear. Orlando Dugi’s brand has helped transform the look of Native couturewear.
PHOTO COURTESY OF RUDY ROMERO
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STYLE
4. BEADED HAWK
PHOTOS BY MELVIN MUSQUA MODEL: AMBER MUSQUA HAIR/MUA: KRISTY FAGNAN
Saulteaux bead-artist Crystal Whitehawk stunningly beads various jewelry pieces such as earrings and rings. A self-taught artist, Whitehawk quickly developed her skill from a hobby to a business, having customers all over Turtle Island.
Check out our other accessories picks at www.nativemaxmagazine.com! 16
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MAXI DRESS Don’t toss your maxi dresses into storage just yet. Give your denim a rest by utilizing your maxis a little longer.
GIRL ABOUT TOWN Soft silhouettes and loose layering are popular this month, and who better presents the comfortability of this trend than dancer and model RIA THUNDERCLOUD. Photographs & Styling by Kelly Holmes
BLOUSE: Native Gorilla, $19.99, etsy. com/shop/nativegorilla; MAXI DRESS: Michael Kors, $79.99; BOOTS: Model's own; BRACELET: Model's own; EARRINGS: Quilts + More by Gwen SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE
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SOFT SHAWL Throw a soft shawl over a dress and tank top to add not only a touch of softness, but also help guard against the chilly breeze.
BLOUSE: Stylist’s own; CARDIGAN: TJ Maxx; BRACELET: Model’s own; MAXI SKIRT: Stylist’s own 18 NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
CARDIGAN A cardigan doesn’t have to be bulky and heavy. Add a sleeveless one to your fall wardrobe. Add a pop of fun to your outfit with printed leggings or pants.
BLOUSE: Stylist’s own; CARDIGAN: TJ Maxx; BOTTOMS: Kardashian Kollection, Kohl’s; EARRINGS: Quilts + More by Gwen
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COMFY PANTS One part leggings, the other pants; these are our favorite bottoms at the moment. These cottonblend-pants are both stretchy and lightweight, perfect and versatile.
BLOUSE: Stylist’s own; BOTTOMS: TJ Maxx; BRACELET: Model’s own;
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JG INDIE
DOES ART JG Indie designer Jolonzo Goldtooth goes beyond the boundaries of fashion designing with the debate as old as the existence of fashion itself -intertwining fashion with art in this Native Masquerade presentation in Santa Fe; odes to feather designer April Ledford of AL COUTURE for the extraordinary feather pieces. Photography by Ryan Young
Styled by Jolonzo Goldtooth Makeup by W3ll People Cosmetics Hair styled by Tecia Jackson
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MODELS: Myla Garcia, Nasheen Sleuth & Trina Secody
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GOLDEN GIRLS B.JASH.I, a chic collection from Native designer Marcie Bain, is about to make it's appearance at San Diego Fashion Week
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THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE COLLECTION: We love Marcie Bain's Fall 2014 collection, where her gowns illuminate the same glow as you'd feel on a cool, fall day. Designer Bain also kept her looks simple and elegant with natural hair and makeup; perfect enough to wear as a daily look without looking too dressed up.
Photographer: Leah Steiger Models: Moyla Devers (Luiseno, Diegueno & Cahuilla), Raelyn Rodriguez (Luiseno) and Suki Turner (Cahuilla, Luiseno & Cupeno)
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STYLE
BEAUTY The top must-need look we can't wait to try, plus how-to's using Indian Country's hottest new makeup line.
EASY AUTUMN BEAUTY NUDE LIP This fall try incorporating a nude lip into your regular makeup rotation. And, to make your face pop, dramatizing the eyes will do the trick. Try colorful eye shadows and thick eyeliner for everyday wear and sparkly jewels for those special occasions.
OUR BEAUTY OBSESSION: OJIBWE COSMETICS
First Nations model Charlotte Cameron in Ojibwe Cosmetics
Ojibwe Corrector Pot, $19, ojibweclothing.com
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Model and daughter of Ojibwe Cosmetics’ founder, Brandy Seenie
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What caught our attention this month was Ojibwe Cosmetics, a new and refreshing makeup line out of Canada. With their swatches based off warm and cool undertones, the colors are rich and luxurious and adhere amazingly to any skin tone or type. For an effortless look with dreamily smooth skin like Wabanoonkwe from Turquoise Soul (above), start with Camera Ready Primer, shadow right up to the brows with the 5 Well Eyeshadow Palette in Glamazon and finish with X-treme Lipstick Matte in Vivid Plum.
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PHOTO BY LEFTBOOT PRODUCTIONS
B.JASH.I. at Fashion Week San Diego
Sho Sho Esquiro at National Aboriginal Fashion Week
PHOTO BY CF PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO COURTESY OF REGINA STILLSMOKING
Still models practicing 30Smoking NATIVE Designs MAX MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 for Montana Fashion Week
STYLE FASHION REPORT
NATIVES FASHION WEEKS in
As more designers step into the spotlights of fashion weeks all over the world, the fashion week's trend takes an unexpected turn toward revolution, revision, and more importantly, Indian Country. Editor KELLY HOLMES investigates this progression of more Native designers breaking into mainstream fashion via fashion weeks.
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ashion weeks hulled the esteem of showcasing a city’s, region’s or country’s best in fashion and style, designing and art. A fashion week is one week filled with runway shows and parties hosted by elite fashion designers, showcasing projected trends that are seasons ahead and unveiling their collections to thousands. With hoards of eager publication editors, photographers, writers, trendsetters and even celebrities, descending upon a city hungry to take in what will be hot the year after, it’s hard not to think a fashion week is like a massive party that engulfs the city’s downtown district. Although almost every continent has fashion weeks hosted at all times of the year, there are four major cities that are considered the fashion capitals of the world – New York, London, Milan and Paris. Upon researching, it is discovered that the first fashion week actually stemmed from an idea of a fashion presentation by Charles Frederick Worth in 1858. Wanting to show his selection of designs (now known as a collection) to his clientele, Worth shocked society by showcasing his collection on real, live women instead of mannequins. Aside from his first idea, Worth helped create an association whose mission was to develop a sort of fashion industry of France. In the following years, designers of this association hosted fashion presentations to France’s elite and wealthy, sometimes in private residences or in their own design studios. As this trend grew, so did the fashion presentations. Designers began to incorporate music, photography,
staging and sets into these shows, and thus the concept of a fashion show were realized. Fast forward to this century, where fashion weeks have evolved from small shows to one week-long, sometimes 9-day long, fashion extravaganzas. Fashion weeks also moved past the borders of France; according to a survey published years ago, you can expect no less than 152 fashion weeks in one calendar year throughout the globe. In addition to showcasing collections by designers hailing from their home country, countries are using fashion weeks to project their cultures and heritages onto a global stage, importantly the global market. For example, countries Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan host fashion weeks twice a year to highlight their traditional ethnic dressing. Asian Fashion Week promotes the diverse Asian culture by featuring Asianstyle designs – unique and intricately-created accessories, jewelry and garments by Asian designers, and encourages the preservation of traditional techniques and workmanship through their shows. The objectives of Africa Fashion & Art Week are celebrating African cultures, bridging the gap between international buyers and African designers, and enhancing the African textile and art industry by raising global awareness. The trend of continents representing the different cultures of fashion and lifestyle from their respected countries through fashion weeks is ascertainable, but what about the group of people who originate from the United States and Canada? This biggest breakthrough happened in early 2009, when designers Dorothy Grant
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PHOTO BY DYANI BROWN
Sho Sho Esquiro at Couture Fashion Week
B.JASH.I. at Fashion Week San Diego
PHOTO BY CF PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO BY MARCIE BAIN
B.JASH.I. at Fashion Week San Diego
(Haida), Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo), and Virgil Ortiz (Cochiti Pueblo) participated in New York Fashion Week. Although Native designers were slowly making their way into the country’s fashion industry, opportunities of Native-inspired designs included in fashion weeks were usually by non-Native designers; used to either glorify, sexualize or mock the Native culture, in more ways than one. We’ve finally approached the juncture of Native and Aboriginal fashion designers being a part of fashion weeks, which we consider another piece of the evolution puzzle of today’s trend of fashion weeks. With a platform to present to an international audience, Native and Aboriginal designers can help tackle stereotypes and pre-assumptions of modern society, while also exhibiting their tribe’s culture and heritage. Fashion weeks across the US and Canada are slowly opening their doors to Native designers, even graciously allowing designers to incorporate their own makeup looks and music into their showing. Montana Fashion Week, which is to be held September 26 – 28, excitedly included two Native designers in their lineup for the show. “Montana Fashion Week recognizes the unique beauty that stems from diversity. As a result, we have strived to line up a widely diverse array of designers as well as staff members to help us make our show an unforgettable one,” Montana Fashion Week said in a statement. “Montana harbors an unbelievably rich Native American history, and so this being MFW’s first year we wish to open our doors to Native designers from all over Montana. Having Native designers in our event will help us uncover a different perspective, a new side of fashion; Native fashion” Couture Fashion Week New York has featured Native and Aboriginal designers in the past, with a few planning on showing this year. The designers behind Cree Nisga’a, Linda and Patrick Lavallee, along with their son Cory, were featured last fall in CFW. During their show, the mukluk-designers wowed the audience with their custom-made boots and purses, which created a buzz on the internet. “It was one of the most amazing experiences that we have ever done” remembers Linda Lavallee. Sho Sho Esquiro (Kaska Dene/Cree), and Linda Kay Peters (Ojibwe/Cree), were two other designers who showed their indigenous designs with Lavallee last September. This year, CFW included Danita Strawberry, (Ojibwe/Cree), and Helen Oro (Plains Cree), on their designer lineup. Oro, who’s known for her intricately-beaded accessories and shoes, admits the excitement of being a part of a fashion week. “Just being a part of this is amazing, a dream come true. Yes, what I do is very different but I think that’s what will make me standout” Last year, Navajo designer Orlando Dugi was the only Native American in Santa Fe Fashion Week. In this year’s Santa Fe Fashion Week (September 17 – 20), Dugi will be a part of the lineup again along with Lakota designer Edison Ritchie of Revolution+Couture. Dugi was also in the Oklahoma Fashion Week earlier this year in April. Aboriginal fashion designer Angela DeMontigny showed in L’Oreal Fashion Week and Toronto Fashion Week in the past. Sharidynn Denetchiley, Navajo, and her couture jewelry line Enlightened Designs is scheduled to be in New Mexico Fashion Week, which will be held March 2015. Another Navajo designer showing in New Mexico Fashion Week is Wilfred Jumbo, who’ll showcase “old style” Navajo traditional wear. Regina (Lower Brule Lakota) and Louis (Blackfeet) Still Smoking, the designers behind Still Smoking Designs, have been invited to showcase at the first annual Montana Fashion Week in Billings, MT, along with Mildred Carpenter (Cheyenne River Lakota) of Mildj Designs. After applying for a spot in the show, the Still Smokings received a confirmation immediately. “It overall is a great feeling knowing that we are one of the first and at the same time creating a pathway for future designers,” explains Regina Still Smoking. “It is also a little intimidating knowing we have to work extra hard to participate in an event this huge and we made a decision to expand our designs and image to appeal to this particular market”.
PHOTO BY MARCIE BAIN
B.JASH.I. at Fashion Week San Diego
Cree Nisga’a at Couture Fashion Week
PHOTO COURTESY OF NISGA’A
Shayne Watson Designs at National Aboriginal Fashion Week
PHOTO BY LEFTBOOT PRODUCTIONS
Marcie Bain, from the Karuk Tribe of California and Shasta tribe, is the only Native designer in this year’s San Diego Fashion Week. Her label, B.JASH.I Couture, is already considered one of the most anticipated collections of the event, which is to be held in La Jolla, CA. “I’ve been a huge hit, a lot of positive feedback,” says Bain of the responses she’s received for her collection. When Bain reapplied for a spot in this year’s fashion week back in February, she was immediately accepted by the show’s producer Allison, and started working on her collection for the show. “I’m presenting both my jewelry and my gowns in the fashion week” Bain already gained a head start in showing off her collection throughout the city with the help of San Diego Fashion Week. In months leading up to the big week, San Diego Fashion Week coordinates small trunk shows, showcases and mixers for all designers, in which Bain has taken advantage of already. Thanks to the small opportunities of presenting her designs around the city, Bain has developed a small following for her brand. “A lady came up to me after a show and said ‘I would’ve never thought to wear shell earrings with a dress, but you make it look good!’ I have aesthetic. I already have people captivated by my gowns and jewelry” Pima and Cocopah designer Cher Thomas is already crossing international waters with her Pima-inspired designs. Thomas is the only Native American designer selected to partake in “The Indigenous Fashion Runway”, an addition to Virgin Mobile Melbourne Spring Fashion Week in Melbourne, Australia. “I was ultimately selected by Shaunya Manus and the Indigenous Runway Project team, because I produce a beautiful and evolving collection that has a strong aesthetic,” Thomas says about being the only Native designer chosen for this event. Thomas is definitely paving a path for other Native designers, and hopes to inspire others to keep evolving, networking, and seeking opportunities for their collections. Due to her chance of being a part of Virgin Mobile Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, Thomas is inspired to ask other international fashion weeks of the world to host indigenous shows to help promote fellow Native designers. Thomas will showcase her Spring 2015 collection with other Maori and African fashion designers. There’s also a fashion week dedicated to both Native designers of the US and Canada. Chelsa-Eufamia Lynn Reil, of Canada, noticed a lack of representation of Native fashions and designs in Canada. “The reason why I started National Aboriginal Fashion Week was to give Aboriginal, First Nations and Native designers a platform to showcase their beautiful authentic designs to the world” Reil noticed there wasn’t a fashion week specifically for Native designers, and heard of Aboriginal designers who took part in fashion weeks of Canada such as Vancouver, Toronto and Western Canada Fashion Weeks were often mistreated and disrespected. Upon realization of the negative experiences she’s heard from Aboriginal designers, Reil ventured out to create the link to get Native designers onto a global scale and into the mainstream fashion industry and founded National Aboriginal Fashion Week, which held its first show last July. Eleven Native designers from Canada and Arizona were in the show. Due to a partnership created between National Aboriginal Fashion Week and Couture Fashion Week New York last year, Couture Fashion Week chooses four Aboriginal or Native designers to attend CFW. With today’s technology and the ability to present collections worldwide, there’s no telling which direction Natives in fashion weeks will go. With today’s society becoming both aware and interested in Native-made wear, we’re sure to expect more Native American and Aboriginal designers traveling abroad to display their collections in the fashion capitals of the world.
PHOTO BY CHELSEA CHEE
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BOLD GRAPHICS
It's obvious we're huge fans of graphic tees. If you need a solid wardrobe update this month, hone in our pick of the best graphic tees, which are already available for purchase online Ccloud Apparel, Native Gorilla, Dustin Martin and RVSO. BY CHELSEA CHEE
Tee, Ccloud Apparel; Pants, Model's own
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STYLE
Corey Begay "Horse Song" is inspired by, as the title suggests, a Navajo horse song. Begay (Navajo), an artist and graphic designer from Cedar Springs, AZ, designed the tee for Cclouds Clothing. NM Pick: Horse Song tee
2. Native Gorilla Native
3. Dustin Martin As a
3.
child, designer Dustin Martin (Navajo) was fixated on the truckloads of expensive jerseys and shoes that would arrive to the Gallup flea market every weekend. After realizing the Native art and culture he was surrounded by each weekend were far more unique and creative than the emblems he and his peers fetishized, Martin's proud to release clean and clever designs that encourage people to think about more than the athlete or model they last saw wearing them. NM Pick: A.D.I.D.A.S. tee
PHOTO COURTESY OF JEREMY ARVISO
Gorilla designer Lakota Sage (Lakota) keeps his business eco-friendly by pressing his designs onto organic content with organic ink and chemicals. Native Gorilla's focus is to support movements geared towards empowering the youth, such as Stronghold Society and Wounded Knee Skateboards. NM Pick: Anything from the new Fall 2014 collection
PHOTO COURTESY OF DUSTIN MARTIN
1. Cclouds Clothing
PHOTO BY LAKOTA SAGE
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4. RVSO Jeremy Arviso (Na-
vajo) is a multi-talented artist and graphic designer whose tee designs present both stylish and bold messages. NM Pick: Miss Appropriation Tee
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STYLE
STREETWEAR DONE RIGHT
Sweatshirt, TJ Maxx; Chinos, Sears
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We're going to hedge our bets that, like us, your preferred style is comfortability and relaxed. But why sacrifice style for streetwear? Try on a fitted hoodie and pair of chinos for a simple look done right. Photograph & Styling by Kelly Holmes
STYLE
SHIRTING, CITY STYLE Fall is the season that calls for longer sleeves and sweaters. Arm yourself with a few basics such as our favorites: the flannel buttonup and longsleeve pullover
Nothing says autumn quite like flannel and long sleeves. However, sometimes the enviroment quickly influences our styles and surprises us with trends we'd never dare to try before. Shirting this time of the year is different; cooler days call for longer sleeves, yet not freezing enough to layer on a jacket. A button up made of thinner material is perfect for a crisp day. Our fave fall staple is the flannel-print button up. We didn't want to achieve the full lumberjack look complete with hiking boots and washed-out jeans. Instead, we opted for a darker pair of denim jeans that would compliment the colors of the button up. Finished with graphic sneakers and a hat, this is one of the easiest wardrobe choices for this Fall. CLOTHING: Models' own PHOTO: Kelly Holmes
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STYLE
INSIDE THE GORILLA CAVE Denver-based designer behind Native Gorilla gives KELLY HOLMES a tour of his ultimate "gorilla cave".
EVERY FASHION DESIGNER HAS A SORT OF work area they design; where they find inspiration for upcoming collections and pieces when creativity sparks, or relaxation and comfort when exhausted. We check out Lakota Sage’s (Lakota) “gorilla cave”, where he designs all of his pieces and accessories for his brand, Native Gorilla; sometimes in front of a crowd bystanders and on-lookers. Music is blaring from speakers connected to a mobile phone, and promotional Native Gorilla posters and feathers cover the inside walls of a garage. I even spot a dry-erase board scribbled with various notes and phone numbers beside a shelf lined with paints. NG designer and artist Lakota Sage’s workshop, located outside Denver, CO, is the ultimate representation of a cave.
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Sage considers his workshop a gorilla cave in a few instances. Like a “man cave”, Sage finds solace in his garage, and due to his effort spent working on screen-printing and designing for his Native Gorilla line with the garage door wide open rain or shine, it’s also his gorilla cave. Often times, while at work, Sage builds up an audience of on-lookers. Since he lives on a main street, people will stop and ask what he’s doing. Some watch in a sort of curiosity. Sage finds inspiration while listening to music, meeting new people and learning new things, which is why he seems to travel a lot. “Meeting new people and learning new things is how I learned to be open-minded. The people and the earth is what inspire me the most.”
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Sage’s gorilla cave is quite inviting. He displays lawn chairs that sport his brand on them, so you can sit and see his next piece come to life at his screen-printing station. Sage has another work area dedicated to artwork, feathers and accessories. A frequent personalization privilege of his involves a blessing of all pieces upon completion with white sage and Sweetgrass. Find Native Gorilla at 7twenty Board Shop in downtown Denver, NDN Craft and Etsy.
All clothing: Model's own
SUITING: RE-INVENTED Suits don't need to be stiff and stuck -our take on the dress suit: cotton blazer, simple tie and fitted black denim. Photography by Ryan Young
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All clothing: Model's own
ART
XFRX, THE REMIX CULTURE Indigenous hip-hop art collective XFRX are unlike any other hip hop group in Indian Country. Through conscious art events in various indigenous communities, their focus is on educating kids and young adults about the spiritual elements of hip-hop. By Chelsea Chee
Photos by Chris Lim
XFRX, pronounced Chief Roxx, is “Native America’s All Elements Hip-Hop Crew”. This Indigenous art collective of nineteen men is the first of its kind. More fascinating is how they blend two cultures original to North America together: the Indigenous and Hip-Hop cultures. XFRX members are part of the Dine, Pueblo, Hopi, Ojibwe, Cree, Salt River, Lakota, Apache, and Yaqui Nations; as well the Hip-Hop culture. Hip-Hop is a culture that originated in the borough of the Bronx in the 1970s. It is made up of five elements – DJing, MCing, breakin (breakdancing), graffiti art, and beat boxing. XFRX does all this, and more. XFRX incorporates their respective traditional Indigenous
thought and movement into HipHop music, song, dance, and art to create something unique yet innate. Member Patrick Cloudface Burnham states, “XFRX is a remix culture because we are remixing Indigenous traditional culture with Hip-Hop.” Not only has XFRX incorporated their traditional heritage into their art, their name is a combination of the two cultures. According to founder Gregory “Mr. Mrvl” Tafoya, “ ‘chief rockin’ is a hip hop term and concept. One who ‘chief rocks’, is the party rockin master, who controls the crowd or circle and can take it to the next level. They are the leader, the chief. With us being Native American, Chief Rocker was the perfect name for our new outlook on the concept
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ART
of practicing traditional Hip Hop dance (breakin) with the conscious understanding that we are Native American and that there is a reason we rock the way we do.” Even their acronym has an Indigenous tie. The X from XF originates from the Nahuatl language, which is pronounced similarly to the English “ch” sound. RX came from their transition from “Rockers” to “Roxx”. To date, their most significant moment was the time they organized their third Sacred Cypher in Albuquerque, NM this year. Cloudface reflects, “It was the most impactful moment because a lot of people were reached and they understood the direction of XFRX. Nowadays,
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you can’t find events that aren’t surrounded by competition. This one was beautiful because it was a Hip-Hop styled jam centered around prayer and community. It was one of those moments where I was like, ‘this is what we are supposed to be doing.’” Each XFRX member contributes to “one of five core art disciplines – dance/movement, music, drama/theatre, poetry, and visual arts”. Visit http://www.thexfrx.com to see each member and to learn more about XFRX.
ART
“HOW I DID AT SANTA FE” These artists shared their experiences at Santa Fe last month
BEVERLY BEAR KING HUNKPAPA LAKOTA
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEVERLY BEAR KING
Beverly Bear King, Lakota from the Standing Rock reservation in South Dakota, took part in both the Santa Fe Indian Art Market (SFIM) and the newly-formed Indigenous Fine Art Market (IFAM). During the market, Bear King was selected as one of 210 Native artists to participate in the IMAGO MUNDI Native Art Project, which aims to take the collection of artistry on a journey to present to as many people as possible. At SFIM, Bear King exhibited “Hanpospu Bebela” in a jury competition, a fully-beaded tiny tot buckskin dress which translates into “Baby Doll”, the Lakota term for endearment. Bear King’s beaded buckskin dress won the Blue Ribbon, or first place, in the Beaded Personal Attire Division. During the markets, Bear King’s booth has been described as “amazing” and of “museum quality” by both judges and admirers alike. Bear King takes great pride in representing her tribe, and takes her visitors on a “path to the past”, as her beadwork are all traditionally-based.
Bear King's award winning "Hanpospu Bebela" baby doll dress SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE
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ART “Cur Camping”
“Kiksuyapi 1862”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANGELA BABBY
ANGELA BABBY OGLALA LAKOTA Angela Babby (Lakota from Pine Ridge, South Dakota) relocated from reservation to reservation growing up due to her father’s career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Never feeling a part of a Native community, Babby decided to teach a class at Red Cloud School on the Pine Ridge reservation after participating in the Artist in Leadership program with the National Museum of the American Indian in 2011. The community welcomed her and encouraged her to pursue her art. Babby now is a market alum, presenting her works in various art shows and Indian markets throughout Indian Country. Although unable to fully catch up with the artist, Babby did tell us she submitted two works, both of glass mosaics. Another aspect of Santa Fe Babby admits she looks forward to the most every year is traveling to New Mexico, and getting her works there all in one piece.
“Return of White Buffalo Calf Woman”
DARYL BEGAYE
PHOTOS BY DARYL BEGAYE
TIWA-TAOS PUEBLO / NAVAJO
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This year was Daryl Begaye’s first year in Santa Fe. Begaye was a part of the first annual Indigenous Fine Arts Market, and since IFAM didn’t provide a juried portion, he was unable to submit a piece for judgment. Begaye considers traveling to Santa Fe his first major exhibition to date. Besides his paintings, Begaye sold his last ceramic pieces and silkscreened shirts at his booth. Being a part of IFAM, Begaye presented his works amongst the likes of legendary artists David K. John, Shonto Begay, Baje Whitethorne Sr., Bahe Whitethorne Jr. and others. Begaye considers himself socially awkward, and explains how he’s a quiet artist. Although he doesn’t talk much and doesn’t like to “push people into buying” his work, he was more than happy to explain the meanings of his works to the curious.
ART PHOTO ARTWORK BY ROBERT ORDUNO
MORE THAN MUSIC Fire of Creation ring (Photo by Leah Shenandoah
Leah Shenandoah is more than a musician; she's also an esteemed artist By Gia Bolton and Kelly Holmes Universalist and singer Leah “Kawhawitha” (She carries it along) Shenandoah, an Oneida Iroquois Wolf clan member from Oneida, NY, is remarkably talented and an artist of many forms. A singer, songwriter, jeweler and multimedia artist, Shenandoah credits her talents to her mother, Joanne “Tekaliwakhwa” (She Sings) Shenandoah. “I am so blessed with a wonderful and talented mother. I have been singing with her my whole life and this invaluable experience has helped shape me in my own music career.” Joanne Shenandoah was a singing sensation of her era, with seventeen recordings and a Grammy on her career’s resume. Traveling the world, Shenandoah records and plays many songs of poems, vibrations of vocals, rejuvenations, and healing Oneida-Iroquois chants. However, composing music isn’t Shenandoah’s only talent; she’s a metal smith, and creates breathtaking pieces that have been the focus in art and design galleries throughout the country such as the James Fenimore House in New York, Smithsonian Institute and the National American
Indian Museum in Washington, DC. Shenandoah’s presented her works at the Southwestern Association for Indian Art (SWAIA), Iroquois Museum and Bausch & Lomb Galleries. “I create from my heart, intuition and divine inspiration,” explains Shenandoah. “Making art and music is like breathing to me, I do not think I could exist without them.” Shenandoah considers her Oneida name, She Carries it Along, parallel to her personality and talent. She sees herself as carrying on her peoples’ traditions in a contemporary way. “The art I create is an expression of my love for the universe and earthly, and otherworldly, beings.” Shenandoah’s earliest memories and most cherished memories are making crafts with Maisie, her grandmother. Maisie Shenandoah taught Shenandoah how to make indigenous jewelry. “Her teachings are essential to my development as an artist.” Wanting to pursue jewelry making professionally and seriously, Shenandoah achieved an MFA in Metal smith and Jewelry Design from Syracuse University and Rochester Institute of
Technology. Shenandoah’s other passion is education. She received a Bachelor’s of Science in Textiles Cum Laude from Syracuse University in 2006. Although Shenandoah changed her major several times while in undergraduate school, she’s content with the time she took experimenting in many areas of study. “I am so happy I took the time to experiment in many areas of study, as this is how I found my love for textile arts as well as metalsmithing. I would encourage anyone to explore the possibilities of higher education; you never know what’s right for you until you try it.” Recently, Shenandoah has released her debut album “spektra" through a collaboration with Arrested Development’s JJ Boogie. A virtuoso composer and visionary musician, Boogie’s beats combine many different styles of music, creating a solid base for Shenandoah’s eclectic voice. The sound on the new album is a combination of electro-soul, jazz, blues, electronica and pop.
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CULTURE
EMPOWERED WOMAN
GIRL ON A MISSION As Miss Earth Saskatchewan, Feather Pewapisconias is determined to provide her people of Canada the basic right to water.
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s a young girl growing up on the Little Pine First Nation, Feather Pewapisconias (Cree and Saulteaux) noticed the water her and her family drank was of a yellow tinge accompanied with a rusty smell. At times they were even required to boil their water before utilizing it. Unfortunately this stark image is common amongst first nations and rural communities throughout Canada, and despite access to clean and safe water promised within treaties signed by first nation’s members and the Canadian government, reserves today still have no water pipelines and are utilizing water trucks. Pewapisconias did research and discovered how the unclean water she drank most of her life causes people to become extremely ill, cause allergic reactions, and can even potentially lead to death. Now determined to provide her people with their basic rights to clean water, Pewapisconias is raising awareness and educating others on this subject by implementing her title as Miss Water Saskatchewan, which she won at the Miss Earth Saskatchewan pageant. Tell us about your journey so far with Miss Water Saskatchewan. I got my title of Miss Water Saskatchewan just last month at the Miss Earth Saskatchewan pageant in Saskatoon, SK and it has been an honor carrying this title. I am the first and only Aboriginal woman from
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PHOTOS BY NICOLE DIEBEL
By: Helen Oro & Kelly Holmes
CULTURE
Congratulations! What’s next for you? Thank you! I am looking forward to attending and competing in the Miss Earth Canada pageant. This pageant is based on environmental issues and making a platform you feel strongly about that needs to be addressed. My biggest hopes are to come home with the title of Miss Earth Canada 2014 and continue to work towards addressing unsafe drinking water on First Nations communities and if I don’t come home with the crown I still want continue to work on raising awareness and educating others on this subject. I hope that at this pageant it will open more people’s eyes and begin a discussion and hopefully come up with solutions. What about in the next few years? In a few years I see myself finishing my Bachelors of Education degree and then going into Law; I want to continue being an advocate for Aboriginal people and working towards equality, diversity and belonging for all people. How are you going to raise
awareness about unsafe drinking water with your title? With this pageant I continue to raise awareness about unsafe drinking water on First Nations communities in Saskatchewan and across Canada. I am hoping to start a discussion and figure out more solutions to reducing this problem. I want people to know that this issue happening in our country and that it’s not okay, especially in this day and age. I also hope to become a role model to others and show that anything is possible. What was your experience drinking unclean water? In my home community I remember the water had a rusty smell and a yellowish tinge to it, but I thought nothing of it because I was a child. I also remember other reserves that sometimes didn’t have water pipelines and were still using water trucks, which meant minimal water in the household. At points in my life there were even boiling-water advisories, which meant you were unable to use the water unless you boiled it. As I got older and looked more into it, the statistics are astonishing on unsafe drinking water on First Nations communities. The reason the water smelled rusty and had that yellow tinge was because of the high amount of iron in it. To me this is unacceptable to go untreated; clean drinking water is a given to anyone in Canada and yet it doesn’t happen in many First Nations communities which is under Treaty law. Within these treaties, clean water was under that agreement and yet is such an issue still. Unclean water causes people to get extremely sick, cause allergic reactions, and even potentially die. This is a big issue across Canada and needs to be addressed more and solutions need to be created.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FEATHER PEWAPISCONIAS
Saskatchewan that has made it to the national level in Montreal to compete for Miss Earth Canada. Since the Miss Earth Saskatchewan pageant, I have been making appearances, doing interviews, and volunteering in hopes of raising awareness about my platform, which is on unsafe drinking water in First Nations communities. I have been doing a lot of fundraising. I’ve had the chance to meet awesome people and able to do a lot of amazing things; I couldn’t be more thankful to be a part of something so great! Now I have a lot of preparation to do for the Miss Earth Canada pageant.
"I want people to know that this issue is happening in our country and that it’s not okay, especially in this day and age. I also hope to become a role model to others and show that anything is possible."
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FEATHER'S STORY AND CAMPAIGN, AND HOW YOU CAN HELP OUT, HEAD OVER TO NATIVEMAX.COM
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BY: KELLY HOLMES PHOTOGRAPHS BY MELINDA JANE MYERS
FRANK WALN IS THE ABSOLUTE PORTRAYAL OF THE COMMON ILLUSTRATION: JUST A KID FROM THE REZ. “I’m a rez kid from a big family” is Waln’s actual expression regarding his inspiration he finds for his music. A look at Waln’s level of professionalism and reputation makes it difficult to believe he manages his own career, from writing and producing his own music to booking performances and appearances. What? Frank Waln doesn’t have his own manager or mob of producers and writers who put out his music for him? However, it makes sense when considering the fact that so many songs and tracks on the air are so similar amongst one another, they’re indistinguishable. That’s because Waln brought a different perspective to the heart of hip hop; applying the oral tradition of storytelling, a custom passed down generations upon generations amongst tribes, to his music. In “Oil 4 Blood”, Waln focuses on the movements of the Keystone XL Pipelines in Indian Country and its greed. Waln based his song “Aboriginal” on the culture shock he faced when he moved to Chicago. Waln is considered a symbol of empowerment throughout Indian Country so much so, he was filmed performing a new song on the piano for ESPN's “Outside the Lines”, which aired September 2nd. The show was focused on the debate over the Washington R******s. Very recently, Waln was selected as one of 40 award recipients for the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development’s “Native American 40 Under 40” award. This prestigious award recognizes 40 emerging Native Americans from across Indian Country who has demonstrated leadership, initiative and dedication in their communities. Waln has certainly proved he’s beyond humble and accomplished enough to move beyond the borders of just Indian Country; perhaps an international trek is in order for this rez kid. NM: Do you remember the first time you heard hip hop? What went through your mind? The first time I ever hip hop, I was forced to innovate and create. No one told me how to do anything; I had to come up with new ways to make music. This is a reason why my music is unique.
NM: It was once mentioned Chicago had no sense of the type of hip hop you were about, until you showed the city. What was that like? There have definitely been Natives in Chicago doing music; I guess it’s me showing them a different view of hip hop. NM: What’s your different view of hip hop? I’m not rapping what other rappers are rapping about; I just brought a different perspective. There are Indigenous-themes in my works and performances, which are more community-based. It’s about love, family and taking care of them; providing for one another. What we hear about hip hop all the time is “f*** everyone” and “I’m gonna make money, don’t help anyone else”. Stuff like that. My lyrics deal with oppression, invisibility, and my people’s struggles. NM: Did you face a sort of culture shock when you moved to Chicago? I lived in Omaha, NE for two years, right off the rez. Moving to Chicago was a culture shock to the tenth degree. Going to Omaha was fine, but Chicago was a huge culture shock because it was huge, so much skyscrapers. The fast-paced crowds were a little too much at first. NM: Was this when took notice of how deeply invisible Native Americans were in this country? No one knew what or who Native Americans were. One girl was surprised and was like, “you still exist?” I felt isolated and alone for the whole first year. Then when I met Natives, I felt I wasn’t alone anymore. Wearing long hair and earrings, people often were confused and think we’re different. Being confused or questioned as a man or a woman, you’re always under the pressure of stereotypes. Navigating through all that was a challenge but I adapted to it. My song “Aboriginal” was born out of this experience.
me people would say, “you got to cut it off.” I would say, “I can’t! Those are my people, my family. I love them.”
"I’M DOING WHAT I LOVE. I COME FROM A COMMUNITY WHERE I NEVER THOUGHT I’D BE DOING WHAT I’M DOING. I’M NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE WHERE I AM TODAY" NM: Did you ever feel like giving up? In both Omaha and Chicago, I felt like giving up and going home. I almost gave up multiple times, on both music and school. People believed in me and that kept me going. I’m really thankful for that; if I didn’t have people believe in me I would’ve gave up. My Chicago family helped me a lot. NM: Who’s your Chicago family? Is it the Native community of Chicago? I never think I’m a big deal but I feel I’ve been accepted into the Native community in Chicago. I didn’t know anyone when I moved out there but now I’m a member of the community. It’s like my second home. NM: Being away from home at weeks to months on end how is it when you do go back to your rez? I get excited when I go home! I can’t describe it but when I get to places that are familiar, I feel like, “yes! I’m back in my element.” Everything is okay again. Being home away from the city, the air is fresher, everything is cleaner. I just appreciate everything a little more. Every time I come home I visit a Native jewelry vendor and I make sure to get fresh new jewelry. My family usually cooks for me, so I’m pretty spoiled by my aunties and grandmas. [Laughs] I never have to cook. When I live alone I wish I learned to cook, so when I come home they cook up for me. It’s always good to be back around home-cooked meals. NM: How do you keep yourself close to your roots? The physical act of coming home and being here. Not choosing to just disconnect from my family; even though I’m gone physically I’m never really disconnected from them. Remembering my family when I travel or perform in different places. I remind myself why I do what I do, which is for my family. Just coming home and showing my people I’m a part of the community still and people still consider me a part of the community. NM: It has to be difficult being away physically when your family is in trouble sometimes. How do you cope? It is tough; that’s one of the hardest things about being away. When we grow up around family members and we leave, we’re physically out of that environment but not mentally. You’d die for them and when they’re going through all these things, it’s definitely a constant struggle to not be there for them. I’m working on a new album that talks about that a lot. Even in Chicago, when something regarding family at home would bother
NM: Does coming from a big family influence your career? I come from a really big family, all my cousins I grew up with now have kids and we all live in the same area. I do what I do for me, not money; I make music about things important to me, like love and family. I grew up on a ranch, which is a big reason why I speak out. I’m a rez kid from a big family. I innovate and create. NM: So I heard you don’t have a manager; did I hear that right? I do all my traveling myself; negotiating contracts, setting up tours. I record and mix my own music. I write my own songs, and I have my own concepts of my music videos. “Oil 4 Blood” was my first music video. There was no budget for it. I was the one that did it; I recorded and edited it. “Aboriginal” was a collaborative effort, where the director added his own flavor. NM: Why do you choose not to have a manager? My music and my work are very particular and there are a lot of snakes out there and I don’t want anyone to ruin that. I’m starting to look for a manager to help though. The workload is beginning to add up. NM: You’re a college student and a hip hop artist turned motivational speaker. How do you balance it all without the help of a manager? It’s easier now that I graduated. It’s a lot to balance; its’ a juggling act but what’s good about it is I’m doing what I love. I’m performing, making music and speaking. It does get tiring but I love every second of it. I come from a community, where I never thought I’d be doing what I’m doing, but it’s all a blessing. I feel, I’m not supposed to be here where I am today so I feel very fortunate and privileged. I have responsibility with this platform I have. NM: How did your graduation from Columbia College go? Just my mom went to my graduation, although my whole family wanted to come. I only got five tickets and I didn’t want to be the one to choose who can come and couldn’t. They ended up saying “we’ll celebrate when you come back”, so my mom and my Chicago family came out. NM: Is it exciting shooting music videos on your rez? How do people respond? It’s exciting; when we wrapped up filming a music video, it’s like a short film and everyone in the video are kids from the rez. To bring a professional camera crew and shoot a high quality video on the rez, it’s something empowering. Usually when outside crews come into the rez to film, it’s for depressing stuff. Shooting music videos on my rez is empowering for me and for the community and tribe. It’s cool to see our home on camera in a positive way. Usually on the fly I come home and put out a casting for the music video and people come out and show up ready to film. This all happened in one day. At the same time while filming a music video, there will be people from the rez playing basketball, grilling and cooking out. That shows how much my people really trust me. They helped me put a music video together.
NM: Quick. Your life in 5 songs. That’s a good one, let me think. NAS’ “One Like” I heard that and wanted to be a rapper. Kanye West’s “Never Let Me Down”, “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac, “Strawberry-filled Forever” by The Beatles and “Flume” by Bonizer. These songs were, like, musical milestones in my life. They opened me up and expanded my mind musically. They helped me get through tough times, and they influenced me. NM: How often do you do interviews? Do you still find doing interviews fun? Not very often, but have been doing a lot of interviews recently the past few weeks. I’m always open to doing Native media, but I honestly don’t do interviews with just anyone. I learned to be protective. I’m very selective. I think its fun when the right questions are asked and answered. I like doing interviews about music and being asked questions that are more than the regular average
interviews. I like interviews that dig deep. NM: Like this one? [Laughs] I’ve never been asked what my life is in five songs. NM: Where do you see yourself and your career within the next year? I have some pretty big stuff coming up. I have a lot of shows coming out; I’m booked until November with shows. Stuff with Chicago City Wide American Indian Education Council, in which I’m the youth development specialist for. I’m going to help develop programs for the youth; helping each kid find their gift and share it with the world. I sit on the council for the Gates Millenniums Scholars Program. I have a gift to share with everyone. My gift is music and I want to share it with the world. To bring hope to people and keep inspiring. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE
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MAKING A STATEMENT WITH A FESTIVAL
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It’s hard to imagine that one of Indian Country’s most enjoyable collectives of the year, which consisted of appearances by Native celebs, a fashion show, entertainment and thought-provoking discussions over a span of three days, sprouted from an idea on a car trip back from Los Angeles. AS TOLD TO KELLY HOLMES PHOTOS BY TAYLOR BENNETT-BEGAYE
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Best friends and colleagues Jourdan Bennett-Begaye and Allie Young, both Navajo, had a realization that the Native youth aren’t fully connected to their history and culture. Both felt that, if they bring storytelling and social awareness back to art and media by utilizing today’s technology available today as a mass communication tool and show the youth how the Native culture is being preserved through art and other creative mediums in the form of a festival, that they can make a difference. After four months of dedicated outlining and planning, Bennett-Begaye and Young, along with their small team, hosted Survival of the First Voices Festival on July 30 through August 1, at San Juan College in Farmington, NM. In an effort to inspire and encourage Native youth to achieve higher education by providing resources necessary to succeed, building a strong cultural foundation and spotlighting pride, Bennett-Begaye and Young constructed together a program of empowering opportunities for the festival. The festival consisted of speakers and roundtable discussions, workshops of various media outlets, performances, film screenings, and traditional storytelling. Since art and media exhibit the freedom of expression, the SFVF team hoped that by proposing
this new idea of mapping histories and stories through today’s creative forms just as our elders did through the oral storytelling tradition, the youth can reclaim their cultural identity and tell their stories through a healthy and positive outlet.
Jourdan's Reflection:
I still can't believe that this entire event started from a drive back from Los Angeles. The event itself was eye-opening, inspiring, and overall, amazing. Seeing, listening, and speaking with these talented artists was better than I imagined. All of our energy was devoted to this youth-focused event for four months and to see one idea sprout into a powerful movement is beyond words. Friendships and collaborations were formed during this three-day event, and my heart fills like it's going to burst from all the excitement and happiness that came from this event. Not only was I inspired by the talent showcased at the festival, but I received tons of positive feedback about the event. What I can certainly confirm is this is only the beginning. After reflection on the entire experience, our networks expanded and now everyone can look forward to a bigger and better event for the youth! Many well-known organizations and Native artists want to be part of it and
we can't wait for next year! Allie did tell me about a comment that sticks out in my mind. She said someone went up to her and thanked us for putting on the event and said what we were doing was revolutionary. I never heard of anything being called revolutionary, not even an event such as ours. Comments like that are what keeps this fire in me going, and I'm sure Allie can say the same. After that, I thought we are really making a change in the community, inspiring Native youth, and pushing our Native population forward. Growing up, I was embarrassed to be Native American. I wasn't interested in my history. I did a 180, and planned and executed a youth event aimed at expressing our indigenous traditions through contemporary art forms. It's funny how life works out. I have my parents, grandparents, and my love for dance to thank for that. What I hope our event accomplished is this reclamation of our identity and pride of who we are. I don't want a Native kid to grow up ashamed of who they are and I hope this event changed one life in that sense. I hope it taught them that we do have a beautiful culture and it is a privilege to be Native American. I just want to say thank you to all who contributed in
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Photos from various activities that took place at the SFVF, including open discussion by the festival's founders, appearances by Justin Rain and other celebs, live art painting and activities involved with the youth. Photos by Taylor Bennett-Begaye
every way to this event! If you shared an idea, donated, planned, volunteered, gave a workshop, performed, etc.: Ahe'hee! It wouldn't have been possible without you. And thank you to our amazing SFVF team who dedicated so much time and energy, and who may have pulled out their own hair due to the stressful event.
Allie's Reflection:
The event went very well and all I’ve been hearing is that it was a huge success! All the kind of feedback you hope to receive, especially when you have a busy and stressful behind-the-scenes experience not only during the three days, but in preparation as well. True to form regarding any big function, there were hiccups along the way but nothing that we couldn’t manage or accommodate. The artists from near and far had a great time in Farmington, all of whom worked very well with our team and provided immense inspiration for our Native youth.
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Overall, I believe that we remained true to our mission statement and certainly met and exceeded the goals we set forth with. We created a true nexus project that incorporates technologies, culture, community, education, and active participation into one grand festival. I’ve heard several times that what we were able to create – a festival that brought many well-versed and talented Native artists together to inspire and instill cultural identity not only in the local youth but an entire community, was really revolutionary. When I first heard this, I thought, “Wow, revolutionary, that is a strong word!” Now with over a month of reflection, I am convinced. I do believe that our event was revolutionary and that in a way we are pioneers, contributing to the current wave of artists paving the way for the arts in our Native communities across North America. Through the festival we were able to touch souls, inspire and re-inspire, and help others to recognize and ignite their passions within. We helped to build
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true friendships that will certainly last a lifetime and artist collaborations that will only strengthen our cultures, communities, and representations. In this way, we presented new possibilities for combinatory storytelling as healing and growing mechanisms, which are needed in our communities. As part of a “lost generation” heavily influenced by Western society, we wanted to propose a new way of mapping our histories and stories just as our elders did through the oral storytelling tradition, and our festival has allowed us to begin this journey through the arts, which speaks generationally and universally. We wanted this project to be multi-voiced and representative of our generation, a project that helps our “lost generation” to find our way back to cultural identity and pride, and we are witnessing this resurgence in the form of other art events in the community and social media. In all, we have done a good thing for our people and we couldn’t be more proud!
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RADAR
PROFILE: ADRIANNE CHALEPAH Photograph by RJ Chavez
You may recognize Adrianne Chalepah (Kiowa/Apache) from last year’s episode of Bridezillas or a comedy show you attended on a weekend night. Besides what you may have seen on TV, Chalepah is certainly the multitasker: a comedian, producer, writer and mother, who also tours Indian Country throughout the year with 49 Laughs Comedy and is busy at work organizing an all-Native female comedy troupe. Besides her near meltdowns on the show, Chalepah has overcome far more than what you’ve seen on camera. A product of boarding school and a single-parent home stricken with poverty, Chalepah made it her goal to get an education. “I have a bachelor’s in English Communications and American Indian Studies.” Even through her darkest days, Chalepah always found her sense of humor and laughter. Were you always funny? Even as a child? I always enjoyed making people laugh. When I was a freshman in high school, I got suspended from school for being a class clown. I had to quit public school and go to boarding school where the teachers were too scary or too sweet to pick on. I even got swats as my punishment so I could finish the semester; all because I couldn't stop making my class laugh. It was a natural high that I was, and still am, addicted to.
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How did comedy help you deal with hardships you faced growing up? They say what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. Well, I say, what doesn't kill you makes an awesome story to tell. Laughter is my therapy. It has helped me through some of the darkest times. My siblings and I all have a great sense of humor because we turned to ourselves for comfort and entertainment when we had nothing or nobody. One can be stripped of all material possessions or human rights, yet no one can take away one’s ability to smile
RADAR or be happy. Sorry, I didn’t mean to get all philosophical on you. When did you decide to make comedy a career? I decided to become a comedian when my standup comedy began to compete with my 9-to-5 job. I found myself daydreaming at work about comedy. Since I take pride ourselves for comfort and entertainment when we had nothing or nobody. One can be stripped of all material possessions or human rights, yet no one can take away one’s ability to smile or be happy. Sorry, I didn’t mean to get all philosophical on you.
and mother. However, I have managed to crank out a few comedy DVDs and CDs for my comedy buddies 49 Laughs Comedy, Tatanka Means, and am currently finishing up the new James and Ernie DVD. How did you team up with 49 Laughs Comedy? I teamed up with 49 Laughs Comedy via James and Ernie Comedy. I saw James and Ernie perform at a local casino and approached them afterwards, telling Ernie
When did you decide to make comedy a career? I decided to become a comedian when my standup comedy began to compete with my 9-to-5 job. I found myself daydreaming at work about comedy. Since I take pride in my work ethic, I thought it was unfair for the company I was with to put up with a half-hearted and serious Adrianne, while the rest of the world got the fun, goofy one. I quit my job when I was four months pregnant, started my own media company, and booked every show I possibly could. That was in 2010. Your production company is called Gutnecklace Productions. What’s the idea behind the name? Gutnecklace Productions is my media production company. The name is derived from my Plains Apache side, whereas my ancestors used to rip out the guts of his enemy and wear them around his neck as a trophy after battle. Yeah, pretty badass, I know.
PHOTO BY RH PHOTOGRAPHY
Intense. What sort of media do you produce with Gutnecklace? Anyway, alongside comedy, I also have a love for filmmaking, writing, photography, and overall storytelling. In college, I was heavily into writing short stories, screenplays, poetry, and news articles. I haven’t been able to publish anything because I’m so busy with being a full-time comedian
me, “Would you be interested in joining?” I said, “Heck yes!” and we all high-fived. Okay, we didn’t high-five but you get the point. It seems like you juggle a lot with your career and family. I don’t think I do a good job balancing my comedy, filmmaking, editing, and children. It seems there is never enough time in my day. Or energy. When I work on my editing, I am in my office for maybe twelve hours straight; then family and health is neglected. We order pizza and I say things like, “Momma has to work, so don’t come back here!” But life is about balance. So I take a few weeks to recharge and enjoy my kids, run, do some yoga, and love life. Explain your new show “Ladies of Native Comedy”. Who are these ladies of Native comedy? Ladies of Native Comedy is a brand new group! It consists of Tonia Jo Hall, Teresa Choyguha, Deanna M.A.D. and me. All four of us are educated, outgoing, independent, healthy, curvy, and not shy! We are definitely going to challenge stereotypes about indigenous females. Working with men all the time, I’ve always wanted to see an all-Native, all-female comedy group. And it has finally manifested! Can you tell how excited I am? Each of these ladies are ridiculously funny.
that I was interested in doing comedy and that I have experience doing standup in college. He said, “Okay. Who cares? Just kidding! Show up at this event and we’ll put you on stage.” How did it go? I was shocked and kicked myself all the way home for opening my big mouth. Nevertheless, I showed up, performed, and the guys said, “The crowd liked you.” So I kept opening for various gigs around the area until 49 Laughs Comedy held a meeting in their dressing room and asked
And you’re also a storyteller? Our Eurocentric American society has taught us that women are not funny, while indigenous cultures teach that women are leaders, thought-provokers, storytellers, and yes, entertainers. I look at myself as a modern-day storyteller. I am funny because I am a human who shares common human experiences. The fact that I am an indigenous female human only makes me a truly underrepresented voice who shares, with other indigenous females, the common experiences of carrying our Native societies on our backs. So the least we can do with our Native sisters, mothers, and daughters, is share a good laugh with them.
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