Native Max Magazine - October/November 2018

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 | NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE 1

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Contents October/November 2018

Welcome to the Issue 003

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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EDITOR’S WELCOME

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MASTHEAD

check out what’s in this month’s issue welcome to the issue

who’s all on our team

The Edge 007

FEEL GOOD THIS FALL WITH RIBBON SKIRTS

ribbon skirts are another great versatile staple for the Autumn season. Model Zenetta Zepeda is ready for Fall as she showcases her handmade ribbon skirts with essential pieces

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THE WEEKENDER: SANTA FE EDITION

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HIGH FASHION IN THE GREAT PLAINS

Muskogee Creek artist George Alexander shows off his weekend style from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Photography by Kelly Bedoni (Diné) up-and-coming indigenous fashion designers and artists from throughout Indian Country descended upon North Dakota for a vibrant night of high fashion in the great plains

The Insider 019

INDIGENOUS YOUTH RISING

these are just some of the Indigenous youth voices making differences in their communities and they deserve to have their stories celebrated

Features 024

JARED YAZZIE: ACCOMPLISHED ARTIVIST

we interview artist, fashion designer and entrepreneur Jared Yazzie

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MODERN DAY WARRIORS

they’re not only mothers, grandmothers, educators and community leaders. They’re also warriors

On Radar 035

5 MINUTES WITH HOOP DANCER MARIKA SILA

we catch up with Indian Country’s most talented female hoop dancer Marika Sila

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ON OUR RADAR

what we’re on the lookout for in the world of entertainment

Editor’s Welcome

Zenetta Zepeda and I met only months ago, but it seems that we’ve been best friends forever! She showcased her handmade ribbon skirts in this issue.

I was so excited to feature my good friend Jared Yazzie of OXDX on this month’s issue!

Catching up with Jared

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he months of October and November are packed with events and celebrations for Indian Country. Not only is it Native American Heritage Month, Native American Heritage Day and Rock Your Moccs Week, it’s also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Although we should be celebrating our heritage every day of the year, we decided to feature those who are regularly sharing their beautiful culture with the world through their respective mediums.

Jared Yazzie, the owner of OXDX who’s gracing the cover of this issue, and I go back some time.

We first met in the Fall of 2012 when he agreed to be a designer in our Flagstaff, Arizona fashion show. This show was a pretty big deal for the both of us because not only were we starting out in the entrepreneurial game, but this fashion show was our first: his first fashion show as a designer and our first fashion show as Native Max. Nonetheless, he did the show, and I’m so happy to see how far he came. Jared’s journey thus far has been intense, but he remains humble and kind. He’s still a good friend of mine who still supports Native Max to the fullest, which is why I’m so excited to have him on

our cover.

My girl Zenetta Zepeda (who secretly calls me her manager-mom *laughs*) is more than just a model. She is a full-time college student and creator who designs and sews her ribbon skirts. After she learned how to sew from her grandmother, she started creating her dancing regalia and outfits. For this issue, she wanted to show our readers how to style your ribbon skirts into your #ootd (code word for ‘outfit of the day’) just in time for the cooler fall weather. Her love and appreciation for ribbon skirts are why we included her in this issue.

I’m also excited to feature the versatile hoop ninja herself, Marika Sila. She’s well known throughout Indian Country for her amazing videos of her performing hoop dancing, fire dancing and more. Her dancing has taken her across the world from France to Budapest, and beyond. I listened to and fell in love with her story and journey of performing.

Enjoy the issue and I’ll see you on our brand new website!

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“I’m so happy to see how far he came.

Jared’s journey thus far has been intense, but he remains humble and kind.”

Kelly Holmes Founder + Editor-in-Chief

@kellycamilleholmes @kellycamilleholmes @kellzholmes

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PROMOTION

KELLY HOLMES Founder + Editor-in-Chief @kellycamilleholmes Executive Assistant Tatiana Ybarra EDITORIAL Managing Editor Jacqueline Lina Brixey Staff Writer Rhonda “Tree” Mangan Staff Writer Johnnie Morris Staff Writer Kelly Bedoni CREATIVE Creative Director E-’cho Martin Director of Photography Zoe Friday Videographer Joey Little Bird Web Director Celeste Terry Staff Photographer Viki Eagle

Copyright Native Max & Other Media Ventures All rights reserved. All material in Native Max Magazine is wholly copyright and reproduction without the the written permission of the Publisher is strictly forbidden. Neither this publication nor its contents constitute an explicit endorsement by Native Max of the products or services mentioned in advertising or editorial content. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Native Max shall not have any liability for errors or omissions. We've done our best to acknowledge all photographers. In some instances photos have been provided to us by those who appear editorially and we have their permission in each case to use the images. We apologize if anything appears incorrectly. It will be a genuine mistake. Please let us know and we can give you a mention in the next issue.

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The Edge Feel Good This Fall with Ribbon Skirts

PLUS: THE WEEKENDER: SANTA FE EDITION HIGH FASHION IN THE GREAT PLAINS

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Ribbon skirts are another great versatile staple for the Autumn season. Model Zenetta Zepeda is ready for Fall as she showcases her handmade ribbon skirts with essential pieces.

Photography by Viki Eagle

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The Edge

Outfit Details: Add a contemporary touch to your outfit with a belt and headscarf.

Longsleeve top: Olivia Simone Komahcheet / @liv_theartist; headscarf: Zenetta’s own; ribbon skirt: Zenetta’s own; belt, shoes: Zenetta’s own

About the Model: Zenetta Zepeda (Sicangu Lakota/Diné) is more than just a model. She’s a fulltime college student pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry with a Minor in World Health Sciences, volunteer at Children’s Hospital in Aurora, Colorado, jingle dress dancer, and creator who designs and sews her ribbon skirts. After she learned how to sew from her grandmother, she started creating her dancing regalia and outfits.

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The Edge

Outfit Details: Keep your outfit casual by pairing your ribbon skirt with a graphic top.

Tank: Native Gorilla, www. native-gorilla.com; ribbon skirt: Zenetta’s own; shoes: Zenetta’s own

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The Edge

Outfit Details: Take your flirty outfit up a notch with a colorful ribbon skirt adorned with sparkly lace.

Cooler weather? Put on a longsleeve top.

Longsleeve top: Native Gorilla, www.native-gorilla. com; necklace: Zenetta’s own; ribbon skirt: Zenetta’s own; moccasins: Zenetta’s own

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The Edge

The Weekender: Santa Fe Muskogee Creek artist George Alexander shows off his weekend style from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Photography by Kelly Bedoni (Diné)

Hats: ThunderVoice Eagle Hat Co.

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The Edge

Long-sleeve t-shirt: Section 35 Silver jewelry/ Bandana/ Bolo Tie: Cody Sanderson

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The Edge

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The Edge

Runway show audience members waiting for the Red Berry Woman fashion show in anticipation. The runway show was on the United Tribes Technical College campus in Bismarck, North Dakota during the UTTC Powwow.

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The Edge

Fashion Recap

High Fashion in the Great Plains Up-and-coming indigenous fashion designers and artists from throughout Indian Country descended upon North Dakota for a vibrant night of high fashion in the great plains.

Photography by Veronica Lane

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The Edge

Model wearing a men’s applique vest by Red Berry Woman.

Southern Cheyenne designer Nan Blassingame made the trek from Austin, TX to participate in the fashion show.

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Crow designer Della Stump brought her creations, which include applique, beads and elk teeth, to the runway.

This runway show was the first for apparel designers Yates and Stefanie White Buffalo (3 Affiliated Tribes) and their brand, White Buffalo Clothing Co. They showcased their most popular graphic tees and more.

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The Edge

First nations designer Disa Tootoosis (Poundmaker Cree) featured her designs on the runway.

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The Insider Culture

Indigenous Youth Rising These are just some of the Indigenous youth voices making differences in their communities and they deserve to have their stories celebrated.

Photography by Rémi Theriault

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cross the globe, Indigenous youth are taking their lives and futures into their own hands. As Indigenous youth, it can sometimes be hard to remember the hope and strength we carry as portrayals of Indigenous people in the media isn’t always positive. But we can find a lot of inspiration when we look around and see that Indigenous youth everywhere are doing amazing things in their communities.

That’s why earlier this year, We Matter --an Indigenous and youth-led national non-profit organization committed to youth empowerment and life promotion-- and Facebook Canada hosted the #HopeForum: A National Gathering of Indigenous Youth Leaders on Healing & Life Promotion. On January 21st and 22nd, 2018, seventy Indigenous youth between the ages of 13-26 from every province and territory across Canada gathered in Ottawa, Ontario for the #HopeForum. It was the first ever national event of its kind for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis young people to come together and discuss mental health, suicide, and wellness. Then, We Matter and Facebook Canada created an opportunity for youth who participated in the #HopeForum to have their portraits taken by a professional photographer. This session was an empowering experience for the participants who, through the portraits, were able to reflect on their power and pride as Indigenous young people. Using the photos taken, We Matter and Instagram launched a photo series via social media titled #IndigenousYouthRise.

The #IndigenousYouthRise series promotes the #HopeForum youth as well as the inspiring messages and quotes given by them at the time the photos were taken. The series also challenges the negative stereotypes cast by media and allows Indigenous youth to be the

Meet Matthew: 18-year-old Matthew Wesley from Tlingit Nation in Atlin, BC grew up without his culture or language, but for the last four years has taken the time to learn. He is a youth ambassador who says his elders have taught him that Indigenous youth matter and are the future. When he shares the songs he has learned, he brings a sense of empowerment and healing. His leadership makes him a great role model to Indigenous youth everywhere.

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“Live every day like it’s your last, take time to learn and listen, follow your dreams and, more importantly, have fun.” nativemax.com

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The Insider

ones to tell their own stories. This was a way to honor the youth leaders who attended so that they could see themselves be celebrated publicly, and inspire other Indigenous young people as future community and national leaders.

The Youth These are just some of the Indigenous youth voices making differences in their communities.

Many of them have overcome incredibly tough circumstances by looking to their ancestors, communities, compassion and own innerknowing. Their outlooks on life are so inspiring and valuable, serving as a reminder to all of us that no matter how hopeless life may feel, there is a way forward. These amazing youth deserve to have their stories celebrated.

Meet Trina: Trina Qaqqaq is a 24-year-old Inuk youth from Baker Lake, Nunavut. She is no stranger to the hardships that many Inuit and other Indigenous youth continue to face. Despite the difficulties she has done many amazing things and is sure that she will continue to advocate for Inuit youth and Indigenous people throughout her lifetime. It is young people like Trina who inspire us to chase our dreams and reach for the stars.

“Don’t ever let anyone feel like your potential stops, your potential is limitless. Your emotions, experiences and values are always valid.”

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The Insider

Meet Levi: Levi Marshall: is a proud member of the LGBTQ2-S+ community.

He is 19-years-old from the Membertou First Nations from Nova Scotia currently living in Toronto, Ontario attending film school. There were times in his life where it was hard to accept himself, but he’s risen above it and exudes confidence everywhere he goes. Levi is someone who deeply cares for the people around him and makes you feel comfortable in your own skin.

“I know it can be difficult to accept yourself, but we’ve got so much great work to do on this planet and you must be comfortable with yourself, darling, before we can get started.” nativemax.com

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The Insider

Meet Natasha: Natasha is an 18-year-old poet from Peavine Metis Settlement in Alberta. She is a warm and caring person who puts her heart into everything she does. Through the darkness in the world, she hopes people will make it brighter by loving more. Natasha has the amazing ability to create happiness in the world with her big heart and bright spirit.

These are just a few of the Indigenous youth making a huge difference in the world. We want to continue to uplift and share the important voices of Indigenous young people, changing the way they are viewed by the media and public. If you are a youth yourself, we want you to know that you matter.

We’re asking that you continue to uplift the voices of Indigenous youth by sharing these stories or sharing your own. You can do this by following We Matter’s Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook pages and sharing the many uplifting stories from our social media and using our hashtags, so we can find and share yours, too! Together we can make a difference and create spaces for Indigenous youth to be honored, uplifted, and celebrated. Use and search #WeMatterCampaign #IndigenousYouthRise and #StrongerTogether.

“Everybody Love Everybody. As long as you have love, anything is possible.”

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On the Cover

Jared Yazzie:

Accomplished Artivist PHOTOS BY TOMAS KARMELO AMAYA WORDS BY KELLY HOLMES

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On the Cover “I want OXDX to become one of Indian Country’s hottest clothing lines. I would like to get to the level of the giants in the streetwear industry like designers Jeff Staple and Benny Gold.”

That was what Diné artivist and fashion designer Jared Yazzie answered when I asked him where he sees himself and OXDX in five years when we featured him in the Native Max Magazine Winter 2013 issue six years ago.

What an honor it is to see Yazzie’s journey, from humble beginnings to a successful, thriving business. Simply put, he’s achieved his vision. The once-college-kid, now turned-artist and entrepreneur has amassed a cult following of loyal customers and social media followers worldwide. Having gotten his start selling t-shirts out of his backpack, he explains that he’s always had a knack for art, style, and design. First, he paired his older brothers’ hand-me-down clothing with other fashionable pieces to freshen up his outfit. Then, Yazzie designed his t-shirts using artwork from the sketchbook. It was when he was a college kid at the University of Arizona where he took his hobby to the next level by making his t-shirts with fabric paint and a hairdryer. Along the way he sharpened his skills of hustling and interacting with customers, ultimately stacking the building blocks of his company, OXDX. Yazzie sets his clothing line apart by designing with strong ideas, bold colors, and graphics that pop with style and stories. Yazzie is strongly influenced by street art, indigenous culture, and storytelling. Staying true to his mission of educating, most of Yazzie’s creations depict American Indian struggles, issues, and art. One of his original t-shirt designs that remains the most popular in the southwest is ‘Water is Life,’ a design that reflects a significant issue that the Navajo Nation faces today.

“This was an important piece I felt had to be made to shed light on this current issue that others are unaware of. We should always be educated on issues that affect our home and our people. With OXDX, I try my best to promote education and truth. While we sometimes forget how to walk in beauty, OXDX strives to regain lost traditions.”

Yazzie and I first met back in the Fall of 2012 when he agreed to be a designer in our Flagstaff, Arizona fashion show. This was the first time Yazzie participated in a fashion show as he was still new in the apparel game, having less than five t-shirt designs at the time. Now, Yazzie is the highlight of any event he partakes in. His pieces sell out soon after he drops a launch. OXDX and a few of his designs were selected to be apart of Peabody Essex Museum’s exhibit ‘Native Fashion Show’ in Massachusetts two years ago. Not only does Yazzie host his fashion events and art shows throughout the southwest, but he also collaborates with other indigenous entrepreneurs such as Jamie Okuma and Louie Gong, and codesigns exclusive pieces.

We both started out in our respective businesses around the same time and deeply admire and support each other's hustles. It’s incredible to see how far my good friend has come along. To help celebrate and honor all his hard work and dedication, I decided to feature Yazzie on our

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magazine cover. Within the conversation, he reflected on his journey of bringing OXDX to life and dished on his latest projects and collaborations with other indigenous businesses.

When we first met back in the Fall of 2012, OXDX was still pretty new. What was it like back then and what inspired you to keep growing your business?

Yes! I was starting and had only a few designs out. I remember I use to crash events like Santa Fe Indian Market with a backpack full of tees and hustle them on the sidewalks, stairways, or met people at their cars. A majority of my sales were social media meetups in parking lots and gas stations. I think it was this personal face-toface time with my customers that inspired me to keep going. I could see the demand for it, so it became a goal of mine to make it more accessible. I eventually looked into an online e-commerce site, and it wasn’t until four years after our first meeting that I finally secured an LLC, accountant, lawyer, and my first employee.

When we first met was also the first time you ever participated in a fashion show. And now it seems like you’re a must-feature designer to have in a fashion show. How did it inspire you to join in more fashion shows?

I remember that first fashion show, and the few after that, I was nervous and hesitant. I still am very much an introvert, but at that time it was challenging for me to call models together or have the authority to operate what needed to happen backstage. My first memory of feeling comfortable at a show was when I was backstage at the Native Max Fashion Show in Flagstaff, AZ. I was seated and quiet when Darylene Martin of Design house of Darylene struck up a polite conversation with me. Before that moment, I can admit I felt like I didn’t belong but Darylene helped me to feel welcome. The Native fashion scene, in general, has been the most accepting of all the art mediums I dabble in. I love the community.

Today I host my own fashions shows, along with many shows around my community, throughout the US in museums and college events. It’s a machine we are perfecting as a team.

What has your journey been like since you first started OXDX out of your dorm room up until now?

I have been talked down to, yelled at, abused on the internet, torn down mentally, and, on one instant, physically attacked for my views and designs. This work is something I believe in wholly, and it is something I feel should be done at full force or not at all. It has taken a toll on my personal and mental health, and I can admit that I am still struggling with how to maintain that. So the road leading to this point has been treacherous, but the rewards that stem from it outweigh everything. I have the opportunity to voice critical issues with Native people and create work with such talented people. There are so much talent and beauty among our communities. Seeing a customer’s face light up when they approach my booth or being tagged in photos of people supporting my designs, or, my favorite situation, catching people wearing my pieces in public and running to them claiming that I am the artist. Those moments account for everything.

Your work is now synonymous with both “Native Ameri-

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“I have been talked down to, yelled at, abused on the internet, torn down mentally, and, on one instant, physically attacked for my views and designs. This work is something I believe in wholly, and it is something I feel should be done at full force or not at all.�

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On the Cover can pop culture” and “Native American art.” How does this make you feel and why is this a positive thing?

patterns, but once we figured it out and made it work, it came out so beautiful.

I have to admit that I am difficult on myself. It has helped me succeed in some cases but has also held me down.

I love that my community is beginning to recognize my work, but I don’t think I will let myself slow down until that statement reads that OXDX is synonymous with “American Pop Culture” and “American Art.” I feel normalizing ourselves with popular culture will bring with it equality, opportunities for all deserving Native artists, and capital back to our communities.

This year, I was so humbled and excited to collaborate with Jamie Okuma on two couture dresses for her runway portion of the Santa Fe Indian Market Couture Fashion Show. I had a fashion show the night before, and I couldn’t bring myself to announce it to everyone there without my voice cracking. I’ve admired Jamie’s work, her work ethic, and skill for so long, I am amazed to have this opportunity. As I was standing at the end of the runway when the dresses walked down, I saw the reaction of the audience and how dresses flowed and shined in the light. It was a beautiful moment.

Your style of art and business makes you stand out and ahead of everyone else. How do you set yourself apart?

Why is it important?

I believe transparency goes a long way. Especially within the world of capitalism, big business, and backhand deals. I think the way we have grown organically is the truth we put out there. We are honest with our customers when we F up, or when we are figuring things out, or when we feel proud of ourselves. It gives us all a connection in that you, as a customer, are dealing with honest people and in return, we understand that each customer deserves special respect.

As far as my art, I am inspired by everything I come in contact with. I can credit that a lot of my work looks the way it does because I don’t exactly have the school taught, or industry knowledge about how to do it. I’m figuring all this out as I go. We are all kind of on this journey together.

What is the future looking like for you and your team?

We are really in a position to start cut-n-sew productions. It has been on my mind a lot lately. As well versed as I am with the screen printing world, I want to be that with garment construction as well. I hope OXDX can employ more homies and we can begin to take steps for a building of some sorts to house all the creative power the Native world can offer.

Lastly, we just announced our collaboration with Seattlebased company Eighth Generation on a new wool blanket design titled “TRIBUTE.” I happened upon this opportunity by applying to Louie Gong’s design contest and won along with Tsimshian artist David Robert Boxley.

I feel like when I was coming up in this business, there wasn’t a lot of collaboration and everyone fended for themselves. The times have changed, and people are looking to strengthen all our businesses and art through each other. It’s a beautiful way to create, and I love doing it.

What is your contribution to the movement of getting accurate representation for indigenous peoples in the mainstream fashion industry?

OXDX works our asses off around the clock to create new, creative, and unique content for our social media.

I think that’s what we all need to do, tirelessly. We will throw our version of the world in people faces until we are recognized as competitors and collaborators. Everyone’s story needs to be told.

What are the responses you receive for your work? How do you handle harsh criticism?

Tell us about your newest collaborations? Why do you collaborate and partner up to design with other Native American artists/businesses?

Currently, I handle my criticism’s with a puff of CBD oil and an angry playlist. I wish I had something more poetic to answer but criticism is something I suffer at handling well. I would find it hard to navigate this world without the uplifting conversations I have with my closest friends. I’m learning every day to choose my battles, to confide in only genuine people, and to take the hard swallowed pill that I am the last person that will let things get to me. I have the choice to turn all these little negative aspects of the business and look at the brighter side. Hopefully, I can become better at it.

This year has been such an excellent year for collaboration. I recently showcased three new partnerships during the Santa Fe Indian Market weekend in New Mexico. We hosted a pop-up shopping event called the “NDN MRKT Clearance Outlet” in which myself and Bobby Wilson of the 1491’s created multiple tees, stickers, and tote bag designs. Bobby comes from graffiti and street art culture, his hand style and view on pop culture made it a super seamless process. We also released our collaboration with artist Crystal Worl from Alaskan company Trickster Co. Crystal, and I have collaborated in the past on a pair of leggings that have been best sellers on both our stores.

It was super challenging to pair Crystal’s smooth form line with the southwest feel of my stepped-and-jagged

Follow along with Jared’s journey and more OXDX news by visiting his blog TMBLWDS at oxdxclothing. com.

In the more immediate future, I will be hosting my very first art show and soon after the team will be showcasing our Fall release through our annual Fall Fashion event.

That will be hosted here in Phoenix, Arizona and will be occurring sometime in October.

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Feature Story

Modern Day Warriors They’re not only mothers, grandmothers, educators and community leaders. They’re also warriors.

PHOTOS BY ZOE FRIDAY

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reast cancer touches the lives of many in Indian Country. Either yourself or someone you know has battled breast cancer and won or lost. According to the Native American Cancer Research Corporation, even though cancer incidence is decreasing among whites, it continues to increase among American Indians and Alaskan Natives. It’s also become the leading cause of death for Alaska Native women and is the second leading cause of death among American Indian women. Although it’s no surprise that it continues to be present in American Indian communities throughout the United States, there seems to be little awareness about it due to cultural beliefs, language barriers, miscommunication, and poverty areas. Above all, please remember, a cancer diagnosis isn’t a death sentence. With early diagnosis and treatment, you increase your survival rate. Here, you’ll meet two Northern Arapaho women who stood on the frontline in their battles with cancer and won. They’re more than survivors. They’re warriors.

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Photo: Pixabay

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Veronica Miller Northern Arapaho Veronica’s warrior story: My name is Veronica Miller. I live at St. Stephens, Wyoming on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. I am an educator and have been working in the education system for 28 years. I currently am the instructional facilitator for Arapahoe Schools which is the PK-12th-grade district in Arapahoe, Wyoming.

I have two sons, Garrett and Austin Nimmo, and two grandchildren, Wyatt and Kadence. They are my pride and joy. I grew up in the foster care system and was adopted when I was 12 years old. Because of that situation, the family has always been important to me. I wanted to have a home for my children and I wanted to raise them with strong cultural values and the love for the outdoors. I have done just that.

When I was diagnosed with cancer in October of 2016 I remember seeing the look in my sons’ eyes.

They were devastated. I told them not to worry that I was going to die. We are lucky to be born Indian people we still have our ways and I was going to be okay. They needed that reassurance and I needed to make that claim out loud to fight cancer and live.

I had three surgeries in October. The cancer had

spread to my lymph nodes and that required an additional two surgeries. I was not able to use my right arm (and I’m righthanded ) and everything had to be learned again. I immediately started physical therapy at Teton Therapy in Riverton, Wyoming and met some amazing people there who helped me gain my strength. My biggest struggle was that I had lost my fine motor. I had to learn how to sign my name and most devastating, I couldn’t bead. I have beaded my entire life and had a granddaughter coming and would need moccasins. I worked diligently at being able to hold a needle and pick up beads. Surprisingly, my brain had done it so many times that my fingers started to retrain and the skill came back to me. I now have made moccasins for my grandkids, sons, children at school and various other projects.

The next step of treatment was radiation. After Thanksgiving, the treatments started. I attended classes at Rocky Mountain Oncology to prepare me for the next step and I met some amazing ladies.

Some were young, some were older women who were fighting their second and third rounds of cancer, young mothers, people of all walks of life.

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I sat there learning how to care for skin with these women and thinking to myself that if they could find the strength, then so can I. The treatments started and I began to feel the effect of the radiation. Physically, I was sick. I started to fall into a state of depression. You have so much time on your hands you start to over think things and start to feel sorry for yourself. So I decided I needed to do something so I planted flower bulbs because bulbs are kind of like a promise of spring and spring to us represents new life. I planted my bulbs and decided I was going to get well. Most importantly I realized that, although I was sick, I needed the interaction of the kids at school. My job made me strong! I got lots of hugs a day and I had people who were genuinely concerned and helpful. For that, I am forever grateful.

My road to recovery has not been easy but I’m thankful for my family and friends who have supported me through this journey. I am especially grateful for the modern medicine and our traditional medicine that has helped me to be here today. Don’t take life for granted. Live each day to its fullest and be happy!

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Charlotte “C-Bearing” Goggles Northern Arapaho

Charlotte’s warrior story: My name is Charlotte "C-Bearing" Goggles and I’m a two-time survivor of breast cancer. I’m Northern Arapaho and reside on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. I’m married to Patrick Goggles and together we raised four children: Tate', Francis, Trisha, and Cyndee. They blessed us with ten grandchildren and one great-grandson, Zaidyn Lane.

For school, I attended Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, Oklahoma, Haskell Indian Junior College in Lawrence, Kansas, and the University of Wyoming where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in education. I taught at

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Wyoming Indian Elementary School before recently retiring.

About thirty years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I underwent a lumpectomy, radiation implants and radiation treatments in Casper, Wyoming.

About ten years ago, cancer aggressively came back. I was sent to the Huntsman Cancer Center in Salt Lake City, Utah for more surgery, treatment and radiation therapy. This was a very difficult time for me and my family.

I can now say I am cancer free and enjoying life with my family. My native ways, beliefs, and prayers helped me through the tough times.

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On Radar 5 Minutes with

Marika Sila We catch up with Indian Country’s most talented female hoop dancer Marika Sila.

PLUS: ON OUR RADAR

Photos: Courtesy

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On Radar

Hoop dancing has taken Inuvialuit actress, fire performer, yoga teacher and self-professed "hoop ninja" Marika Sila across the world, such as Greece, Rome, Venice, and Budapest. She performed for audiences of all sizes, from small youth workshops to enormous festivals overseas. By the looks of her videos she posts of herself performing on Instagram (she boasts more than 20,000 followers!), it'd be hard to believe that she started hoop dancing just four years ago. We catch up with Indian Country's most talented female hoop dancer of the moment about her hooping adventures and what inspires her to keep going.

Where are you originally from?

I was born in Yellowknife, raised in Canmore AB, but my family is from Tuktoyuktuk, NWT. I am Inuvialuit, also known as a proud Canadian Eskimo.

What did you do before hoop dancing?

I was a competitive cross country ski racer for 15 years of my life. I trained hard for it and won many national level medals for my age category at the time. I was good, but it was not my passion. All my life I wanted to be a hip-hop dancer, but I did what I thought would make my family happy for so long until I quit at age 17.

For a while, I got caught up with the wrong crowd after I didn't have a clear goal in mind. I was living with my uncle at the time who struggled with alcohol abuse, and I wanted to help him get sober, so I started my journey of sobriety to try and help him with his addiction. Sadly, we eventually lost him to the addiction about five years ago, and since then I have been dedicated to living a life of sobriety, health, and wellness. I have started a company with my partner called RedPath Talent. We perform at weddings, corporate events, festivals, and host workshops and youth empowerment seminars focusing on the power of sobriety, anti-bullying, self-love and the protection of Mother Earth.

When did you get into hoop dancing?

I started hoop dancing about four years ago when I was studying in Costa Rica to get my Yoga Teacher Certification.

What has your journey been like being a hoop dancer? What lessons has hoop dancing taught you?

My journey as a hoop dancer started out as the most exciting thing I have ever experienced; I literally couldn't put the hoop down. I went to bed thinking about it and woke up thinking about it. It teaches me a different lesson every time I practice. Some days it teaches me about self-discipline, and some days it motivates me to have fun with life. Somedays it helps me connect back to myself, and some days it is just humbling. I owe so much to these plastic circles, they have taught me so much and have brought me on so many amazing adventures.

Where has hoop dancing taken you?

My favorite place so far has been Vimy, France last year when my partner and I performed at the National 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. I love performing, but my favorite part about hoop dancing is going into First Nations communities and teaching the youth how to hoop dance.

Do you idolize any fellow hoop dancers?

I'm always inspired by other hoop dancers and any dancers of any discipline. But my biggest Idols have to be actresses and music artists at this point in my

career.

What actresses and music artists do you look up to?

Natalie Portman is my favorite all time actress. And music wise, Cardi B is a massive inspiration to me, but Beyonce will always be number one. I’m a sucker for hip hop and R&B music. Music is my fuel when I am dancing. It fuels my inspiration, and I believe it is so essential for anyone to stay inspired in life no matter what they do, whether they are an artist or not. Staying inspired gives me more energy than any energy drink, or more energy than any amount of rest could ever give me.

What’s your advice to anyone interested in hoop dancing?

Whenever you're starting something new, you have to believe you can do it, and be willing to go through the first awkward stages. Everyone goes through it, and don't get discouraged when it gets hard. Repetition is the key to mastery. When you drop the hoop, dance it off. Every hooper, even the best hoopers in the world still drop their hoops. If you get mad at yourself when you drop your hoops it won't be any fun, laugh it off and enjoy the process. The process is the most fun part. I believe life is about having as much fun as possible and enjoying the small things in life, like family dinners, laughs with your friends, hikes in the mountains and plastic circles.

Follow along Marika’s hoop dancing adventures at @thehoopninja on Instagram and visiting www.redpathtalent.com.

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On Radar Entertainment News

On Our Radar What we’re on the lookout for in the world of entertainment.

Writings by Poet Tanaya Winder, Hip Hop Artist Frank Waln & Actor Martin Sensmeier Featured in New Book Essays written by poet and author Tanaya Winder (Duckwater Paiute/Shoshone), Sicangu Lakota hip hop artist Frank Waln and Tlingit actor Martin Sensmeier were featured in a new publication “American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures”, a collection of writings put together by actress and philanthropist America Ferrera.

Star-studded “American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures” (Gallery) is filled with

dozens of first-person stories by writers, actors, athletes and community leaders such as LinManuel Miranda, Issa Rae, Jeremy Lin, and Ferrera herself. The book is filled with first-person accounts made distinct with each author’s individual voice.

You can purchase the book at https://www.amazon.com/ american-like-me-reflectionscultures/dp/1501180916.

Photo: Facebook

Indigenous Film & Arts Festival Host Event INDIGENOUS FUTURISMS Photo: Facebook

New artwork by indigenous artists Kristina M. Bad Hand and Elizabeth LaPensée explores the intersection between pop culture and Native life.

Through art, including comic books and video games, the artists re-envision future and contemporary cultural realities and Indigenous perspectives. Kristina and Elizabeth will be at the art opening. Event is Friday, October 5, from 5pm-7pm at Museum of Anthropology in University of Denver (2ooo E. Asbury Ave. Denver, CO 80210. Reception to Meet the Artists @ 5 pm; and Artist Talk @ 6 pm.

Lightning Cloud Releases New Coloring & Story Book Henry “MC Redcloud” Andrade and Crystle Lightning, who collectively make up performance group Lightning Cloud, releases a new coloring and story book called “MOOSEBUMPZ: Scary Stories from the Rez”. “Perfect for campfires, Halloween and sleepovers!” says Andrade of the release.

This adult coloring book is designed for all ages, with each story approved by both youth and elders. The scary stories are inspired by the travels and friendships made all over Turtle Island by Lightning and Andrade. “MOOSEBUMPZ” is the first of its kind in the coloring book world, alongside the duo’s previous release “Indigenous Legends”.

The illustrations in “MOOSEBUMPZ” are designed with an “Indigenous Manga” animation style, bringing a refreshing originality to the coloring book community.

You can purchase “MOOSEBUMPZ” here: https://www.amazon.com/ dp/1948698013

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Until Later

October and November are months to celebrate our indigenous cultures, and our brothers and sisters who are currently fighting or fought their battles with breast cancer.

ILLUSTRATION BY CRYSTAL STARR

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WWW.NATIVEHOPE.ORG

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