How to Dress Like an Indian
For those of you do don’t know, I am co-host on the Wrong NDN Podcast. Our podcast is a great conversation between friends (the Wrong NDNs) and an interview with the “Right” Indian, or an expert from different areas of life. We like to talk about issues of representation, current events, pop culture, or whatever is happening in our lives.
Season 2 launched in October. It is this time that we know, there will be the issue of dressing up for Halloween. Furthermore, it is football season and while the Washington Team has decided to retire the name, there will still be folks who insist that they are honoring Native peoples when they “dress like an Indian.”
If you truly want to dress like an Indian. I am here to teach you.
Here is the list of ways to dress like an Indian:
BUY FROM NATIVE OWNED COMPANIES.
This is my entire list.
Like, seriously, it is that simple.
If you buy from a Native owned company, not only are you honoring Native people, you are putting you money where your mouth is. And you can wear your purchases with pride knowing you are supporting Native entrepreneurs. And the best part is that you do not have to live near a reservation. With the internet, you can easily find and purchase from Native owned businesses.
Still having trouble? Here is a list of Native owned companies, that I love and you can support:
Photo courtesy of Ahsaki LaFrance-Chachere, CEO, Ah-Shí Beauty
Founded by Ahsaki LaFrance-Chachere (Dine’), Ah-shí Beauty, which translates to “this is my” beauty, is a luxury make up and skin care line. In addition, LaFrance-Chachere has a newly launched fashion line, Lachach.
Founded by Bethany Yellowtail (Northern Cheyenne and Crow), all the clothing is designed by Yellowtail and is gorgeous, comfortable and fashion forward. In addition to clothing, the B. Yellowtail Collective is a platform for Native American, First Nations, and Indigenous creatives.
Founder, Shí-Fawn Chee’s (Diné) creates absolutely beautiful palettes, brush sets and lashes. Blended Girl Cosmetics is inspired to bring unity through makeup. Her palettes are inspired and you will love the looks you can create.
Photo courtesy of Jenn Harper, CEO, Cheekbone Beauty
Founded by Jenn Harper (Annishinabe), Cheekbone Beauty is a Canada First Nations Beauty Brand that focuses on sustainable, eco friendly products and packaging. In addition to beautiful lip products and palettes, 10% of the profits go to support First Nations youth programming.
Addelina Lucero (Taos Pueblo/Yaqui) owns and operates Dancing Butterfly Naturals. All their products are made using the locally sourced ingredients from the Taos Pueblo Mountains in Northern New Mexico. They have all your sundry needs from shampoo to soap to beard oil. Their products are quality and smell amazing!
Artist Jamie Okuma (Luiseño/Shoshone-Bannock) creates beautiful art to wear. Her high fashion pieces are traditional clothing with a modern twist. Her designs are fun with broad appeal and truly inspired.
Artist Lauren Good Day is a Arikara, Hidatsa, Blackfeet and Plains Cree artist. Her beautiful designs are integrated into her clothing line. Bold colors, florals, and geometric designs adorn her clothings pieces. If you prefer, you can also purchase her artwork for your home.
Photo courtesy of Tracy Brown, CEO, Lynette Tracy Fashion Boutique
Lynette Tracy Fashion Boutique
This boutique is street style for the modern woman. Founded by Tracy Brown (Ojibwe), this boutique provide affordable clothes and accessories. Her curated collections are centered on trendy styles for the modern young native woman.
Photo courtesy of Chelsea Jones CEO, Sultry Anarchy Boutique
Founded by Chelsea Jones (Suquamish Tribe/Filipino/Coast Salish), Sultry Anarchy is an affordable boutique that started with lashes and has expanded to jewelry and clothing. The clothing and accessories are youthful, retro, and fun.
Founded by Joey Montoya (Lipan Apache) this company is focused on spreading awareness about the complexities of contemporary Indigenous Nations. Urban Native Era focuses storytelling through photography, film and design to do so. Their clothes and accessories are modern with a message.
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are my own. I am not being compensated for any of the links listed in this post.
