A Celebration of National Native American Heritage Month
November 19, 2024
This event, which celebrates National Native American Heritage Month, highlighted Indigenous peoples’ individual relationships and cultures, and how they draw inspiration from traditional practices while producing work that authentically reflects the artists’ lived experiences. Together, panelists explored new pathways for the future, including entrepreneurship, history, and the experiences of next-generation Indigenous creatives. This event was a powerful representation of the diverse voices and perspectives within the Indigenous community, highlighting the unique and innovative approaches designers and other creatives take in their work.
Schedule of Events
Pomerantz Center, First Floor
Pop-up shop featuring items created by a collective of Indigenous designers.
Katie Murphy Amphitheatre
An exploration of Indigenous people, culture, and contributions throughout American History.
Katie Murphy Amphitheatre
Learn about the ways that Shopify is powering small businesses and entrepreneurs to manage their retail commerce, including their support of "BUILD Native,” an Indigenous-led initiative.
Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì
Senior Lead for Indigenous Entrepreneurship at Shopify
Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì, a proud member of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, is an accomplished
entrepreneur and a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and economic self-determination.
With deep roots in the Algonquin-Anishinaabe community, he has dedicated his career
to amplifying Indigenous voices and fostering economic opportunities through storytelling,
advocacy, and entrepreneurship.
Currently serving as the Senior Lead for Indigenous Entrepreneurship at Shopify, he
is at the forefront of integrating Indigenous businesses into the global digital economy.
His work focuses on increasing awareness, building community, and creating sustainable
economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples through innovative technology and commerce
solutions.
Katie Murphy Amphitheatre, Lower Level
Opportunity to network with Indigenous Futures in Fashion Summit panelists and attendees. Beverages will be provided. Bring your own lunch. Featuring a musical performance by Lucaa.
Katie Murphy Amphitheatre
Hear from Indigenous creators about how they are broadening the scope of Indigenous fashion and art, dismantling stereotypes and assumptions about what Indigenous creativity "should" look like, and paving the way for a more inclusive and expansive understanding of Indigenous contributions to the arts.
Panelists
Katie Murphy Amphitheatre
Enjoy the alt-pop music of Lucaa, featuring founder and lead vocalist Stepha Murphy, as they bring Indigenous representation to the mainstream music space through their expression and voice.
Katie Murphy Amphitheatre
Katie Murphy Amphitheatre
Join us for a reception and fireside chat with Dr. Joyce F. Brown, in conversation with designer Amy Denet Deal, founder of 4Kinship, and Renee Hunter, model and retail trailblazer.
Amy Denet Deal
Founder of 4KINSHIP
Amy Denet Deal, the visionary behind the Indigenous-owned sustainable upcycling brand 4KINSHIP, is a proud member of the Diné (Navajo) Tribe. Since its inception in 2015, 4KINSHIP stands as a testament to Denet Deal's unwavering dedication to her Indigeneity and her community. Advocating for the profound impact of our choices, she believes in our collective potential for positive change.
In response to the challenges that COVID-19 imposed on the Navajo Nation, Denet Deal spearheaded efforts that raised over $1 million to support her community. Not stopping there, she introduced the inspiring Diné Skate Garden Project in 2021, collaborating with Tony Hawk's The Skatepark Project and the Two Grey Hills community to bring a skate park to the Navajo Reservation.
In 2023, Denet Deal launched the 4KINSHIP Indigenous Futures Fund. This groundbreaking initiative is dedicated to empowering and honoring Indigenous artists in the creative realms of performing arts and fashion, championing a future that is vibrant and inclusive. This movement is a powerful force committed to amplifying Indigenous talent and creativity, embracing the essence of Indigenous futurism.
Renee Hunter
Rene Hunter is a trailblazing fashionista and an enrolled member of the federally
recognized Shinnecock Nation of Southampton on Long Island, New York. Hunter
began her career as a successful model in NYC. Signed to the Mannequin agency, she
graced numerous runways and print media like Vogue, WWD, and the New York Times,
working in New York and, on occasion, Paris. Hunter then spent 26 years in fashion
management, working for some of the top names in luxury retail, including
Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue, where she rose to fashion director. She has
also
worked as a buyer and an entrepreneur; and for more than a decade, she shared her
expertise with students, working in academia as an adjunct professor at the Fashion
Institute of Technology, and at Pratt, where she served as a design critic, and with
LIM
College.