I’m a Mohawk and Cree 2-Spirit artist, and I’ve just been selected as a featured designer for Indigenous New York Fashion Week!

I’m currently finishing a collection centered around themes of identity, gender/queerness, and labor from an Indigenous perspective. What does labor mean, in a contemporary sense, under the throes of capitalism, and patriarchy? What is gender, outside of a colonial framework? This line explores the meaning of identity by examining the roots of our Indigeneity, and to the Earth itself— revealing how “queerness” and authentic self are ripples of ancestral memory. And how do we, as Indigenous people, protect our cultural and spiritual identity from a system of governance who’s sole function is to extract and lay waste?

Much of this collection has been directly inspired by my work as a creative media team member while working for the Sogorea Te’ Land Trust in Huchiun (Oakland, California). Witnessing this intertribal, Indigenous-led, women-led organization move mountains, shift perspectives, and transform the social landscape to center the tribal Lands has been an empowering experience. I have also witnessed a steady stream of ongoing patriarchal violence be absorbed by these women, transmuted into prosperity with grace and intention. So much of our survival and prosperity as a species is accomplished only by the perseverance and caring action of women. Through my work, I celebrate as we approach a new era where Indigeneity, Women, and Land are honored as the sacred portals of abundance that we are.

As a 2 Spirit Indigenous femme, I am blessed to be a weaver, and I hold my role as a storyteller as a sacred one. As I witness myself and my Indigenous 2-Spirit, Queer, Trans/Non-Binary relatives step into our power as necessary healers, weavers, dreamers, and nurturers, I’m honored to be here today. Alive, strong, grateful.

This collection is a spotlight to and for those unseen— to the grandmothers, and to my spider ancestors who hold infinity, weaving silk strands with 8 arms. Who, with 8 eyes, see everything.

I am so honored to be a part of INYFW 2026, and at the same time, unprepared for such a huge event. I am launching this fundraiser to help me pay for my flights, lodging, meals, etc especially since this is one of the more expensive times to travel to NYC. I’m also hoping to hire help for a multitude of things including to assist on the day of event, as well as helping operate my vending table during INYFW weekend. Lastly, to purchase supplies and equipment for the remainder of my pieces that need to be finished in the next few weeks.

Thank you so much for all the support and love I’ve already received since announcing this last week. I’m overjoyed. Grateful. I feel brave, and loved.

Hiy hiy, Nia:wen,

kiki