Meet The 2025 Designers

I’m a Kumeyaay artist from San Pasqual, born and raised in San Diego. I am creating sustainable designs that celebrate California Native culture through my fashion lines "Abalone and Sage" and "Worn & Reborn", a reconstructed fashion concept which allows for unique, individual  pieces, giving garments a second life. My work has won contests, appeared in magazines, and honors tradition through teaching and storytelling. I have been providing art to my tribe and surrounding tribes for the past 10 years. Creating PEON event fliers, t-shirt art, logos, facepainting, window art, teaching bird skirt classes. 

James Star Comes Out is an enrolled Oglala Lakota (Pine Ridge Reservation, SD). A self-taught artist, James developed many art forms such as beadwork, quillwork, painting, drawing and traditional dance regalia. James received an A.A degree in Art Education at Black Hills State University (1999) as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology at Oglala Lakota College (2014) As an artist and designer, James is grounded by foundations of Lakota culture such as language, history, art and stories that stimulate his creativity with ideas and inspiration to create his work. James has achieved success in many art competitions and juried art shows; many of James’ work have been acquired by museums and private collectors. Collectively, James utilizes art and customs to share, teach and pass on aspects of Lakota life ways and culture. As well as empowering female relatives and creating positive space through native fashion.

Katrina and Star Her Many Horses, Co-Founders of OYATE, are proud Oglala Lakota, Cheyenne, Taos Pueblo, Meskwaki, and Leech Lake Ojibwe women. Raised in Denver, Colorado, they grew up in a family of creatives who nurtured their passion for art and inspired them to explore various artistic expressions.

Katrina earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Haskell Indian Nations University in 2024, while Star is set to graduate in the spring of 2025 with a Bachelor’s degree in American Indian Studies.

Founded as a family-owned business, OYATE is dedicated to producing authentic Indigenous creations and original artwork. In the Lakota language, Oyate means “The People” or “Nation,” reflecting the company’s mission to serve as a platform for Indigenous artists to showcase and sell their work while honoring their cultural heritage.

Fawn is Anishnaabe Kwe from the Mize clan registered under Ginoogaming First Nation and

is residing in Thunder Bay. Fawn is a rising artist within the indigenous population of

woodland artwork. She works full time as a creating artist and an entrepreneur to her own

business. She prides herself by utilizing the Anishnaabe Woodland florals in her creations.

Fawn dreams of keeping the Anishnaabe florals alive by teaching how to design and sew

throughout the northern communities of Ontario while also learning from the elders in the

surrounding areas. She has been inspired by the woman closest to her and other

Anishnaabe artists within the Ojibwe lands and territories. When Fawn isn't travelling you

will find Fawn in her sewing room. Sewing late into the night creating through her dreams

and visions.

Justine is a registered member of Whitesand First Nation. She was born and raised in

Thunder Bay, Ontario. She is Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) and her cultural background has been

the foundation of her creativity. She works as a full time artist and is exceptionally skilled in

the area of bead artistry. She is well known for her work which incorporates the floral

traditions of her tribe. She enjoys creating both contemporary and traditional styles of

beadwork. She has been creating custom beadwork for powwow dancers across Canada

and United States for approximately 12 years. In addition to the beadwork, Justine enjoys

the challenge of learning new artforms and has a passion for creating custom culturally

inspired clothing/ garments. She is also a recipient of numerous Ontario Arts Council Grantsthat has supported various independent arts projects. Her art is what keeps her connected

Homeland is a living archive of Indigenous expression based out of Phoenix, AZ and the Navajo Nation— blending art, fashion, culture and community to create for the present while building a legacy for the future.

Rockyford SD, Pine Ridge Reservation

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Sapé Mah “Woman who sews” She is a citizen of the Navajo Nation from Preston Mesa, Arizona and resides in Fruitland, New Mexico. Her clans are Honeycomb Rock Edgewater and born Kiowa and Comanche.

Benjamin Leedom, an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe, Navy veteran and father of two, established himself as a premier star quilt maker over time by combining his eye for detail, color and patterns, along with modern styles and customizations. He has recently taken his sewing skills into the world of fashion and is making that break at this years Sycuan fashion show. His work is owned and appreciated by athletes, musicians, and world leaders.It is also featured in several Native American resorts and casinos. Over the 10 years of being 3 Feathers, LLC, Leedom has built his support and following through social media and is respected in the Native American community. He has love and admiration for his people and the struggles the community sees on a daily basis. He is hungry for change and to make a difference to ensure longevity and resilience for Native American culture.