Red Lake Nation

Meg is an artist and a citizen of Red Lake Nation, expresses her passion for beadwork through her artistic brand Nelie G. Mae. Inspired by the healing and reclamation aspects of beadwork and her personal connections with relatives, Meg creates unique beaded pieces primarily in the form of jewelry. She incorporates materials such as glass beads, porcupine quills, natural fibers, leather, wood, skulls, and sinew into her three-dimensional works. Her work aims to honor her Indigenous heritage, inspire others, and serve as a symbol of empowerment and strength.

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

Loriene, an emerging artist and feminist from Minnesota, explores hand embroidery to challenge traditional paradigms in Native symbolism. Drawing inspiration from nature, she merges contemporary and traditional elements, creating works that embody strength and resilience. Through her art, Loriene seeks to elevate Indigenous voices, contribute to the conversation on Native art, and celebrate cultural revitalization.

Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate

Katie a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Dakhóta community, is a teacher, illustrator, and freelance artist. She leverages her Dakota and Ojibway background to influence her art, creating unique designs. Katie is a language preservationist, having been mentored by elder Caroline Schommer. Her hide painted earrings are featured at Indigenous First gallery in Duluth, MN.

Karuk Tribe

Jearica, a Minnesota-based visual artist and social activist, uses her work in painting, murals, and graphic design to amplify community voices and challenge supremacy and colonialism. Through figurative art, she explores identity and aims to create empathy, provoke thought, and educate. Her work is rooted in decolonization and seeks to break down colonialism in the mind. Jearica's art is a means of advocating for social justice, centering marginalized voices, and fostering a more equitable society.

Ho-Chunk & Mvskoke Creek

Jennifer is a citizen of the Ho-Chunk Nation and Mvskoke Creek, she is an artist specializing in paaxge beadwork. Through this traditional practice, she creates symbolic patterns by weaving one bead at a time. Jennifer's work reflects her passion for preserving and sharing indigenous traditions that aims to foster appreciation and understanding of indigenous art. Jennifer's art connects her with her purpose and contributes to the legacy of indigenous craftsmanship.

Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate

Cornejo is a self-taught artist and tradesman specializing in fashion design, aerosol painting, beadwork, and carpentry. As an enrolled tribal member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, he draws inspiration from his indigenous heritage. Cornejo's work combines his love for art, his exploration of traditional spirituality, and his passion for inspiring youth to pursue their artistic dreams. Through projects centered on social justice and community collaboration, he aims to leave a lasting impact on his community and the wider art world.

White Earth & Lac Courte Oreilles

As an Anishinaabe artist, Charlie Thayer's work is deeply rooted in the power of art and storytelling. He utilizes his artistic practice to give voice to the seventh generation and advocate for Indigenous communities. Charlie's artistic vision is directly aligned with creating awareness around Indigenous issues throughout Turtle Island. He firmly believes in the transformative power of art to spark meaningful dialogue and amplify the voices of Indigenous peoples.

Mississippi Choctaw

As an artist, Olivia proudly embraces her tribal affiliation to Mississippi Chahta, utilizing various mediums to express her creative vision. Primarily working in digital art and animation, Olivia also finds joy in clay sculpting, paper and paintbrush mediums, and clothing design, allowing her artistic expression to flourish in diverse forms.

Cheyenne River Lakota Tribe

Rhea Blue Arm is a self-taught artist specializing in designing patterns for moccasins, skirts, beading, sewing, and painting. She values community-building and is committed to sharing her knowledge and experiences with others. Rhea believes in collaboration and she is eager to help people learn, design, and complete their own projects.

Lac du Flambeau

Summer Sky is dedicated to traditional native arts and dance, which she developed through her deep connection with the earth in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Summer specializes in beadwork, clothing design, and working with natural fibers like birch bark and black ash. Through her artwork, Summer aims to remind people of the beauty of living in harmony with the earth.

Lac Courte Oreilles

Kari Tribble is the CEO and founder of Avari Beauty, an LLC/S-Corp based in White Bear Lake, MN, and a proud member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe in Hayward, WI. With a passion for beauty that ignited in her youth while watching her sister prepare for school, Kari began her journey in the industry after attending the Aveda Institute in 2005. Initially offering eyelash extensions from home, she founded Avari Beauty in 2016 and has since expanded her services, developed sustainable eyelash extension products, and created a unique salon environment focused on beauty as self-expression and self-care. Inspired by her father, Mike Tribble, an AIM leader and treaty rights activist, Kari is committed to giving back to Indigenous communities and supporting environmental and animal welfare initiatives through her business. With a mission to empower customers to define and express their own beauty, Avari Beauty has garnered nearly 200 five-star reviews and is poised for future growth, including potential franchising opportunities and additional locations. Kari is eager to join a fellowship to enhance her business acumen and connect with others in the entrepreneurial community.

Dakota and Ojibwe

Tanagidan To Win Tara Perron is a Dakota and Ojibwe mother of two sons, an accomplished author and poet, and a passionate advocate for traditional medicine. With a deep love for writing, she has published three Indigenous children's books that celebrate plants, animals, and Indigenous languages, infused with heartfelt messages. As the owner of Blue Hummingbird Woman, Tara also creates plant-based body care products, including salves, bath teas, and soaps, which she sells at markets and events. Recently regaining the rights to her books, she has taken the bold step of self-publishing them. Tara follows the traditional teachings of her elders and actively participates in wild harvesting plant medicine, emphasizing the importance of caring for the Earth and sharing its gifts. She aspires to develop a business plan and improve her bookkeeping and tax preparation skills through fellowship opportunities, aiming to grow her business into a thriving Indigenous gift shop that supports and uplifts Indigenous makers in her community.

Red Lake Nation

John Boyd is an enrolled citizen of the Red Lake Nation and a long-time resident of the Twin Cities, where he lives in Northeast Minneapolis with his partner, Melissa, their dog Bronson, and their two adult children, Johnathan and Taylor. A member of the Carpenters Union since 1999, John faced a turning point during the pandemic in 2020 when he was laid off from his position. With newfound time, he decided to pursue his passion for hardwood flooring, a skill he had honed while working for a contractor from 2000 to 2007 and later on projects for family and friends. After attending entrepreneur training in Red Lake and connecting with Mni Sota Fund, John successfully developed a business plan for his venture, Bear Claw Hardwood Floors, which was established as an LLC in 2020. Since then, he has built his business from the ground up, investing in equipment and software like QuickBooks to enhance his operations. As he continues to refine his business strategies and improve his marketing efforts, John seeks opportunities to network with fellow entrepreneurs and learn best practices to ensure the continued growth of his business.

Mille Lacs Band of Ojbwe

Amelia Kevan, known as Giiwedinookwe or Woman of the North, is a resilient entrepreneur and the owner of BeLashii, a lash and brow studio located on Robert Street in West St. Paul, MN. With seven years of experience as a cosmetologist and lash artist, Amelia has dedicated her career to building a unique brand and developing innovative techniques that set BeLashii apart. Over the past five years, she has navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship largely on her own, driven by a warrior spirit and a determination to create her legacy despite facing trauma, anxiety, and social isolation. Amelia is currently focused on expanding her business through online sales, training programs, and new product lines, including a jewelry collection. As a self-taught business owner who has invested her profits back into her venture, she recognizes the value of mentorship and is eager to connect with others to enhance her growth and success.

Red Lake Nation

George Spears, also known as Chi-Noodin, is a dedicated father, Ojibwemowin student, and founder of Turtle Island Market. He combines his love for land stewardship with a family legacy tied to the natural resources of Red Lake Reservation. George is committed to building a sustainable tribal food system in Minnesota, using regenerative farming practices to supply organic eggs and meat birds. Based in Minneapolis, he plans to expand operations and eventually move Turtle Island Market back to Red Lake in 2024, while continuing to contribute to tribal agriculture development.

White Earth Reservation

Angie Vig, an Anishinaabe-ikwe, is the owner of Vig Guitars, a guitar store in St. Paul that she opened in September 2014. A passionate advocate for the local music scene, she collaborates with fellow Native musicians and emphasizes the importance of “Off-Rez” representation. Vig Guitars is known for its community involvement and commitment to supporting local artists, offering a range of repair services and Ted’s hand-wound Vig Custom Pickups. Vig Guitars was honored as Silver for Best Music Instrument Store in the Star Tribune's Best of MN awards in 2021. Through her work, she inspires youth by demonstrating that “anything they can do, we can do better”.

Red Lake Nation

Warren Mountain is a Two-Spirit Anishinaabe enrolled in the Red Lake Nation, raised on the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Growing up, he was immersed in his culture at a local tribal school until middle school, where he developed a keen awareness of the challenges faced by his community. Warren founded W by MOUNTAIN, a jewelry and accessories business that merges traditional techniques with contemporary fashion trends. With aspirations to create Anishinaabe-inspired art that keeps his culture alive, Warren aims to build a strong business infrastructure through the Ozhigan Fellowship, seeking tools and mentorship to optimize operations. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, he continues to grow his skills and vision for his business while proudly representing his heritage.

Red Lake Nation

Meeg-wun Gheeshig Ikwe DesJarlait is the founder and licensed multicultural Advanced Practice Esthetician behind Skin Therapy, a business she launched in 2020 following her dreams of entrepreneurship. A graduate of PCI Academy, where she earned her Advanced Practice and Salon Manager's License, Meeg-wun has spent the past three years breaking barriers and pursuing her passion for healing and empowerment. In May 2022, she became an Advanced Practice Esthetic Educator at her alma mater, further expanding her knowledge and influence in the field. With aspirations to open an Indigenous-owned spa that provides a safe and luxurious experience for all clients, Meeg-wun aims to mentor aspiring estheticians and raise awareness about the importance of skin health and self-care through wellness conventions. Passionate about creating generational wealth and a legacy for future generations, she seeks the guidance of the Ozhigin Fellowship to gain the necessary skills and mentorship to grow her business and continue empowering her community.

Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma & Leech Lake Ojibwe

Brendan Kishketon is the owner and head instructor of Kishketon Jiu-Jitsu Academy LLC in New Brighton, Minnesota, a Native-owned business founded in April 2022. He is a tenured associate professor and Director of Ojibwe Language at the University of Minnesota, where he focuses on preserving and revitalizing the Ojibwe language. With a PhD in linguistics and over 20 years of martial arts experience, Brendan teaches Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, aiming to empower students, particularly women and children, to defend themselves in real-life situations.

White Earth Nation

Keith Clark is an enrolled member of the White Earth Nation in Northern Minnesota, where he grew up on the reservation. After navigating a challenging young adult life, Keith recognized the need for change and pursued a college education to enhance his career in construction. He graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management and subsequently worked for two different general contractors. In December 2021, he founded Indigenous Path Construction, a consulting firm specializing in construction owner’s representation, which operates from his home and the Dakota Public Library. Keith is passionate about increasing Native American representation in the construction industry, particularly in project management roles. He aims to honor his family and community through his work, and if selected for the Ozhigin Fellowship, he plans to invest in tools and resources that will help expand his business further.

Oglala Lakota and Santee Dakota

Thomasina Topbear is an Oglala Lakota and Santee Dakota artist originally from Santee, Nebraska, who moved to the Twin Cities in her early teens. A self-taught artist, she specializes in large-scale murals and has been an integral member of the all-female street art and skateboard crew Few & Far Women since 2015, which recently transitioned into a nonprofit. In 2022, she co-founded City Mischief Murals, an all BIPOC artist collective focused on healing through art and providing leadership opportunities for youth. Thomasina aims to develop a sustainable mural business through the Ozhigin Fellowship, seeking guidance in business planning and financial management to elevate City Mischief into a thriving entity. With a commitment to beautifying and healing communities, she envisions her work spreading messages of love and respect across Turtle Island.

White Earth Ojibwe Nation

Robert Rice is the owner of Powwow Grounds, a vibrant coffee shop located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, dedicated to celebrating Indigenous culture and community. A member of the White Earth Ojibwe Nation. With over 40 years of experience harvesting wild rice, he has created a welcoming coffee shop where visitors can enjoy a unique menu featuring dishes like wild rice soup and Indian fry bread tacos. Beyond its culinary offerings, Pow Wow Grounds serves as a vital cultural hub, fostering connections among the Native community and their neighbors, all while being located next to the All My Relations Art Gallery. As a member of the Native American community, Robert has infused his establishment with elements that honor Native traditions, creating a welcoming space for all. Through Powwow Grounds, he not only serves high-quality coffee and locally sourced products but also hosts events and activities that promote cultural awareness and engagement. Robert is passionate about fostering connections among community members and empowering Indigenous voices, making Powwow Grounds a central hub for cultural exchange and creativity in the Twin Cities.

Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa

Brook LaFloe is an Anishinaabe woman and the owner of Niniijaanis One of Ones, a collective that focuses on revitalizing Indigenous culture and supporting local economies. Originally from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and raised in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, Brook combines her educational background—a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Anthropology from Tulane University, a Master's in Education from Loyola University of Maryland, and two diplomas from the Association Montessori International—with her passion for art, beadwork, and sewing. As an educator and entrepreneur, she manages daily operations and organizes a team of 16 artists and educators, including a dedicated women’s group known as Buckanaga Social Club. Brook is currently completing her FINNovation Fellowship to develop her business plan and seeks to improve her financial management skills through the Ozhigin Fellowship, which will also support her upcoming crowdfunding campaign for the Niniijaanis War Pony—a mobile store and school aimed at providing statewide services. Operating from her home in St. Paul, Minnesota, Niniijaanis One of Ones began as a community pilot project funded by a micro-grant from the Tiwahe Foundation and has grown to offer culturally relevant learning materials and handmade items. Brook's commitment to community engagement, education, and cultural preservation drives her work as she aims to create a sustainable future for her collective.

Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe

Annastacia Cardon is an enrolled member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, born and raised on the southside of Minneapolis. Passionate about the arts, she has been published in the Yellow Medicine Review (2020), performed at the Guthrie Theater, and is actively working on publishing her manuscript with a Native women writers group. A dedicated community advocate, Annastacia has participated in native markets, powwows, and fundraising events, and collaborated with the Ikidowen Theater group to address themes of native trauma and healing through performance. Driven by her ambition, she founded Wiishkoban—a business originally aimed at funding her college tuition at Lawrence University—which has blossomed into a platform for engaging with the Native American community. Through this venture, she has gained insights into Native-owned businesses, taught local youth about beekeeping, and cultivated meaningful connections at the Four Sister Farmers Market. As a lifelong creator, Annastacia is committed to sharing her work and uplifting her community.

Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

Alicia De La Cruz is an enrolled member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, living in Northeast Minneapolis with her husband and three rabbits. At 27, she has cultivated a deep passion for beadwork, painting, and plants, inspired by her upbringing in Minnesota, where she spent summers on the reservation. Having learned beadwork from her aunts and grandmother at a young age, she now has 20 years of experience and is in the process of creating her own jingle dress. Alicia is the founder of Leesha’s Lacquer, a sole proprietorship specializing in handcrafted, cruelty-free, and vegan nail polish and body care products. Since its establishment in 2015, she has successfully sold her products in five physical locations across Minnesota and at various craft shows, including the renowned Polish Con. Driven by her commitment to sustainability and unique craftsmanship, Alicia aims to grow her business and expand her brand while upholding the cultural values she cherishes, seeking support and mentorship through fellowship opportunities to realize her vision for Leesha’s Lacquer.

White Earth Ojibwe

Neil Hernandez is a South Minneapolis native who grew up in the Little Earth Housing projects. Influenced by his artistic family from a young age, he spent much of his life in manual labor positions, feeling that his artistic talents were underutilized. In 2020, he founded The Horde Mpls, an urban cultural apparel business that celebrates cultural diversity through graphic designs on various products, including mugs, t-shirts, and bags. As the sole owner, Neil is currently exploring the best business structure for his venture, aiming to eventually move into a production space. He seeks guidance through the fellowship to enhance his bookkeeping skills and streamline operations, enabling him to achieve financial independence while positively representing marginalized cultures through his work.