Ozhigin
Fellowship

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.

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

Lavina LongElk is a visionary artist who draws inspiration from her indigenous heritage. Coming from a family with a strong artistic background, she has been actively involved in arts and crafts throughout her life. As a teacher, Lavina is passionate about guiding young people in exploring new artistic activities. She envisions creating a vibrant studio where artists can collaborate and bring their dreams to life.

Bad River Band

Caitlin Newago is an Anishinaabe artist from Minnesota who uses a diverse range of mediums, including beading, digital art, and birchbark, to connect with her culture and promote healing. Through her artwork, Caitlin aims to modernize traditional Ojibwe designs and address intergenerational trauma within Native communities. The name Bizaanide'ewin, meaning peace of heart, reflects the central theme in her work - promoting healing and upliftment for herself and others.

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.