Indigenous artists: THE WAY OF THE FUTURE

This post was written by CCG Social Media Coordinator, Lauren Meyer.

“Every young Native artist and entrepreneur carries a spark of their ancestral legacy. With the Build Native with Shopify program, we are committed to fanning those sparks into flames of success and innovation. This initiative is about providing the resources and support necessary to transform potential into a showcase of excellence.” said Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì, Senior Lead of Indigenous Entrepreneurship at Shopify.

The 4KINSHIP & INDIGENOUS FUTURES 4EVER (IF4) empowers young Indigenous creatives by offering in person exhibitions, collaboration opportunities, and unique resources to thrive in the arts such as dance, music, design, and more. IF4 encourages creativity, ensures fair compensation, and helps Indigenous men and women to build professional networks. By celebrating Indigenous artists, IF4 creates a platform for the Indigenous community to thrive, and inspire positive change in artistic industries that have historically suppressed Indigenous voices.

Centered around community, IF4 honors the creativity of the next generation of Indigenous leaders. 4KINSHIP & IF4, proudly partnered with Shopify for their fashion show in Santa Fe, which WWD called “Native SXSW”. IF4 showcased the creative and talented Indigenous Artists within the community, offering the beautiful artists a time to share their gifts and talents with the world and to celebrate the ways of their ancestors through their art.

Alongside the fashion show, 4KINSHIP IF4 hosted the Indigenous Futures 4EVER Block Party—an Indigenous-led event that brings together communities in cross-border allyship to share ideas, support one another, and express themselves freely. Join 4KINSHIP for food booths, hand-poked tattoos, an Indigenous art market, skateboarding, and more. The 4KINSHIP High Vibes Shop will also be open, showcasing work from different IF4 artists.

IF4 featured designers Amy Denet Deal, Carla Fernandez, Graziano & Gutierrez, HSTRY MKRS, Debra and Aleen Sparrow,  Josh Tafoya, Lily Yeung, Jennifer Younger & debut fashion line, Savage Kids, by Snotty Nose Rez Kids member Quinton Nyce. IF4’s multidisciplinary artists and performers include Serena Adams, Taigan Alred, Nizhonniya Austin, Raven Bright, E. Esperanza, Sarain Fox, Alicia Hanton, James Jones (The Notorious Cree), Mathew Delorme King, Shandien Sonwai LaRance, Lucaa, Than Povi Martinez, Ty Fierce Mettaba, Memegwaans Johnson Owl, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Saffron Thomas, Kellen Trenal, Mato Wayuhi, KamiJo Whiteclay, Tia Wood and Xiuhtezcatl.