Native Nations Fashion Night *

Native Nations Fashion Night *

native nations fashion night

Each year, Minneapolis becomes a global hub showcasing a diverse array of Indigenous fashion, anchored by a runway show and an artisan market featuring international designers representing diverse Native Nations. As an annual event, Native Nations Fashion Night is increasing opportunities for all creatives including DJ’s, musicians, hair and make-up artists, staging, lighting, audio & visual, media professionals, models, including the amazing venues that provide a variety of dynamic amenities.

RUNWAY SHOW: Immerse yourself in contemporary Native design with a runway show featuring the latest looks from Native fashion designers from across US and Canada.

MARKETPLACE: Peruse jewelry and wares by Native artists and designers at the curated artisan marketplace.

MUSIC: DJs and musicians from Native communities create the perfect vibe for enjoying new contemporary fashion.

FOOD + DRINKS: Local chefs share their work with new tastes in Native cuisine.

By attending Native Nations Fashion Night, you are supporting:

  • Equitable representation of Native artistic contributions in the fashion Industry

  • Combating stereotypes of Native art and artists and working to rectify cultural appropriation in fashion

  • Providing economic opportunity to underrepresented artists and designers

  • Creating visibility for emerging and established Native designers

  • Enriching the Twin Cities arts and culture community.

Native Nations fashion day | April 25

Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, representing Governor Tim Walz at the Northern Lights fashion event in 2023, designated April 25 as “Native Nations Fashion Day” with an official proclamation from the state of Minnesota. Communities across the US and Canada are encouraged to unite by wearing their contemporary and heirloom pieces that speak to the rich tapestry of Indigenous fashion. All people are called to acknowledge and show appreciation for the great contribution of Indigenous fashion by buying directly from the artisans and designers making the work.

  • Whereas: Traditional Indigenous artistry has been passed down for generations and has influenced the fashion industry of today and throughout history; and

    Whereas: Indigenous communities have led the way in the design of clothing, jewelry, and accessories using sustainable materials gathered from the earth, through trade, and by using multimedia contemporary design technologies to indigenize mainstream fashion trends; and

    Whereas: Indigenous designers are part of Minnesota’s growing fashion industry with collections that incorporate sewing, beading, quillwork, and graphic designs showcased each year at a runway show and artisan market during Minnesota Fashion Week; and

    Whereas: This year’s theme for Native Nations Fashion Night is Northern Lights, providing a unique fashion experience and artistic performance of texture, color, and movement while representing the lifeways of the Yup’ik of Alaska, and the Great Lakes Woodlands Anishinaabeg of Minnesota; and

    Whereas: Native Nations Fashion Night features original designs by Delina White, Minnesota Chippewa Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, and a Native jewelry maker, beadwork artist, and leading fashion designer in Minnesota; and

    Whereas: Delina White’s “IamAnishinaabe” contemporary and traditional apparel will be featured on the Natitve Nations Fashion Night runway, the work of a true fashion icon that continues to inspire and lead the way for future generations of Indigenous artists and designers.

    NOW THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, April 23, 2023 as NATIVE NATIONS FASHION NIGHT DAY.

“Native Nations Fashion Day is a testament to the resilience and unique lifeways of Native peoples,” says Delina White. “We want people to get decked out to celebrate Indigenous creative ingenuity, our narrative, sharing stories, and expressing pride in our appearance.”
— Delina White
 

2023 Northern Lights

Date: April 25, 2023

Location: Machine Shop

Designers: Lavender Kingbird, Golga Oscar, Delina White

Sponsors: KAXE Northern Commuity Radio

2022 Native Star Light

Date: April 25, 2022

Location: Machine Shop

Designers: Lauren Goodday, Osamuskwasis, Delina White

Music: Corey Medina & Brothers

2021 Native Visions

Date: April 22, 2021

Loction: The Lynhall

Designers: Darlene Beets (Beads Sews Creations), Osamuskwasis, Delina White (IamAnishinaabe)