Rock Your Mocs | To Feel the Earth

In 2009, the School for Advanced Research hosted the first of three Moccasin Seminars. The moccasin documentation seminar brought together Navajo, Pueblo, and Apache moccasin makers to discuss the Indian Arts Research Center moccasin collection and learn from each other.

With the goal of sharing information and enhancing preservation, the moccasin makers came together to look at and discuss new and old techniques, changes and innovations in moccasin making, and the need to encourage a new generation of artists. 

Rematriate

It's time to rematriate! I was so excited when our featured artist, Autumn Dawn Gomez, created a t-shirt design for us that focused on the concept of rematriation. 

(PS: Typing rematriate is hella hard because autocorrect keeps wanting to change it to repatriate! Dirty bugger…)

First, a definition: “Rematriation is a powerful word that Indigenous women of Turtle Island use to describe how they are restoring balance to the world...it means ‘Returning the Sacred to the Mother."

Activism Through Fashion

Last month, my dear friends at the Institute of American Indian Arts asked me to record a guest lecture on the topic of Activism Through Fashion. I had a great time putting the video presentation together - falling down a BUNCH of rabbit holes and refreshing my thoughts on the power of fashion to communicate. 

It was for the course, "ARTH 306: Controversy in Native Arts," which explores the various issues facing contemporary Native American artists. The main focus is on identity, aesthetics, the marketplace, legal issues, and the role of the artist in light of social and tribal issues.

Top 10 Home Goods

From the affordable, to the swanky, we’ve come up with a list of Native-made items to spruce up your home space. 

If you are like me, you are nesting and investing in the spaces where you now spend most of your day. For example, in the past year, I’ve purchased Native-made art prints, pillows, candles, food goods, linen napkins, blankets, and more, sprucing up my kitchen, living room, bedroom, and even bathroom. 

I never really appreciated how much home decor can enrich your life.

Artist Feature: Vosq Co

We are excited to share another artist spotlight: Vosq Clothing Co.  Our pal and the owner, Sean, explained, "Vosq Co. was founded in concept, on the grounds of the Pechanga Indian Reservation. The theme then was to create a brand my family and ancestors would be proud of, as well as a brand that my friends and community could relate to." 

It's always a pleasure to work with Sean - he's got this nice and easy-going positive energy, always down to create an exclusive design with us and partner up with projects. 

Top 10 Gift Boxes and Sets

Valentine’s Day is weird (no I’m not jaded), but whatever (I swear, I’m not jaded!). I do agree that we should celebrate our loved ones - and this day does create time to do that, so that's good.

But when I think of Valentine’s Day, I think of pink hearts and those cartoony "Valentines" we were forced to give and receive in grade school whether we wanted to participate or not (EVERYONE SHALL GET A CARD DAMMIT). Later in life, I was coerced into thinking Valentine’s Day was when a guy either A) gave you flowers and chocolates, or B) HE SIMPLY HATED YOU.