Heart Berry zoomed it up with Chez Oxendine from Tribal Business News to share about our business model, open up about her mentorship with Louie and Gong and the Inspired Natives Project, and doing tribal business during the Covid-10 Pandemic. Read the interview here:
The Good Seed- Wild Rice and other ways of Reclaiming As Anishinaabe Ojibwe people, we believe in utilizing our art as a way to bring together our value system with business, our communities, and our stories. What we see and carry on us influences what we think is important. We all want to be that nike ad right? Full of life, vitality, epicNess. Our Good Seed Collection represents a driving force in artist Howes' life and in her work. "I started going wild rice harvesting just about five years ago. There is something so magical about being out on the lake with the Manoomin stalks curved over the boat. Ricing reminds me alot of doing beadwork. It's alot of work and we...
Congratulations to all the nominees of the Inspired Natives Awards!! We are so stoked for Hannah Smith, Heart Berry's Business Manager, who is an artist in her real life! You're amazing! Hannah's work with Ninijaanis1of1's is highlighted in this blog:
Why is Native Art from Native Artists Important?
Now there is an alternative to buying "native inspired" art like Pendleton and similar brands. As the first Native company to bring you wool blankets, our partnership with Eighth Generation has changed the conversation around why is Native Art Important and Why should Native artists be a part of business by creating the Inspired Natives Project which has lifted Heart Berry and other artists such as John Pepion up into bringing our own businesses and art to the market.
From our first blanket the Wool Renewal
To the Woodland Throws Made in the US
Read the Dwell article "The Pendleton Problem"
at https://www.dwell.com/article/cultural-appropriation-home-decor-pendleton-60491a02#:~:text=The%20Pendleton%20Problem%3A%20When%20Does%20Cultural%20Appreciation%20Tip%20Into%20Appropriation%3F&text=Designers%20weigh%20in%20on%20the,you%20could%20give%20or%20receive.
I didn't grow up in a wigwam. Shocking, I know. I grew up on Reservation Road. That is not a metaphor. I LITERALLY grew up on Reservation Road. In my great grandparent’s house using the little yellow outhouse. Saturday I met an elder who very proudly and sweetly glowed about her granddaughter. She told me she is a sixth generation jingle dress dancer. I told her that is amazing... and I am grateful their family made it so far intact. But my reaction to her was tainted with a little bit of jealousy, resentment, and shame. She left me wondering whether I am worthy of this dress, this dance, this way of life… To my knowledge there are no jingle...
