A Dazzling Display of Indigenous Fashion
Jackie Qataliña Schaeffer’s designs dazzled a crowd of cheering hundreds during April’s Far North Fashion Show in Anchorage. An annual showpiece of the Arctic Encounter Symposium, the event features Alaska Native models and designers from across the state. Jackie—SEARCH Co-Principal Investigator and Director of Climate Initiatives at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium—is a pillar of the show and studied fashion design at the American College of London. Her passion for serving Alaska’s Indigenous People and Indigenous perspective she brings to all her work shine bright in her expert fashion designs. This year, Jackie had nine pieces across three themes: MMIWG (missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls) Black Raven, Healing White Raven, and Salmon Protector. Pieces were crafted from materials including seal skin, salmon skin, wolf and fox pelt, reindeer leather and fur, and feathers. Check out photos (by Rocelle Smallwood) of Jackie’s designs and information on her models, makeup, and collaborations below.
Models:
Maqik Keegan Richards (Jackie’s daughter, Iñupiaq)
Aavurauq Ryen Richards (Jackie’s daughter, Iñupiaq)
Seghuq Kenzi Osgood (Jackie’s daughter, Iñupiaq)
Qikiqtuk Arin Mathis (Jackie’s son, Iñupiaq)
Deenaalee Hodgdon (Supiaq/Athabaskan)
Hana Stepetin (Unungax)
Olivia Vann (Cherokee)
Sophia Vann (Cherokee)
Ryan Boss (Yup’ik)
Makeup artist: ChaCha Flores
Collaborations with fellow Designers:
1. Ginew jeans with raven accent by Jennifer Younger Designs
2. Jewelry by Jennifer Younger Designs
3. Akinubeaty jewelry by Cheryl Brantley
4. Cedar jewelry by Master Carver Kevin Paul
5. Ivory and polar bear claw jewelry by Master Carver Walter Topkok
6. Traditional Athabaskan beaded collar by Master Beader Denise Newman
