Indigenous models and creatives are bringing long-overdue representation to fashion, from luxury runways to global campaigns. Many also use their platforms to speak up for their communities, their land and their culture.
Here are four Native American and Indigenous women making their mark in modeling, fashion and entertainment.
1. Quannah Chasinghorse
SaveQuannah Chasinghorse is one of the most recognizable Indigenous models working today. She is Hän Gwich’in from Eagle Village, Alaska, and Oglala Lakota, and she is signed with IMG Models.
She appeared in Calvin Klein’s “One Future” campaign in 2020, made history on the cover of Vogue Mexico in 2021, and has walked for Chanel, Tommy Hilfiger and Prabal Gurung. Her Met Gala appearances drew wide attention, and in 2022 she was nominated for Model of the Year at The Fashion Awards.
Chasinghorse is known for her Yidįįłtoo, traditional Gwich’in face tattoos applied by her mother, and for her climate activism, including campaigning to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
2. Ashley Callingbull
SaveAshley Callingbull is a member of the Enoch Cree Nation in Alberta, Canada. In 2015 she became the first Canadian and the first First Nations woman to win Mrs. Universe.
She has modeled as a spokesperson for Nike N7, acted in the APTN drama Blackstone and competed with her stepfather on The Amazing Race Canada as part of the show’s first First Nations team. She uses her platform to raise awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
3. Shayla Oulette Stonechild
SaveShayla Oulette Stonechild is Red River Métis and Plains Cree (Nehiyaw) from Muscowpetung First Nation. She is a global yoga ambassador for lululemon and was the first Indigenous person on the cover of Yoga Journal.
She founded the Matriarch Movement, a platform and non-profit that amplifies Indigenous voices and offers wellness workshops for Indigenous women and two-spirit people. She has also worked with brands including Sephora and Adobe, competed on The Amazing Race Canada and won CBC’s Canada Reads.
4. Tonantzin Carmelo
SaveTonantzin Carmelo is an actress of Tongva and Kumeyaay heritage, born in Orange County, California. She is best known for playing Thunder Heart Woman in the Steven Spielberg-produced miniseries Into the West, and for roles in La Brea, Dark Winds and NCIS: Origins.
Carmelo has spoken openly about the slow progress toward better roles for Indigenous actors in Hollywood, and she has become a familiar face on screen for Native representation.
Final Thoughts
From Quannah Chasinghorse on luxury runways to Ashley Callingbull’s advocacy, these women show how Indigenous talent is reshaping fashion and media. For more inspiring models, see our list of Black female models who shaped fashion and famous plus-size models.
