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about the artist

At 17, Wabanoonkwe started “Dinawo” a very successful clothing line. An entrepreneur at heart, she created many start ups in the multimedia and fashion industries. She used her influence to support underground and underfunded artists to gain the exposure they deserved. Wabanoonkwe strived to amplify Indigenous creators and voices to showcase Indigenous culture on a global stage. Her commitment to hard work and determination lead her to collaborate with international Indigenous brands.  

Wabanoonkwe acquired an education in Arts and Business that is essential to her business journey's success. As a military spouse, her family is constantly moving, giving her the tools to be a versatile business operator. Wabanoonkwe still travels home to the lands of the Ojibwe People to partake in ceremonial celebrations.

Sustaining cultural arts through land-based harvesting is essential to Wabanoonkwe.

Each season Wabanoonkwe travels north to Canada to the Indigenous lands of her community to harvest supplies from Mother Earth.

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She honors her ancestors by keeping these traditions alive. Her art is designed as collector's items, each carrying its own creation story, making the custom work valuable and one-of-a-kind.

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Wabanoonkwe believes in passing down the cultural knowledge and business skills she has learned to others. Wabanoonkwe shares her entrepreneurial journey and creative advice on social media and through in-person workshops hosted by communities across turtle island.

past workshops:

quillwork

parfleche earrings

beaded wrap necklaces

dentalium breastplates

motivational speaking

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Wabanoonkwe has been featured in:

Beyond Buckskin

Native Max Magazine

Urban Native Magazine

APTN

CBC

NAMW 2013

Seven Generations Series

Star Phoenix

Glamour Magazine

Men's Health Magazine

DC Swim Week 2016-2018

Native America Calling

L'Oréal Women Rule Summit 2018

New York Fashion Week 2016-2019

Australia Bundjalung Indigenous Fashion Week 2022

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get in touch

consultations. workshops. inquiries.

Tashina Hicks

"Wabanoonkwe has given a full set of eyelashes to me. They were amazing! I got so many compliments on everything! The experience was great and I enjoyed every step of it. I highly recommend her for makeup, photo shoots, etc. She is a true artist and a master of many talents!"​​

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