April 12 @ 5:00 pm – April 13 @ 5:00 pm
Annual powwow at MSU-Northern.
Weaving Tradition with Innovation: A Journey of Creativity and Cultural Empowerment
This month we visited with Rebekah Jarvey, an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe. Rebekah is a fashion designer who has used her creativity to take the world by storm. Last year, she designed the 2023 N7 Nike shoe and took her unique collections all the way to France to walk the red carpet. Currently, Rebekah is designing a collection for Native youth as part of Western Native Voice’s 2024 Beyond Survival Youth Conference.
Please start with your background, tribe, where you grew up, family, schools attended, what you are currently doing now, etc:
I’m Rebekah Jarvey, an artisan, fashion show coordinator, and designer, proudly representing my Chippewa, Cree, and Blackfeet heritage as an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe in North Central Montana. I was born and raised on the Rocky Boy Reservation, attended Rocky Boy public schools, and graduated from Rocky Boy High School in 2005.
After high school, I pursued higher education at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, earning a dual degree in Business Administration and Psychology. Currently, I am a full-time employee for the Chippewa Cree Tribe, serving as the Human Resource Generalist while also dedicating my time to my passion for fashion on a part-time basis.
My love for fashion has been a constant in my life, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, I created the Night & Day Mask, which gained viral attention. This unexpected success led to a calling for my work, prompting me to start my business and launch my website officially. Now, I’m excited to share my designs with the world.
What does community organizing mean to you?
It takes a community to help put on a community event.
Every time I plan the Honor Our Legacy Fashion Show, the community is my top priority because I’m putting on the fashion show for them. The fashion show engages the community by having them participate in various ways, such as singing (host drum group), flag bearers in our local post, and local announcers.
Community members are the judges for the categories and also take registration. The show’s target market is young people, and those are usually the people who enter the fashion show as models. They usually enter both the competition piece and showcase. These events give them a lot of motivation and fun drug-and-alcohol-free events to look forward to. Some of them have been modeling since the first fashion show.
I pride myself on taking on this meaningful community project; it’s incredible to see the fashion show grow and expand every year. This year will be the 8th annual Honor Our Legacy and it will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Northern Winz Hotel and Casino.
How can young people use creativity to organize and change their communities?
Young people can drive change through their creativity. As an Indigenous person, embracing one’s cultural identity is a powerful way for the youth to contribute positively to their communities. In 2022, my “Being Indigenous is So Beautiful” collection aimed to convey this message.
The collection’s narrative revolves around the idea that every Indigenous person harbors unique gifts, whether in beading, sewing, singing, language learning, or dancing. Even if individuals are unaware of their talents, the key lies in practice and exploration. The essence of being Indigenous is beautifully encapsulated in the process of discovering and nurturing these gifts.
Encouraging young people to explore their cultural heritage and express it creatively fosters a sense of pride and serves as a catalyst for positive change. Whether it’s through art, storytelling, or other creative mediums, young people can effectively communicate their experiences, challenges, and aspirations, thereby mobilizing their communities toward collective progress and understanding. By embracing creativity, Native youth can amplify their voices, promote cultural richness, and contribute significantly to the betterment of their communities.
Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that shaped your journey?
A pivotal moment that significantly shaped my journey occurred on June 4, 2020, when the Night & Day Mask I designed went viral on social media. This unexpected surge in popularity became a turning point, serving as a powerful motivation for me to take my passion for fashion design more seriously and make the leap toward establishing it as a business in fashion and design.
Within a month of the Night & Day Mask gaining widespread attention on social media, I took the initiative to start my website, enabling me to showcase and sell my designs internationally.
Going from a cool social media moment to having my own international platform was a big deal, and it showed me that when you go after your passions with dedication, cool things can happen!
By embracing creativity, Native youth can amplify their voices, promote cultural richness, and contribute significantly to the betterment of their communities.
What challenges did you face along the way, and how did you overcome them?
Navigating the journey in a rural area posed its own challenges, particularly the lack of spaces or venues for vendors to sell their products. Additionally, participating in vendor markets required extensive travel, often spanning several hours, which came with its own financial burden.
To overcome these challenges, I had to get creative and resourceful. Establishing an online presence through my website allowed me to reach a wider audience without geographical limitations, which reduced the need for physical spaces and opened up global opportunities to connect with customers.
Adapting to the limitations of a rural setting requires strategic thinking and finding innovative solutions. Embracing the digital landscape and finding cost-effective ways to participate in markets were key steps in overcoming these geographical challenges.
Who were your role models or sources of inspiration when you were younger?
My role models were powwow dancers. I enjoyed watching them when I traveled to powwows, especially if they had beautiful outfits and were champion dancers.
What advice would you give a young person unsure about their future career or goals?
For a young person unsure about their future career or goals, I suggest considering traveling as a valuable and enriching experience. Joining youth groups or clubs at school and participating in fundraising activities can open up travel opportunities.
Traveling as a youth has played a significant role in shaping my character and helping me identify my interests. These experiences broaden your perspective and help you discover what resonates with you. Moreover, the connections you make during your travels can become valuable resources in your journey. Networking with people from different backgrounds can offer mentorship, guidance, and potential career opportunities.
My advice is to embrace the physical and social opportunities to explore. Traveling can catalyze personal and professional growth, helping you understand your passions and aspirations.
How do you stay motivated and driven, even when faced with setbacks?
I stay focused on the biggest goal. Motivation can be lost quickly, and when things happen, it could be an easy reason to quit. But resetting my mind and focusing on the bigger goal can be a game changer. It has allowed me to stay focused on my biggest goal.
Can you share an example of when you had to step out of your comfort zone? What did you learn from that experience?
Sharing my designs and putting myself out of my comfort zone was a significant step. I never pursued it earlier in my life due to the fear of judgment and what people might think of me. However, as I began sharing my creations and traveling the world, I learned a valuable lesson.
Stepping beyond my comfort zone allowed me to discover a supportive community and like-minded individuals who appreciated my work. The fear of judgment gradually faded, replaced by a sense of empowerment and fulfillment. I realized that by embracing vulnerability, I found my voice in the fashion world and connected with people who resonated with my journey.
This experience taught me that growth often lies just beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones. It’s where we find the courage to express our true selves, pursue our passions, and connect with others who appreciate our authenticity. Sharing my designs has become a source of joy and inspiration, proving that taking risks and stepping into the unknown can lead to meaningful and transformative experiences.
Sharing my designs has become a source of joy and inspiration, proving that taking risks and stepping into the unknown can lead to meaningful and transformative experiences.
What skills or qualities are most important for young people to develop to succeed in their chosen paths?
One crucial skill for young people to develop to succeed in their chosen paths is discipline. It’s no secret that friends and family might invite you to various social events, and while those are undoubtedly enjoyable, balancing social life with your aspirations can be challenging. Discipline becomes the key to navigating this balancing act.
The discipline to stay focused on your goals, even when faced with tempting social invitations, is essential for long-term success. It requires putting in the hard work and dedication consistently. While saying ‘no’ to certain social events may be tough, the rewards of staying committed to your dreams can be incredibly fulfilling.
How do you balance personal passions and professional responsibilities in your life?
I’ve found creating and adhering to a structured schedule, attempting to allocate dedicated time for both aspects of my life. I have been navigating this for four years. It’s an ongoing journey of finding harmony between personal and professional pursuits, recognizing that adaptability is key to navigating the complexities of a busy life.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing challenges or opportunities for young people today?
There are a bunch; however, drugs and alcohol are still the most pressing challenges.
I feel like if our communities had control over drugs and alcohol, our young people could have more opportunities in life. Most challenges in my life came from drugs and alcohol, and that’s why today I’m proud to say that I live a drug-and-alcohol-free life.
How do you envision the future, and what role do young people play in shaping it?
I envision a future marked by numerous successful Indigenous individuals seamlessly integrated into mainstream spaces. Young people play a pivotal role in shaping this future by actively contributing to and participating in these spaces. They can break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and redefine what success looks like. By embracing their unique perspectives, cultures, and talents, young people can pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse world. As I see it, the future is a canvas waiting to be painted by the aspirations, achievements, and collective impact of the younger generation to prove that being Indigenous is so beautiful.
Can you share advice or a mantra that has guided you throughout your journey?
Growing up, my mother often instilled pride in me about my tribal identity. She would say, “You are a Chippewa Cree girl.” I carried this pride when I left home to attend university in North Dakota by bringing my traditional clothes. Through this encouragement, I began to understand the importance of representing my people and being proud of myself as an Indigenous woman.
Today, some Native American youth do not receive similar encouragement. They are lost and do not have confidence or pride in their identities. To combat this issue, I want to continue implementing fashion shows across Indian Country by promoting self-confidence and pride in our identities. The mantra of being proud of who we are and where we come from serves as a guiding light in my mission to empower and uplift Indigenous voices.
Don’t let self-doubt hold you back, and be ready to seize opportunities that come your way. Embrace the unexpected, trust in your abilities, and know that sometimes, the most extraordinary paths are forged from the most unexpected turns.
What projects or initiatives are you currently working on that could inspire or involve young people?
I am working on the “Survival to Fashion” collection, a project designed specifically for youth empowerment. This collection features upcycled elements as part of its ready-to-wear line, combining sustainability with style. The aim is to blend tradition and modernity, seamlessly weaving cultural elements into everyday fashion. Through this initiative, I aspire to inspire confidence and nurture a strong cultural identity among young individuals who wear the pieces. The “Survival to Fashion” collection serves as a platform to celebrate heritage, encouraging the younger generation to embrace their roots while staying fashion-forward.
What is one thing you wish you had known or done differently when you were younger?
One thing I wish I had known or done differently when I was younger is not to listen to the negative things people told me. As a teenage mother, I faced numerous challenges, and unfortunately, I let the negative opinions of others affect my mental health. Believing and internalizing the judgments of adults had a significant impact on my well-being during that time. Looking back, I wish I had been more resilient and confident in my abilities, disregarding the negativity surrounding me. Learning to trust my instincts and believe in my own strength could have spared me unnecessary mental stress and empowered me to navigate challenges with greater resilience.
How can young people balance their ambitions with self-care and a healthy lifestyle?
Juggling big dreams and self-care is all about keeping it real with a schedule and discipline. Balancing ambition and self-care is all about finding your chill while chasing those dreams.
What message would you like to convey to young individuals facing self-doubt or uncertainty about their potential?
Just keep creating or working on your craft. And if you are around people who don’t encourage you, stay away from them. Or if you can’t stay away from them, find someone who believes in you and then take that belief they have for you and start believing in yourself.
Is there a story or lesson from your journey that you’d like to share to inspire young people?
In the early stages of my career, I faced self-doubt and hesitated to embrace my passion for fashion design fully. It took a pivotal moment—the viral success of the Night & Day Mask during the COVID-19 pandemic—to propel me into taking my dream seriously. This unexpected turn of events taught me the power of embracing opportunities, even when they come unexpectedly.
The lesson here is to be open to unexpected twists in your journey. Sometimes, it’s the unplanned moments that lead to the most significant breakthroughs. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back, and be ready to seize opportunities that come your way. Embrace the unexpected, trust in your abilities, and know that sometimes, the most extraordinary paths are forged from the most unexpected turns. Your journey is unique, and every twist and turn has the potential to shape an incredible story.
Rocky Boy’s Shining Star Has Deep Rooted Connection to Elders, Community, and Culture
Western Native Voice works year-round to inspire Native leadership so our communities flourish. We are excited to share with you Western Native Voice Community Spotlight, designed to highlight grassroots organizing and individuals creating change from across Montana and in Indian Country.
This month, we would like to introduce Laurie Sun Child, a member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe, located in Rocky Boy, Montana. In 2020, Laurie was the recipient of one our Caregiver Awards which celebrated and honored those in our Native communities who have quietly gone above and beyond caring for and giving to those most in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are are few excerpts from the many nominations we received for Laurie:
We need a lot more Laurie’s in this world … we would have more dedication and commitment to our people and tribes!
Laurie Sun Child has a deep rooted connection to elders, her community, and her culture.
She is a full time college student, grandmother, and part time worker; but none of those day-to-day duties slow her down when it comes to helping people.
She is our shining star for our elders in our community, they know that they can count on her, day or night!
I’ve known this lady for years and she’s always been a ‘talk the talk, walk the walk’ type of person.
We all know that if we want something done, we can call on Laurie and she will make sure it happens.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a single Mother of two beautiful girls, Serene & Anjel and Grandmother to six; Alyxandria, Khenadie, Ah’varie, Braxton, Cambre’iah, and Da’Vante.
I was raised in the ways of the Chippewa Cree people and firmly believe in the rich culture, traditions, and ceremony that have sustained my people for eons and eons…this is something I hold onto and will carry forward with my children, grandchildren and family.
Tell us about your education, either traditional or non-traditional?
I went to Rocky Boy Public elementary school and continued onto Box Elder public school, and graduated from there as a proud “Wah-kah-yoos”, which means Bear in the Cree Language. I, like many other Natives, went directly onto college but didn’t finish with a degree, yet! Now that I have “grown-up”, I have gone back to college at MSU-Northern to obtain that piece of paper which I know is important to be able to “walk in both worlds”. One is never too old to learn new things and learning should never stop. I am a big advocate for higher education, as were my parents and I push my children and grandchildren to continue on this path.
You have to know where you came from to know where you are going. That is my mantra.
Who were your role models?
Growing up, my role model was my father, the late John Roddy Sun Child. I watched and learned from him as his love for our family and people was of utmost importance to him. He instilled in me his respect for others, being honest and true to self and others, treating people the way you wanted to be treated, and his love for the community…the people.
Tell me about any volunteer projects that you are proud of. How did you get started?
It was through my dad’s teachings that I learned to always give back, even in the smallest of way, to those who ask, and don’t ask. Beginning in Head Start when my children were wee ones and continuing through high school, fundraising projects were constant. My employment/jobs within the community were always filled with the need to help in any way possible but most importantly, elders and youth. These two sectors of folks hold a special place for for me as I look to them as the past and the future of the tribe. The firm belief that culture is a must in order to continue our way of life consistently lead me to always promote the use of our elders in everything I do.
Have you ever run for office? Who inspired you to run?
Currently, I am the chair for the Rocky Boy school board. Having been encouraged by my brother Rick and sister-in-law Mona to run, I was ambivalent to do so, but went ahead and threw my name in the mix. Having always been involved in the school functions, this only enhances my being able to work directly for the teachers, staff, and kids. I enjoy being on the school board and love the rapport that I have with all.
Why is it important for people to get involved in their community?
I am an advocate for getting involved, being involved, and staying involved. If you don’t get involved, then don’t complain. Oftentimes, I feel that people sit back and complain about all kinds of issues, but they don’t want to be a part of the solution. There are times when the community assumes instead of verifying and that’s how miscommunication and rumors begin. During the last tribal election cycle, candidate Ms. Jody Lamere, suggested that a community board be established to ensure communication at every level. I’m thankful she made it in and it’s now happening. The community board is being established so that our community will be better and more informed, and we won’t have to rely on the ‘moccasin telegraph’ for questions and answers. There are many good things happening within the tribe and this would benefit everyone. Be the change you want to see happen!
What would you want the outside world to know about the community you consider home?
I would like to let the outside world know that we are just like everyone else. Our local community provides so much to our neighboring town and yes, there are issues although we are only 26 miles apart. We can’t always call it racism as sometimes, we are our own worst enemy. There are good people in Rocky Boy and there are good people in Havre. We need to bridge the gaps and do good things as communities instead of keeping ourselves separate. Let’s open lines of communication, share things with each other, and work together.
What change would you like to see in your community in the next five years?
The change in my community I would like to see is to bridge the gaps of communication, respect for one another, and honestly. I would love to see everyone love one another and take care of one another. We are a small tribe and we should be supporting one another instead of talking each other down. We should be thinking of ways to build each other up. We need to change for the better.
I feel that although COVID-19 has devastated everyone in the world, there has been a positive side for our tribe. It has brought us back to where we forgot we were supposed to be…together!
Our focus this month moves to the Montana Legislature and two recently elected urban Native women, Jade Bahr of Billings and Barbara Bessette of Great Falls. Both legislators shared with us some of why they ran for office and what legislation they will focus on during the coming legislative session.
First, we visited with Jade Bahr, Representative for House District 50 in Billings.
What inspired you to run for office?
I think it was a lot of different things that led up to the point of saying yes. I did see one of my best friends run for a (State) Senate seat and saw the process of all that. Knocked doors for the first time on her campaign and got to see how that was and it turned out I liked it. I always was petrified of the idea of going up to someone’s door and trying to convince them of anything, but you find value in face to face interactions and hearing their stories. My friend got to tell me how much she was enjoying being up in the legislature and what she gets to do. And I was like, wow, I’d just really liked to do this. There’s so much to learn and work with others and learning all this process. It’s attractive to me. So she asked me if I would run one night, and it was the night before the Women’s March up in Helena, and I sat there and thought, yeah, you know, what I would like to see someone like me who’s a millennial, a woman, and a Native American and also an urban Native, which can be a little bit different. I said yes and just never turned back from that. But I felt like I was definitely in it for the right reasons. I knew I’d be a voice for the most vulnerable. Growing up working class, low income taught me to be humble and recognize the struggles of the people.
Representative Bahr, what are some of your legislative priorities for the coming session?
Well, I would say just policies geared toward the people. So improving our access and affordability to healthcare. I mean that’s huge. That just affects your entire life, your health, and education. Adequately funding our public education because that is our future. Protecting worker’s rights, conditions, pay, pensions. Also, policies that are helping to improve, promote, and protect Native American culture.
Next, we have Barbara Bessette Representative for House District 24 in Great Falls. Barbara, tell us about yourself.
I am enrolled Chippewa Cree. My grandparents still live there in and around the Rocky Boy reservation. I am 34 and this past year I was one of KRTV’s “Five Under 35”. I am a substance abuse prevention specialist here in Great Falls, which just means that I work to decrease underage drinking, DUI rates, binge drinking rates, stuff like that. I’m a barrel racer and I grew up on the back of a horse, so I’ve been riding my entire life.
Representative Bessette, what inspired you to run for office, and on what legislation do you plan to focus on?
Well, it’s actually kind of a roundabout story. So about 10 years ago, I actually decided that one day I’d want to get into politics and run for office and it just never seemed like the right time. I was actually approached in 2016 to run and that still didn’t seem like the right time. Then, in 2017, I found out my legislator, who was Jean Price, was actually term-limited out and I live in the district and I just thought it would be a great opportunity for me to step up and do this. Also, it’s great because we actually do have a pretty good native population in my district. I also thought, you know, everyone deserves representation and especially urban Natives that maybe haven’t gotten it in the past. So I decided that I would just run for office. And the other thing is that we don’t talk about prevention enough and I really want to be a champion for prevention in a comprehensive way because the more we prevent diseases, we actually save money down the road. I definitely want to make sure that I’m talking about prevention. Also, make sure that we have access to treatment for people, which would include Medicaid expansion. So those are some of the few things that I want to do. I just haven’t really narrowed it down to what bills. So I’m a work in progress on that.
We asked Representatives Bahr and Bessette for some last words. Here’s what they said.
Representative Bessette: If you want to see change, you have to start it. Even if it’s just small, like maybe starting a club at your school or if you’re in an urban setting, you know, start a Native club. I know that they have here in Great Falls. Work really hard and go out there and conquer the world. I never thought I would be in this position and here I am, and it’s because so many people stood behind me and cheered me on and were there for me. I worked very hard to get here and anyone can do that.
Representative Bahr: I’d say stay engaged. Know your story. We can have faith and we can empower women of color and we can make a change.
We’d like to thank Representatives Bahr and Bessette for their time. We want to help you stay informed and involved during the 2019 legislative session, so follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and please consider becoming a member, free of charge, at www.westernnativevoice.org.