Inspired Natives, not Native Inspired is the driving force behind Louie Gong's vision of creating a new way forward for Native artists with Eighth Generation. The whole crew recently gathered in Seattle for a panel in the historic Town Hall complete with Native art market and chefs. @heartberry.co An incredible Inspired Natives Event. Shenanigans were had. @Eighth Generation @JohnIsaiahPepion @louiegong #oxdx #milocreations ♬ original sound - Heart Berry Who are the Inspired Natives? Louie Gong (Nooksack) founder of Eighth Generation whose inspiring and groundbreaking work has changed the industry through the reclamation of the wool blanket and changing the paradigm around how businesses should work with Native artists. Michelle Lowden (Pueblo) of Milo Creations whose work has a resilience and...
As an Indigenous person the concept of home is one that can fill me with deep gratitude and visceral rage. The rates of homelessness for Native people is 10% though we represent 1.5% of the population. And these are not just statistics, chances are if I see a Native person on the corner of Lake St, Lake Ave, I will know either them or we will know the same people. This is a reminder how most of us are only a few paychecks and rough times away from that same hard life. Every person deserves the integrity of a home. And as the powerful art installation in Minneapolis by Courtney Cochran states "Noone was homelessness before 1492". As Native people...
Embracing Native Culture: A Journey of Graduation, Pride, and Blankets Graduating from college is a milestone worth celebrating, but for many Indigenous students, it's more than just receiving a diploma; it's a culmination of resilience, identity, and cultural pride. As an Anishinaabeg, we understand the significance of honoring our history, especially in moments of achievement. We know how hard your Native students work, the barriers they jump over, and the sweetness of their victories. Education has always been central to Indigenous communities, as young people have always learned from elders and family members. Excelling and knowledge carrying has always been central to our way of life. The boarding school era severed and created multiple generations of trauma around missing links to culture, family,...
"At Heart Berry we grew from the kitchen table to the trailer to our current HQ! This year we will be hosting our holiday market and classes in house. For me the pride and joy is translating our traditional art onto contemporary formats. Whether its wool blankets or art installations, I love this place where the world converges"
Eighth Generation
Nedahness Greene
MN United
MN Dark Clouds
Heart Berry
Canvas Rebel
Dreams to Fruition
It is a bittersweet moment as CEO and Founder of Eighth Generation, Louie Gong retires. What began as a vision drawing on VANS in his living room has become the most successful Native brand in the country. As Inspired Natives collaborators, Heart Berry has been so blessed to be along on this journey. We are so grateful to the vision and mentorship Gong has provided so many. Take a tour and meet the New CEO!
