Beyond the Art

Celebrating Identity and Creativity in Native Fashion with Amber-Dawn Bear Robe

Listen on

Episode notes

Amber-Dawn Bear Robe invites us on a vibrant exploration of Indigenous fashion, revealing the layered stories and cultural significance behind each piece. As a luminary in Indigenous art, fashion, and education, Amber-Dawn shares her journey from the Siksika Nation in Alberta to her influential role in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Through her experiences, we unravel how her heritage and the political nature of being Native infuse her work with meaning, challenging stereotypes and elevating Indigenous voices on global platforms like the Getty.

We traverse the nuances of curating Indigenous art with Amber-Dawn, drawing insights from her work at the Urban Shaman Gallery in Winnipeg. The conversation highlights the collaborative spirit necessary for showcasing Indigenous art and fashion, emphasizing fashion's universal language as a conduit for cultural expression. A pivotal moment at a fashion show at the Getty underscores the power of prominent platforms in celebrating Indigenous talent. Amber-Dawn also discusses her contributions to education, particularly her efforts in developing Indigenous fashion history courses at the Institute of American Indian Arts.

Looking towards the future, Amber-Dawn envisions Santa Fe as a burgeoning fashion capital, advocating for greater investment in events like Native Fashion Week Santa Fe. She dreams of a world where Indigenous designers gain global recognition and economic success, while honoring the historical significance of past art movements, such as the Indian Group of Seven. Her passion for fostering change shines through as she spotlights emerging designers like John Tecom and shares personal reflections on cultural identity, style, and the joy of creativity. Join us for an inspiring discussion that celebrates the enduring power and potential of Indigenous fashion and art.