“I came to the UN because Indigenous voices belong in these spaces—because for too long, we’ve been silenced or pushed aside.”
Before 22-year-old Indigenous model Quannah Chasinghorse began taking over the fashion world, the Gwich'in and Oglala Lakota star cultivated a platform for her activism work as a young woman. Today, Chasinghorse continues to use her voice to address climate and land issues affecting Indigenous communities—so it was only natural that she was invited as a special guest to attend the annual United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, held last week in New York City.
Serving as the UN’s primary global gathering on Indigenous peoples’s rights, the model was invited to be a part of the Gwich'in Steering Committee delegation—serving as a voice for the needs and rights of the Gwich'in community in particular. “What brought me to the UN was my responsibility as a daughter, granddaughter, and future ancestor of Gwich’in,” Chasinghorse tells Vogue. “I’ve grown up watching my mother and grandmother fight to protect our sacred lands, and I carry that responsibility forward. I came to the UN because Indigenous voices belong in these spaces—because for too long, we’ve been silenced or pushed aside.” During the busy week of gatherings, meetings, and panels, Chasinghorse touched on a variety of topics including land rights, climate change, and the harm of extractive industries such as mining and oil pipelines. “I spoke about the urgent need to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, where the Gwich’in people hold sacred connection to the Porcupine Caribou Herd, and the land where life begins, says Chasinghorse. “Protecting these places is about protecting our future and honoring the sacred relationships our peoples have upheld for generations.” The model also delivered remarks during a special agenda, titled The Rights of Indigenous Women. “Women are often the backbone of our communities and frontline defenders of Mother Earth,” says Chasinghorse, “yet we face challenges like gender-based violence and the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women.” While the messages and conversations from her busy UN week was front and center, what Chasinghorse adorned herself with was equally as powerful. The model used her platform to spotlight Indigenous design—wearing both traditional and contemporary pieces that highlighted the unique beauty of her culture. “Every piece represents me in different ways, and they remind me of home,” says Chasinghorse. Her wardrobe for the week included a custom ribbon skirt made by her auntie and best friend, Melissa Charlie and Trenity Washington; wrap-style moccasins made by her grandma, Adeline Juneby-Potts; a geometric and floral belt by Nicole Paskemin Creations; and a moose hide vest made by her auntie Princess Daazhraii Johnson, with red velvet fabric and beaded flowers. Her striking jewelry served as a continuation of her intentional style. Chasinghorse wanted to wear Indigenous-made pieces that reflected a sustainable spirit, crafted from natural materials such as hides and tusks. This included Heather Dickson earrings made of pink rabbit fur, porcupine quills, and beads; a “Land Back” necklace set by Colleen Colegrove made of dentalium shells, porcupine quills, and turquoise; and Trevor Thompson Designs earrings made of ermine tail and dentalium. Chasinghorse saw these statement pieces not only as beautiful, but as meaningful conversation-starters. “Every piece was fierce and present, statement pieces that complimented each other very well,” says Chasinghorse. “I loved wearing these because people ask questions in regards to their meanings and materials, and finding ways to educate people is always the goal.” Reflecting on the week of important work, Chasinghorse says her personal highlights were getting to meet fellow activists and changemakers—citing names such as Jean Whitehorse, Casey Camp-Horinek, and Whitney Gravelle. “A lot of people ask me what keeps me hopeful, and hearing young people use their voice can really spark something,” says Chasinghorse. “They modeled guidance and good leadership.” Her main takeaway from the forum, meanwhile, was recognizing that Indigenous communities have the power to demand and make change on big levels. “Indigenous peoples have the right to determine what happens in our homelands. We have the right to say no,” says Chasinghorse. “When we protect our cultures, languages, and knowledge systems, we protect the planet. Real change only happens when we show up and demand it, and I carried the hopes and prayers of my people with me into those halls.” Below, see more exclusive photos from Chasinghorse’s week.
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