Social media is giving a new generation of Indigenous influencers a platform to educate and advocate. They each bring a unique perspective to the social sphere. From an Indigenous model with face tattoos to clean water advocates, these influencers can elevate everyone’s knowledge about Indigenous heritage, challenges, and spirit.
10 inspiring Indigenous influencers to follow
Txai Surui
Born of the Surui people in Rondonia, Brazil, Txai studied law and now works with a legal team to protect the rights and lands of indigenous people. Txai recently climbed to social fame after giving a passionate speech to the UN on the effects of climate change on the Amazon. Her famous line from the speech: “The earth is speaking. She tells us that we have no more time.”
Quannah Chasinghorse
Twenty-year-old fashion model Quannah Chasinghorse proudly supports her Native heritage. She is of Han Gwich’in and Oglala Lakota heritage and walks the runways flawlessly, proudly showing her Indigenous face tattoos on her chin and near her eyes. Her Instagram is full of photo shoots, magazine covers, and rallies to speak out against injustice.
James Jones
James Jones has taken TikTok and Instagram by storm. Known to his friends as Notorious Cree, James fuses modern breakdancing and hip hop with traditional Native dances. He gives his 1 million Instagram followers PowWow dance tutorials, shows them war dances, and demonstrates hoop dances.
Autumn Peltier
A global water activist and a member of the Wiikwemikoong First Nation, Autumn has spoken to the UN about undrinkable water on Indigenous lands. In Instagram videos, she runs a tap that’s spewing murky brown water and compares Canadian tap water and the water found on the Anishinaabe Territory on Manitoulin Island in northern Ontario, Canada. She shares snaps of her speaking engagements and family as well.
Felicia Fox
An “aboriginal enchantress” and drag queen, Felicia Fox grew up in a Kamilaroi and Dunghutti family, where he struggled to fit in. In his teens, he found his niche in drag and is now participating in the First Nations Fashion and Design show in Australia. He shares snaps of his fashion shoots and outfits, and encourages everyone to embrace their true selves.
Sean Snyder
With Navajo and Southern Ute heritage, Sean is a grass dancer working to educate the public about the lives of Two Spirits; a term used to describe an Indigenous person who embraces both the male and female spirit. Sean’s 20K Instagram followers see his national dance competitions and his competitive couples dances, which he does with his partner. The Las Vegas resident also creates and sells Native jewelry.
Sarain Fox
An Anishinaabe from Batchawana First Nation, Sarain hosts “RISE” on Viceland and earned a Canadian Screen Award nomination for her work on a 2020 documentary, “Inendi.” Sarain uses her Instagram channel as a platform to advocate for Indigenous people, like when she spoke with lawmakers to improve water quality. She also gives her 62K followers glimpses of her life as a mom.
Charlie Amaya Scott
Charlies promotes herself as an Indigenous trans-femme with great hair. She advocates for self-care and being yourself, all while showing her 88K Instagram followers a glimpse of her life. She talks about climate change, educates people on pronoun usage, and even offers Native recipes, like her family’s holiday recipe for mutton stew.
Lakisha Custer-Sewap
Lakisha’s makeup embraces her Woodland Cree heritage. She does original makeup designs, particularly eyeshadow designs that draw inspiration from her people and nature. She rocked an awesome look for Halloween but vowed to keep it simpler next year after spending hours creating the look. Her Instagram also offers snaps of her new baby boy.
Naiomi Glasses
If you’re searching for rugs that wow, seventh-generation weaver Naiomi has what you’re looking for. She sells her intricate designs on her website and at her family ranch in Northern Arizona in Navajo Nation. She promotes her floor rugs on Instagram and also talks about her extensive turquoise jewelry collection, which she was interviewed about by Vogue. Naiomi is also “cleft proud” as she was born with a cleft palate.
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