meet the team
Wabanoonkwe
owner - artist
At 17, Wabanoonkwe started “Dinawo” a very successful clothing line. An entrepreneur at heart, she created many start ups in the multimedia and fashion industries. She used her influence to support underground and underfunded artists to gain the exposure they deserved. Wabanoonkwe strived to amplify Indigenous creators and voices to showcase Indigenous culture on a global stage. Her commitment to hard work and determination lead her to collaborate with international Indigenous brands.
Wabanoonkwe acquired an education in Arts and Business that is essential to her business journey's success. As a military spouse of 20 years, her family is constantly moving, giving her the tools to be a versatile business operator. Wabanoonkwe still travels home to the lands of the Ojibwe People to partake in ceremonial celebrations.
Sustaining cultural arts through land-based harvesting is essential to Wabanoonkwe. Her art is designed as collector's items, each carrying its own creation story, making the custom work valuable and one-of-a-kind, historical pieces.
Wabanoonkwe believes in passing down the cultural knowledge and business skills she has learned to others. Wabanoonkwe shares her entrepreneurial journey and creative advice on social media and through in-person workshops hosted by communities across turtle island.
past workshops:
quillwork
parfleche earrings
dentalium breastplates
motivational speaking
modeling mentorship
makeup workshops
Wabanoonkwe has been featured in:
Beyond Buckskin
Native Max Magazine
Urban Native Magazine
APTN
CBC
NAMW 2013
Seven Generations Series
Star Phoenix
Glamour Magazine
Men's Health Magazine
DC Swim Week 2016-2018
Native America Calling
L'Oréal Women Rule Summit 2018
New York Fashion Week 2016-2019
Australia Bundjalung Indigenous Fashion Week 2022
W Magazine 2024
Speaking Engagements
USAF INET
NYC Queens College
ONWA Women in Business
DC Aid to Artisians
Parsons School of Design
Member of
USAF Key Spouse Leadership Program
The Powder Group
Vogue Business
Womens World Association in Business
