R2 Visits Creative Economy Summit and Native Nations Fashion Show

On April 24th, 2025 R2Arts staff participated in the first ever Native Nations Creative Economy Summit held in St. Paul Minnesota. This creative summit featured many keynote speakers, each of with sharing their expertise regarding economic growth and development with an Indigenous perspective.

“Creating a sustainable lifestyle through creativity is tough, but not impossible. We’re bringing together the best and brightest individuals and organizations who support them to connect with one another on creating a vibrant and abundant life as artists. Being an artist requires hard work and grit, and is entrepreneurship. This day-long summit will provide tools and resources for people looking to expand their skillsets to creating an abundant lifestyle through creativity and the arts.”

The following day, April the 25th was the 5th Annual Native Nations Fashion Show. This year’s show was all about water:

Nibi Indow | Mni Wauᶇ | I am Water

“Water has always been a symbol of life, change, and continuity—perfectly reflecting the strength and adaptability of Native communities as we move forward. Like water, we are ever-flowing, capable of navigating obstacles, reshaping our paths, and sustaining future generations.”

Each designer took their own personal spin on their connections with water and relationship with fashion. Designers at this event were Bineshi-ikwewag (Turtle Mountain, ND Anishinaabe,) Sage Davis (Leech Lake MN Anishinaabe,) Lavender Doris (Red Lake & Leech Lake MN Anishinaabe,) Shannon Gustafson (Whitesand Ontario First Nation Anishinaabe,) and Delina White (Leech Lake MN Anishinaabe.)

We wanted to say thank you for all of those who participated in making this event happen. Special thanks to Delina White for inviting the R2Arts staff to participate in both the Economy Summit and attend the Fashion Show.

Want to find out more about this event? Visit here.