Two years ago, she was a determined teenager advocating for Indigenous land and climate preservation.
Here, she pays tribute to her roots and the people who planted them in Fairbanks, Alaska.
I was born in Tuba City, Arizona.
Chasinghorse supports Indigenous designers whenever she can. For this shoot, she chose a dress by B. Yellowtail and jewelry by Tania Larsson.
After that, we went to Mongolia where my grandparents were.
We ended up living there for two years.
I would sit there in front of the TV, mesmerized.
Chasinghorse with her Auntie Natasha’s one-year-old son, Isaac. “He’s going to be a chief when he’s older. I know it,” says Chasinghorse. “He has a lot to say!“B. Yellowtail dress. Tania Larsson jewelry.
I became so in love with modeling.
I was five when we went back to America.
We lived out in the woods, in a cabin.
Chasinghorse with her Auntie Natasha’s one-year-old son, Isaac. “He’s going to be a chief when he’s older. I know it,” says Chasinghorse. “He has a lot to say!“B. Yellowtail dress. Tania Larsson jewelry.
We had to chop wood for fire.
We had to hunt and fish.
Chasinghorse with her Auntie Natasha’s one-year-old son, Isaac.
Chasinghorse’s mother, Jody Potts-Joseph (left), inked her daughter’s traditional tattoos, or Yidįįłtoo. Each line represents a different point or achievement or responsibility in a woman’s life, and tradition dictates that they be hand-poked by another woman. Chasinghorse’s first, a line down the center of her chin, represents her coming of age.
“He’s going to be a chief when he’s older.
I know it,” says Chasinghorse.
“He has a lot to say!“B.
Chasinghorse expertly applying false lashes on her mom.
As I grew older, I spent more time with elders, asking questions [about our culture].
Something my mom always repeated to us is to never forget who you are and where you come from.
We’re still here, and we’re breaking the cycle.
Chasinghorse (center) with her “badass” aunties (from left): Carrie Stevens, an associate professor of tribal governance at the University of Alaska Fairbanks; Princess Johnson, a producer onMolly of Denali(an animated children’s show that follows the adventures of a 10-year-old Indigenous girl); Natasha Singh, a tribal attorney; and Melissa Charlie, deputy director of the Fairbanks Native Association and designer of the parka Chasinghorse wears above.On Stevens: Joyce Roberts blazer. Lynette Frank earrings and bracelet. On Johnson: B. Yellowtail dress. Deloole’aanh Ericksonn earrings. On Singh: Jason Wu dress. Lynette Frank earrings. Shaax' Saani of Indigenous Princess necklace and bracelet. On Charlie: Anthropologie dress. Lynette Frank earrings.
We’re turning pain into power and trying to create a path so that other people can follow.
Before then, starting at 12, I would just draw it on with [eyeliner].
Chasinghorse’s mother, Jody Potts-Joseph (left), inked her daughter’s traditional tattoos, or Yidiitoo.
Chasinghorse’s first, a line down the center of her chin, represents her coming of age.
Chasinghorse expertly applying false lashes on her mom.
My aunties were a big part of my upbringing.
They made sure that I knew my voice was important and that I had power in that.
I learned everything from them.
I never felt alone.
I always felt empowered.
I want my people to be proud [of me].
I want them to live through me.
And having them there to share the experience [of this photo shoot] was so much fun.
We did each other’s makeup and hair.
Almost all [the jewelry and clothing] was handmade by one of my aunties.
So it’s really important for me to uplift my own people.
Lynette Frank earrings and bracelet.
On Johnson: B. Yellowtail dress.
On Singh: Jason Wu dress.
Shaax' Saani of Indigenous Princess necklace and bracelet.
On Charlie: Anthropologie dress.
I just moved to Los Angeles from Alaska a few months ago and it was a huge transition.
I miss my family.
I miss my people.
So it is extremely important for me to stay connected to my culture.
It’s a big part of my identity.
Not just as me, myself, but as an Indigenous person.
I wouldn’t be here without it.
Sittings editor: Tchesmeni Leonard.
Makeup: Amelia Paul-Koyukuk Village.
