Quannah Chasinghorse

From an early age, Chasinghorse was immersed in the traditions of her ancestors. Her upbringing was steeped in the practices of hunting, fishing, dog mushing, and a deep-seated respect for the land—a foundation that would later fuel her passion for environmental conservation. This intrinsic connection to nature and heritage became the bedrock of her dual pursuits in modeling and activism.​

Her foray into the fashion world was not just a personal achievement but a groundbreaking moment for Indigenous representation. In 2020, she captivated the industry with her participation in a Calvin Klein campaign, marking the beginning of a series of high-profile engagements. Her presence on the covers of esteemed publications like Vogue Mexico and Elle not only showcased her striking features but also brought Indigenous beauty and narratives to the forefront of mainstream media. Her traditional Yidįįłtoo face tattoos, a symbol of her cultural identity, challenged conventional beauty standards and sparked conversations about inclusivity in fashion.​

Beyond the glitz and glamour of runways, Chasinghorse is a fourth-generation land protector of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and has been at the forefront of campaigns against oil development in these sacred lands. Her advocacy extends to climate justice, where she amplifies Indigenous voices and emphasizes the importance of traditional ecological knowledge in combating environmental crises. Her eloquence and passion have made her a sought-after speaker at global forums, where she seamlessly bridges the worlds of fashion and environmentalism.​

In recent endeavors, she continues to intertwine her artistic talents with her advocacy. She is set to be featured in a forthcoming documentary, Beautiful Resistance, that chronicles the 22-year-old’s efforts to protect her homeland—the Arctic’s last true wilderness—from the relentless push of Big Oil and climate devastation, shedding light on her personal experiences navigating the intersections of cultural identity and environmental activism, while highlighting the broader struggles and triumphs of Indigenous communities in their fight for justice and recognition.​

Her story is not just one of personal success but a narrative that encapsulates the resilience, beauty, and strength of Indigenous cultures. It is because of her profound work challenging stereotypes and inspiring younger generations that we have proudly collaborated with Chasinghorse on the newest campaign for JMM’s Last Frontier, a collection of limited-edition eyewear and jewelry shaped by an ongoing exploration of the American West and a commitment to supporting Indigenous peoples through partnership and philanthropy.

JMM: Can you describe your relationship to Jacques Marie Mage -- how you first became aware of the brand, and how you eventually collaborated with JMM on a campaign?

Quannah Chasinghorse (QC): I became aware of the brand through friends that had previously worked with them and I loved their campaigns. The collaborative work with native artists is what made me appreciate them beyond their aesthetically pleasing photos. I saw intention and eventually saw how they were leaving a good impact by supporting non-profits and organizations that are directly working with native communities. 

JMM: How did it feel to work with your fellow model--and uncle!--Mr. Ben Juneby? What did it mean to see him included in this project?

QC: Including my Uncle Ben was such a treat. He got used to my mom, my friends and I taking photos of him all the time. When I brought up the idea to my mom one random day on how cool it would be to include him in a photo shoot, we weren’t exactly expecting it to actually happen. But with the right opportunity, it came to life, and it was my uncle's first time in L.A. We had a lot of fun, I got to show him around and meet cool people, and he enjoyed a break from the cold winter in Alaska. It truly was such a special experience and I’m so thankful I got to share this campaign with him, he truly is a badass. 

JMM: How would you describe the challenge of balancing activism and advocacy with your career in fashion and film?

QC: It’s not entirely challenging because I entered the fashion space as an advocate before anything. I got scouted because of my work and find ways to bridge the gap between the fashion industry with sustainability, environmental justice, and social justice. Every space I’m in, every room I walk into, I take the opportunity to educate and help people understand who we are as Indigenous people in America. It’s so important because the lack of representation and diversity allows people to assume we no longer exist, or that we are simply an old story. I'm living proof of my ancestors resilience, despite what we continuously go through, there is more to us than our history and trauma. We have knowledge and wisdom with experience that can help heal the world and create solutions to many of today’s issues. I think the only challenging thing is being taken seriously, to be seen as necessary at the table or on the runway, in fashion spaces or political spaces, because we can’t have people from outside our communities keep telling our stories and narratives for us. Our voices and teachings have kept us alive, but also have protected the natural world at a higher level than any other people in the world. I just use my platform in fashion and in film as a tool to keep speaking the truth. 

JMM: Has working in fashion given you skills or tools that you can apply in your advocacy/activism work? Conversely, has your advocacy work given you skills/tools that help you navigate the world of fashion and celebrity?

QC: Both worlds play a huge role in how I show up in every space. Activism and advocacy is necessary for me when I’m in fashion spaces, and helping people understand the impact of using that “celebrity status” and how to use the world of fashion and creative expression through film and art as a form of protest. Everything is and can be political, my entire existence as an Indigenous person is political… unfortunately. 

JMM: Where do you go, what do you do, to be alone?

QC: I go to the gym to focus on my health and body, have a routine, and try my best to just be present with myself and not let my mind run. There’s so much work to be done right now and letting myself TRULY rest can be hard. 

JMM: What song would you choose to dance to at 3 in the morning?

QC: NUMB by Chitra – current vibe. I can dance and sing this all day. 

JMM: What is your longest standing obsession?

QC: Pickles. Will always and forever love pickles. 

JMM: What do you look forward to in 2025?

QC: All my film work :). I’m currently working on four films. I’m very proud of these projects and what we are working to achieve.