Quannah Chasinghorse

Quannah Rose Chasinghorse-Potts (born June 7, 2002) is a Native American model and land protector. She appeared on the 2020 Teen Vogue list of Top 21 under 21.

Early life[]

Born on Navajo Nation territory in Tuba City, Arizona where her mother was studying at the time,^[1] Chasinghorse is Hän Gwich’in of Eagle Village, Alaska, on her mother's side and Sicangu-Oglala Lakota of the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota on her father's side. Chasinghorse spent her early childhood in Arizona, Mongolia, and New Mexico before returning to her maternal homelands in Alaska at the age of six. She lived in Kenny Lake and then Fairbanks.^[2] She attended Effie Kokrine Charter School.^[3]

Career[]

Chasinghorse is a fourth-generation land protector for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as part of the Alaska Wilderness League. She said she does not want future generations to have to keep fighting. At age 17, she sat on the International Gwich’in Youth Council, traveling to Washington, D.C., New York, and Colorado. She lobbied against oil leasing that would damage the refuge and supported HR 11-46, a bill that would permanently protect the land. She participated in climate rallies both locally and in Denver. She has spoken on climate action and indigenous rights at a number of events and panels.^[4][5]

Chasinghorse was interested in modeling and fashion from a young age but, due to the lack of indigenous representation she found in magazines and fashion shows, did not think it was feasible as a career.^[6] In 2020, she landed a gig with Calvin Klein for their one future #ckone youth campaign. She then signed with IMG Models.^[7][8] She has since featured on the covers of Vogue Mexico,^[9] Vogue Japan, V Magazine and been profiled in the likes of Vogue. She became recognised for her traditional face tattoos called Yidįįłtoo.

Chasinghorse makes a point of celebrating indigenous fashion and promoting sustainable indigenous brands. Her red carpet look at the American-themed 2021 Met Gala went viral on social media.^[10] The Navajo-inspired outfit was put together by , Tabitha Simmons, Gucci Westman, and 2006 Miss Navajo Nation Jocelyn Billy-Upshaw, a family friend.^[11] Refinery29 called her the "breakout star" of the event.^[12] That same week, she walked her first runway at New York Fashion Week.^[13]

References[]