As a result, Itta often relies on finding pelts herself or through her network of hunters in the area, sometimes happening upon them organically. “During COVID, there was a big storm that washed up like 30 or 40 seals on the beach,” says Itta. “My whole life living here, I’ve never heard of anything like that happening. My dad called me and said, ‘You need to go to the beach right now!’” Itta ended up using those seal skins for a parka that was recently displayed at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe.
Despite these increasing environmental hurdles, however, Indigenous artists like Itta, Oscar, and Anishinabie continue to innovate with their distinctive designs, employing the furs they thoughtfully and carefully procure. Through their one-of-a-kind fur garments or accessories, the Indigenous community continues to utilize natural materials and create pieces that are built to last—a stark contrast to the fashion industry’s tendency to overproduce. “What we make isn’t fast fashion,” says Anishinabie. “These items will last generations. They hold their value.”
For Itta, the design process for her fur creations also holds a more personal and poignant cultural meaning. “Doing traditional [designs] is like medicine—it’s healing to me,” says Itta. “It makes me feel connected to my people and our traditions. It shows the world that we’re still here, we’re still doing this, and we’re going to continue doing this. No matter what.”