The Indigenous Pop Culture Expo is a first-of-its-kind event that seeks to showcase Native American and Indigenous creatives and communities in a way that dispels the mythologies that Natives are a people of the past. Rather, IndigiPopX seeks to show Native identity in all its past, present, and future glory simultaneously.
Founded by Dr. Lee Francis IV (Pueblo of Laguna) in 2016, the first IndigiPopX was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, almost a decade ago. Since 2016, the IndigiPopX team has been having a blast every year, holding expos all across Indian Country and even in Australia.
This year, Kelly was asked to rejoin the list of speakers and sponsors. She held a fun and inviting workshop about entrepreneurship and fashion. Here’s what she had to say about her weekend with IndigiPopX.
“IndigiPopX was an amazing event to experience, as always. This is my third time attending, and every year, it gets much more fun for me. It’s certainly a place and time all year I fully feel seen, heard and understood, as I’m sure all other attendees feel during IndigiPopX. This event also serves as a time where I can meet other bright and exciting people who are as passionate as me when it comes to interests like fashion, culture, art, music, gaming, etc. I love how much IndigiPopX and its planning team treat all of its participants, attendees, and more; they strive to offer and tailor all events and happenings to every one of Indian Country and beyond. They ensure everyone’s health and safety above all. I cannot wait for the next event!” -Kelly Holmes
Kelly’s workshop empowered guests to feel confident when entering the world of business, fashion, and modeling. She expressed how confidence, networking, and having the right people in your corner are necessities to making it in this industry. Kelly provided helpful resources to aspiring entrepreneurs, models, and fashionistas and developed a heartfelt and professional connection with the entire audience.
The weekend-long event featured many household names, including Peshawn Bread (Comanche/Cherokee), Naiomi Glasses (Diné), Warren Queton (Kiowa/Cherokee/Seminole), Kaniehtiio Horn (Mohawk), and more. IndigiPopX director Kristen Gentry (Chahta) supplied us with some great pictures of the event. Here are some of our favorites.
Muriel Fahrion is the creator of Strawberry Shortcake. She is credited with being one of the first cartoonists to create children of color in the 1980s. She is pictured with Warren Queton (Kiowa/Cherokee/Seminole), who played Clinton from FX’s Reservation Dogs, and his wife, Welana Queton (Osage/Creek/Cherokee).
Laura Huskey (Chahta) won this year’s best-in-show cosplay award for her portrayal of Choctaw Queen Amidala.
Nerd 49 Hand-Drum contestant Dezbah Evans (Euchee) and her mom, Bineshi Albert (Euchee), listen in on the other contestants.
Shelly Wahweotten (Chickasaw), who owns Analog Electric Tattoo, tattooed a GI Joe design on Tom Farris (Otoe/Cherokee).
Peshawn Bread (Comanche/Cherokee) held her famous ‘A Night with Mistress Red’ show which we had the honor of sponsoring. To learn more about the performance, read our article about the art piece here.
Naiomi Glasses (Diné) & Kristin Gentry (Chahta) at ‘A Night with Mistress Red’ IndigiQueer event. Naiomi wore pieces from her new Polo Ralph Lauren collaboration, and Kristen wore designs by Lauren Good Day.
The event had so much to offer; we can’t wait for next year!
To learn more about IndigiPopX, visit their website or Instagram.
