Model Ashley Callingbull wears jewelry made by Sturgeon Lake artist Misty Rain Naytowhow (Submitted Photo/Misty Rain Naytowhow)

By Derek Craddock

CELEBRATION OF CULTURE

Indigenous artist sees handmade jewelry worn at Edmonton Oilers game

Dec 3, 2022 | 8:00 AM

A member of a talented Indigenous family is still feeling excitement after some of her handmade jewelry was worn by a popular Canadian model.

On Nov. 30, Indigenous actress and model Ashley Callingbull was in Edmonton during Indigenous Celebration Night at Rogers Place, where the Edmonton Oilers honoured the culture and talents of Indigenous communities across the region.

Before the night, Callingbull put a call out to Indigenous artists asking for jewelry she could wear to the event.

That’s when Misty Rain Naytowhow from Sturgeon Lake First Nation put her name in the call-out.

“There were lots of people who were interested, and I said I would do it,” she said. “Other people that have bought from me have put in a good word for me as well. She messaged me on Instagram and that’s how it came to be.”

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She said she was extremely excited to be chosen but nervous at the same time.

“I honestly didn’t think she would pick me.”

Naytowhow has been making jewelry for about eight years and has sewn clothing since 2010.

The Indigenous Celebration Night at the Oilers game featured many guests including Callingbull, Singer Kiya Bruno from Samson Cree First Nation, Treaty 6 Chief George Arcand Jr., and other First Nations leaders and performers.

The Oilers also showcased a special warmup jersey with the Oilers logo inside Turtle Island. It was designed by Edmonton-based Indigenous artist Lance Cardinal.

For Naytowhow, it was a special chapter in the journey of her family, who themselves are incredibly talented.

“My mom has been in the signing industry for as long as I can remember. She’s pretty locally known here. She’s been in the JUNOS as a nominee.”

Her mother Violet is also an activist, social worker, and traditional dancer. Mist’s sister Lily is an Indigenous architect currently working at Sturgeon Lake while her other sister Tala Tootoosis has an amazing story of drug addiction, recovery, and living a traditional lifestyle.

“They’re very busy,” said Misty. “I barely get to see my siblings; they’re doing so many things and travelling. It’s exciting for all of us because we’re all doing really good.”

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock