Brook Waagaagamiizhing LaFloe -

Co-Founder, CEO

Tribal Affilition(s): Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, ND

Brook LaFloe grew up in the Twin Cities of Minnesota and is an artist-educator and entrepreneur with passion for revitalizing culture, and facilitating the growth of local Indigenous economies. Brook was born into the Eagle clan and descends from the Bear clan. Her academic background includes a Tulane University Bachelors of Science in Neuroscience and Anthropology, a Loyola University of Maryland Master’s in Education and 2 Association Montessori International (AMI) diplomas in Assistants to infancy (birth-3 years) and Primary (3-6 years). Brook has 8 years of experience in educational material making and many years in beadwork and sewing. She enjoys fancy dancing at Powwows, being a sister and aunty, and engaging in anything sports-related.

Featured Work: Indigenous Montessori Pow Wow Dancers Mobile, Montessori Grasping Beads, Little Kwe Fringe Skirt and Scarf Set, Amber Ribbon Tote Bag, Custom Beaded Shoe Earrings, Custom Beaded Shoe Keychain, Space Jam Shot Glass, Beaded Space Jam Jersey Half Notebook, Bead Soup Toddler Nike Cap, Beaded White Earth Nation Flag Medallion, Star Quilt Beaded Pin

View Brooks journal of archived/sold work HERE

Janice Asinikwe LaFloe - Co-Founder

Tribal Affilition(s): Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, ND

Janice LaFloe is the founder of Montessori American Indian Childcare Center and the Primary Guide in the Children's House. Her academic background includes a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Macalester College, a Master's degree in Public Policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, and an Association Montessori International (AMI) diploma at the Primary (3-6 years) level.  Prior to her Montessori work, she served the American Indian community of St Paul for over a decade through her work at the American Indian Family Center and at St Paul Indian Education Program. Janice completed her Montessori training at the MN Montessori Training Center in St Paul in 2013 as a Bush Foundation Leadership Fellow. She has been a Indigenous educator developing and delivering culturally relevant curriculum for more than 20 years.

Featured Work: Primary Indigenous Montessori Ribbon Apron, Toddler Indigenous Montessori Ribbon Apron, Ode`imin Strawberry Work Set, Gaa-ozaawiminagizid Orange Work Set, Apple/Pear Slicing Work Set, Carrot Peeling Work Set, Montessori Weaning Set (Collab with Brook LaFloe)

Dakota LaFloe - Content Creator

Tribal Affilition(s): Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, ND

Dakota LaFloe grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota & is a member of our boys Niniijaanis MMIW Basketball team. Dakota was awarded the Outstanding American Indian Male Athlete of the year in 2022 by the Minesota Indian Education Association. He has been a table helper for us for 2 years, is a language learner, and alumni ambassador for the American Indian Magnet School. Dakota will help with the website, beading, sewing, social medias, mobiles, childcare, Feight/shipping, marketing & help at various events.

Featured Work: None Yet

Tara Tanaǧidaŋ To Wiŋ Perron

Tribal Affilition(s): Lower Sioux and White Earth Nation

Tara Perron (Tanaǧidaŋ To Wiŋ) is a Dakota and Ojibwe mother, artist, author & publisher. She grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Tara studied Dakota language and culture at Metro State University. She is the author of Takoza: Walks With the Blue Moon Girl -her first children's publication in the Dakota & English language. Tara contributes to the important language revitalization work in both the Dakota & Ojibwe language through her other children's publications- Animals Of Khéya Wíta (Dakota Version), Animals Of Nimaamaa-Aki (Ojibwe Version). Tara is inspired by the loving hearts of her sons: she is a creator and has always loved to write. She believes in the healing power of art and storytelling. She spends her days dancing in her garden and singing to the moon. You can learn more about her work on her website: https://www.bluehummingbirdwoman.com/

Featured Work: Takoza Walks with the Blue Moon Girl, Animals of Khéya Wíta (Dakota Version), Animals of Nimaamaa-Aki (Ojibwe Version)

Adrienne Amikogaabawiikwe Benjamin

Tribal Affilition(s): Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, MN

Adrienne M. Benjamin (She/Her/Hers) is an Anishinaabe multi-faceted artist practicing in multiple disciplines; including but not limited to, Textile Arts, Writing, Design, Acrylic, Woodworking, Watercolor, and Poetry. Her main focus is creating current, socially relevant, and culturally significant artistry that intersects with Anishinaabe values, history, and lifeways. Adrienne is passionate about and vibrantly advocates for social justice and equity initiatives in the arts and education systems. Adrienne is an accomplished arts administrator, having created successful arts based youth initiatives within her tribe; the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Adrienne is also an avid art collector, supporting Indigneous and other POC artists in the United States and beyond. Learn more about Adrienne’s work: https://www.yoadrienneb.net/

Featured Work: Spades and Diamonds Girls Skirt, Executive Office Anishinaababe Coat (Collab with Hannah Smith)

View Adrienne’s journal of archived/sold work HERE

Native Northwest is building everyday connections to Indigenous Cultures. 100% of the art featured on Native Northwest products is designed by Indigenous artists. For more than 40 years, authenticity of Indigenous art has been the foundation to our mission of building everyday connections to Indigenous cultures. These are our guiding principles for our collaborations with every artist and on every design. Native Northwest operates on the unceded traditional territory of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam First Nation) and Coast Salish Peoples.