Friday, October 2, 2026 — Indigenous design as visual sovereignty

(https://www.nativeamericacalling.com/friday-october-2-2026-indigenous-design-as-visual-sovereignty/)

From the original Cherokee syllabary to banners waved by Native American demonstrators, graphic works by Native people carry a thread through the centuries that operate within their own design framework. A new book and accompanying gallery exhibition, “Designed to be Red” (https://posterhouse.org/exhibition/designed-to-be-red-native-american-indigenous-poster-works/) , documents and celebrates that thread of visual works by Native designers that exert agency and authority over their own stories. The project compiles examples of purposeful visual rhetoric by Native Americans meant to teach, persuade, resist, and share within an environment that so often dismisses Native input. We’ll talk with Native designers about the project and the unique role Native designs play.

GUESTS

Brian Johnson (https://www.polymode.studio/) (Monacan Indian Nation), partner of Polymode design studio

Heidi Brandow (https://www.heidikbrandow.com/) (Kanaka Maoli and Diné), editor of “Designed to be Red”, artist, and curator

Dr. Jessica Moore Harjo (https://www.weomepedesigns.com/) (Otoe-Missouria, Osage, Pawnee, and Sac & Fox). interdisciplinary artist and graphic designer

Kevin Coochwytewa (https://lightningkev.com/) (Isleta Pueblo and Hopi), freelance graphic designer and creative director

Break 1 Music: A Turtle’s Honour Song [NDN Jazz] (https://soundcloud.com/mwalim7/a-turtles-honor-song-ndn-jazz)  (song) Mwalim (artist)

Break 2 Music: Suquamish Drum Songs 2015 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ynw63RXWzKs)  (song) Sacred Water Canoe Family (artist)

Written by Native Voice One