A Family’s Quest to Preserve Indigenous Culture and Community

In the heart of northern Wisconsin’s Lac Du Flambeau Reservation, a family-run business is pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. Adaawe Design Collective, founded by Alexandria AnungoKwe Sulainis-Johnson and her Ojibwe husband Greg Biskakone Johnson, is more than just a clothing brand – it’s a platform for Native people to express themselves and their art.

The collective’s name, Adaawe, refers to the Odawa tribe in Ojibwemowin, and its designs feature traditional Anishinaabe artwork and contemporary themes. Since its inception in 2021, Adaawe has gained international recognition, with customers wearing the brand’s unique designs across the world. The family’s storefront in downtown Lac Du Flambeau serves as a hub for creative cultural workshops, where community members can come together to learn and express themselves.

For Alexandria, the driving force behind Adaawe, creating art is not just about aesthetics; it’s about challenging the legacy of colonialism and racism that has plagued her community for centuries. The Lac Du Flambeau Reservation, once the site of the infamous Walleye Wars, still grapples with racial undertones. Non-Native tourists often flock to the reservation for summer recreational fishing, but this influx of visitors can also perpetuate stereotypes and marginalize Native people.

Through her artwork, Alexandria aims to educate and raise awareness about the struggles faced by Indigenous communities. Her designs often feature the Lac Du Flambeau Reservation and its history, including a fish beside a spear and torch, paying tribute to the legacy of Ojibwe fishermen who fought for their rights to hunt and fish on their ancestral lands. The word “reservation” is intentionally included in these designs to acknowledge the land as Native territory.

Adaawe’s mission extends beyond fashion, with Alexandria working on large-scale projects, such as a mural dedicated to boarding school survivors at the Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford, Illinois. Her focus on creating meaningful and representative art is not just about her own career but also about building a better future for her children.

As a mother of two with a third baby on the way, Alexandria’s family is at the forefront of her story. She was inspired to start Adaawe after becoming a mother, and her business has become a way for her to balance creativity and motherhood. With her business, Alexandria is committed to combating the problematic nature of the garment industry by creating products that last and leave a minimal footprint.

Adaawe’s growth has been steady, with customers sharing photos of the brand’s designs being worn across the world. For Alexandria, this recognition is a testament to the power of her art and a reminder that she is a legitimate artist. As she prepares to expand her online store and grow her family, Adaawe Design Collective remains a beacon of hope and creativity for Native people and allies alike.

A Legacy of Resilience

The Lac Du Flambeau Reservation has a complex history, marked by struggles and triumphs. The Walleye Wars, which took place in the 1980s, were a pivotal moment in the reservation’s history. Non-Native settlers clashed with Anishinaabe fishermen, leading to violent confrontations and the eventual establishment of the reservation’s boundaries. Today, the reservation is a major tourist destination, with visitors drawn to its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.

However, this influx of visitors also brings challenges. Native people often feel marginalized and excluded from the economic benefits of tourism. Alexandria’s artwork serves as a way to reclaim and reclaim their history, culture, and identity.

Creating a New Narrative

Through Adaawe Design Collective, Alexandria is creating a new narrative for her community. Her artwork is more than just a fashion statement; it’s a statement of resistance and resilience. By incorporating traditional Anishinaabe artwork and contemporary themes, Alexandria is challenging the dominant narrative that has long marginalized Native people.

As she looks to the future, Alexandria is committed to expanding her online store and growing her family. However, she is also mindful of the impact that her business can have on her community. She is committed to creating jobs and opportunities for Native people, and to using her platform to amplify their voices.

A Community of Support

Adaawe Design Collective is more than just a business; it’s a community of support and solidarity. Alexandria’s family and friends are integral to the collective’s success, and she is committed to creating a space where Native people can come together and express themselves.

Through her artwork, Alexandria is creating a sense of pride and identity for her community. She is challenging the dominant narrative that has long marginalized Native people and creating a new narrative that is centered on their culture, history, and identity.

As she looks to the future, Alexandria is committed to using her platform to amplify the voices of Native people and to create a more just and equitable society. Adaawe Design Collective is a beacon of hope and creativity, and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, Native people can create and thrive.