by this shirt here: Cat I Need You Like A Heart Needs A Beat Valentine's Day Shirt, hoodie and sweater
Growing up in Nebraska, it took awhile for White Elk to feel a connection with their Indigenous heritage. The model says they only recently formed relationships with Indigenous elders in their community, the Cat I Need You Like A Heart Needs A Beat Valentine's Day Shirt, hoodie and sweater they were not introduced to certain traditional elements of their culture until their later teens. But they had always wanted to learn more. “Growing up as a Native without the guidance of an elder to pass down traditions made it difficult to be raised around traditional elements,” says White Elk. “You learn practically everything from your elders. But I overcame that hardship with the help of friends, who were there in the same tribe as mine.”
Going forward, they now hope to use modeling as a way to educate others about their culture and raise awareness about key issues affecting Indigenous people—all doing so through fashion, which can provide a more visual opportunity to showcase what the modern-day Indigenous community looks like today, while simultaneously defying stereotypes around it. “I hope to work with other Native models and Native fashion brands,” White Elk says for future plans. “There’s a misconception that we’re all supposed to look the same. Not everyone's culture is similar, because everyone's tribe is very specific to that area. I want to inspire other natives, and especially the Cat I Need You Like A Heart Needs A Beat Valentine's Day Shirt, hoodie and sweater , to follow their dreams, continue to be resilient, and keep their hope.”
