Beyond Buckskin is a website and business dedicated to promoting and selling Native American made fashion. It is headed up by Dr. Jessica R. Metcalfe (Turtle Mountain Chippewa) who holds a PhD in American Indian Studies, with an emphasis on art, education, and culture. She wrote her doctoral dissertation on Native American designers of high fashion, a project that would steer her towards a lifelong journey of supporting, promoting, and working with Native American artists.
In 2009, she launched the Beyond Buckskin blog in an effort to share her doctoral research with more people outside of academia. Interest in the blog grew and led to the development of a business, the Beyond Buckskin Boutique, which launched online in 2012, and the brick and mortar retail shop opened its doors in 2016 on the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation, Metcalfe's home community. You can read more about the Boutique at this link.In addition to hosting and producing fashion shows and arts events, Metcalfe continues to share her journey, challenges, and successes through workshops, presentations, and keynote addresses. She can be reached at this link.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Beyond Buckskin empowers Native American artists and designers, advancing the quality of Native American fashion through education while providing an in depth podium for societal participation. Inspired by relevant historical and contemporary Native American clothing design and art, Beyond Buckskin promotes cultural appreciation, social relationships, authenticity and creativity.
