Photograph by Evan Benally Atwood
Words by Yessenia Funes
Video by emma blackman and mike egan
As part of our video series with climate leaders, The Frontline talks to Indigenous activist and model Quannah Chasinghorse on land back, fashion, and self-care.
In case you forgot, Indigenous model Quannah Chasinghorse is an activist first. She’s focused on transforming the fashion industry to ensure it moves in line with her values as a climate advocate. But the 19-year-old is more than a model or activist. She’s a teenager full of opinions, interests, and hobbies. When she’s not walking the runway for Gucci, she likes to paint or play with makeup.
In our latest edition of 60 Seconds on Earth, Atmos asks Chasinghorse a series of rapid-fire questions to help you get to know her a little better. Did you know she was a Gemini? How about her love for pickles and hot chip? There’s plenty to learn about the activist-turned-model, and she does not hold back.
The video includes only a few of the questions, but you can read the full interview below and check out our full profile on Chasinghorse here.
YESSENIA
First off. How are you?
QUANNAH
I’m good. I’m great. I’m chilling. How are you?
YESSENIA
I’m doing good, too. What are you up to right now?
QUANNAH
Today, I am at home relaxing. I’ve been working a lot, so I’m just taking the time to rest a little bit before I get back to work.
YESSENIA
And where are you right now?
QUANNAH
I am in California. I recently did a little something, something. I moved from Alaska to a little bit outside of LA.
YESSENIA
Tell us what you’re wearing.
QUANNAH
These earrings were gifted to me by Diné earrings. They have a ton of beautiful work. And [my shirt] is B.Yellowtail. I love the words on here. It says “protected,” “empowered,” “divine,” “matriarchs,” “strong warrior,” “powerful,” and “sacred.”
YESSENIA
Do you have a favorite designer?
QUANNAH
Indigenous designers. It’s hard to choose. I love Jamie Okuma. B.Yellowtail. Red Berry Woman.
YESSENIA
Who were your greatest fashion influences?
QUANNAH
I grew up in the woods, so fashion wasn’t a part of my life that much. I loved it as a little girl. I was intrigued by it, but it wasn’t in my life. I wore boy clothes growing up, and I just kind of figured it out on my own, I guess.
YESSENIA
What’s your sign?
QUANNAH
My sun sign is Gemini. My moon is Aries, and my rising is Libra.
YESSENIA
What about your favorite book ever?
QUANNAH
Hmm, that’s a hard one. I used to read a lot as a kid. I like poetry books—like Milk and Honey. That was a really good book for me in middle school because I related to it so much, and it was a coping mechanism for me.
YESSENIA
What song is on repeat?
QUANNAH
I’m really liking The Neighbourhood right now.
YESSENIA
If there was one meal you had to eat for eternity, what would it be?
QUANNAH
Caribou soup.
YESSENIA
Who is your climate crush?
QUANNAH
Oh man. There are so many badass people in the movement. Probably Helena Gualinga. They’re my friend. And Isabella and Ayisha from Polluters Out. They’re badass. I love them.
YESSENIA
What about your climate vice?
QUANNAH
It’s definitely taking longer showers. Feeling water is a coping mechanism for me—being in the water. I don’t know what it is.
YESSENIA
Do you believe in ghosts?
QUANNAH
I believe in spirits.
YESSENIA
Now that you’re in L.A.: burritos or tacos?
QUANNAH
A good taco. A juicy, good taco.
YESSENIA
What is your favorite snack?
QUANNAH
Pickles and hot chip.
YESSENIA
Are there any sustainable hacks you can share?
QUANNAH
Just reuse everything that you can. I try to reuse as much as I can. I was always taught growing up to only take what you need and use as much as you need—but don’t overdo it and always do it in the right way. That goes for anything. Even something as simple as grocery bags—reusing those.
YESSENIA
If you could be an animal, what would you be?
QUANNAH
I don’t know if I’d be something in the ocean because the ocean is going through lots of trauma right now. It’s really sad. Maybe a bird, probably a raven or an eagle.
YESSENIA
Introvert or extrovert?
QUANNAH
It depends but probably more of an introvert. I’m such a homebody. My social battery runs low anyways, so recharging would most likely be at home alone or with one or two friends.
YESSENIA
Glass half full or half empty?
QUANNAH
Half full.
YESSENIA
How do you stay hopeful despite all the negativity?
QUANNAH
I stay hopeful by just thinking about all the youth who are working really hard right now to be heard and to be seen and being a part of the movement and them sticking up and using their voices.
YESSENIA
And how do you practice self care?
QUANNAH
When I’m home in Alaska, I will go out to fish camp or something with my family and spend a few days out there or a week to reconnect and reground myself. I need to be in nature a lot. That’s another reason why I moved to L.A. New York is too much concrete for me.
YESSENIA
Any show you’re currently binging?
QUANNAH
I always binge the show You. I remember when the first season came out, I binge-watched it. Second season, binge-watched it. And when the third season came out, I binged it in two days because I wasn’t working and had the time to rest and relax. The other show I binged was obviously Reservation Dogs. My friends are in that show, so of course, I’m going to watch all of it like that. *snaps fingers*
YESSENIA
Who is your inspiration?
QUANNAH
It would be all the matriarchs in my life: my aunties, my mom, my grandma, and even the ones that aren’t exactly in my life—like all the really badass Native women who are out there right now. They inspire me.
YESSENIA
What keeps you up at night?
QUANNAH
Climate anxiety, actually. Thinking about the world and where we’re at. I get really emotional sometimes, especially moving to L.A. I’ve been in a weird spot where I’m so homesick, and I miss the land so much. Being in the city makes me think about how much time we have left to keep our lands clean and protected in order for the future generations to thrive. That’s what gives me lots of anxiety.
YESSENIA
What’s your favorite pastime?
QUANNAH
Just listening to music and painting. And doing makeup because makeup is art, too.
YESSENIA
What does “land back” mean to you?
QUANNAH
Land back means so many things to me—from community to Indigenous sovereignty. But honestly, when I try to describe land back to people who wouldn’t understand it, I always say that we’re not asking anybody to just up and leave because we want our land back. It’s more recognizing whose land you’re on, incorporating Indigenous voices in every space, listening to Indigenous youth on the front lines. Show up, be there, be supportive, be present with us, understand that we are struggling in many different ways, and we’re trying our best to advocate for the land. And land back is about land recognition. It’s being able to acknowledge that these tribes were forced off of their lands and allowing them to be themselves.
When I think about land back, I want everyone to come together and recognize whose land we’re on and work on solutions. Indigenous people hold so many solutions to today’s problems when it comes to the climate crisis, when it comes to oil and gas. And I think we don’t get enough chances to express that.
Editor’s note: This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
