Bead The Change with Mi’gmaq Fashion Designer Cheyenne Isaac-Gloade

Cara Jones Speaks, Shedding Light On the Extraordinary

Cheyenne Isaac-Gloade is a Mi'gmaq business owner, designer, creator and beader. Originally from Listuguj, Quebec and now based in Millbrook, Nova Scotia.

Cheyenne grew up surrounded by her culture, language and the Mi'gmaw way of life. She is a jingle dress dancer in Pow Wow celebrations across Turtle Island and was featured in the music video "Powerless" by Halifax rapper Classified.

Her love of Mi'gmaq culture combines both past and present through her unique beaded creations such as earrings, necklaces, bangles, right her fashion and design label, Chey Designs. Her works of art have travelled across the country, worn by influencers, artists, respected officials and featured in films, media, music videos and more.

Like many people, Cheyenne faced a lot of hardship due to the pandemic, but one day it all turned around when she shared the exciting news that she would be working with Nike beading unique Indigenous designs for the brand.

The story of how this all came to be is filled with synchronicity, reconciliation and the reminder that what we perceive as insignificant actions can be the catalyst for significant change.

Click these links to learn more about:

Chey Designs

Artist Christi Belcourt

Mi'kmaq activist Annie Mae Aquash

Watch Classified's video POWERLESS