Quannah Chasinghorse facts for kids

Quannah ChasingHorse is a young American model, activist, and actress. She is from the Lakota and Gwich'in Indigenous groups. In 2020, she was recognized by Teen Vogue as one of their "Top 21 under 21" young people to watch.

Quannah's Journey in Modeling and Acting

Quannah loved fashion and modeling when she was younger. However, she didn't see many Indigenous people in magazines or fashion shows. This made her think that modeling might not be a possible career for her.

Starting Her Career

In 2020, Quannah got a job with Calvin Klein. She worked on their "one future #ckone" youth campaign. After this, she signed with IMG Models. She started her modeling work from Fairbanks, Alaska.

Since then, Quannah has been featured on the covers of many famous magazines. These include Vogue Mexico, Vogue Japan, V Magazine, Elle, and Porter.

Traditional Tattoos and Fashion

Quannah became well-known for her traditional Alaskan Native face tattoos. These tattoos are called Yidįįłtoo. Her mother gave them to her. In recent years, Indigenous girls and women have started to reclaim these tattoos. They are part of an ancient tradition and help show their identity.

Quannah loves to celebrate Indigenous fashion. She also supports sustainable Indigenous brands. In May 2022, she attended the Met Gala. This is a big fashion event. Her outfit, inspired by the Navajo Nation, became very popular online. It was created by designers and a family friend. Refinery29 magazine called her the "breakout star" of the event. That same week, she walked in her first runway show at New York Fashion Week.

Awards and Acting Roles

In March 2023, Quannah ChasingHorse was honored by USA TODAY. She was named one of their Women of the Year. This was for her work in speaking up for important issues. These issues include protecting the environment, supporting women's rights, and Native American rights.

In 2023, she appeared in an episode of the TV show Reservation Dogs. She played a younger version of a character named Irene. In August 2024, Quannah joined new modeling agencies. These were The Society Model Management and Elite Models Worldwide.

About Quannah's Life

Quannah ChasingHorse was born in Tuba City, Arizona. This area is part of the Navajo Nation. Her mother, Jody Potts-Joseph, is Hän Gwich'in from the Native Village of Eagle in Eagle Village, Alaska. Her biological father is Sicangu-Oglala Lakota from South Dakota.

Growing Up

Quannah spent her early childhood with her mother. They lived in Arizona, Mongolia (where her grandparents were missionaries), and New Mexico. When she was six, her family moved back to her mother's homeland in Alaska. Quannah and her two brothers were raised by their single mother. She taught them how to hunt, fish, and dog mush. This taught them a way of life where they lived off the land. She lived in Kenny Lake and then Fairbanks. She went to Effie Kokrine Charter School.

Protecting the Land

Quannah is a fourth-generation land protector for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. She is part of the Alaska Wilderness League. She has said that she wants future generations to not have to keep fighting to protect the land.

When she was 17, she was part of the International Gwich’in Youth Council. She traveled to places like Washington, D.C., New York, and Colorado. She spoke out against oil drilling that could harm the refuge. She also supported a bill that would permanently protect the land. She has taken part in climate rallies and spoken at many events. She talks about climate action and the rights of Indigenous people.