On the Matriarch Movement podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Lauren Good Day, a multi-award-winning artist and designer who has captivated the world with her powerful, Indigenous-inspired designs. As she shares her journey, it becomes clear that Lauren’s art is not just about fashion—it’s a commitment to storytelling, cultural preservation, and empowerment for future generations.
Rooted in Matriarchy
Growing up in North Dakota and tracing her roots back to the Fort Berthold Reservation and her Blackfeet and Plains Cree heritage, Lauren comes from a line of matriarchs. She describes how her lineage is matrilineal, with culture, traditions, and identity passed down through the women in her family. In Lauren’s words, matriarchy is about women as decision-makers, community leaders, and the ones who nurture future generations. “The role of a woman and the role of being a matriarch for our people is so important,” she reflects, emphasizing the strength and responsibility carried by Indigenous women.
A Passion Born from Tradition
Lauren’s journey in fashion and art was inspired early on by watching her mother and grandmother make regalia for family powwows. Surrounded by creativity, Lauren began crafting her own designs at 13. Initially self-taught, her love for traditional beadwork, ledger art, and vibrant colors evolved into a lifelong commitment to Indigenous artistry. Lauren’s unique approach combines traditional techniques with contemporary designs, resulting in pieces that resonate deeply with her cultural heritage and connect with a broad audience.
The Birth of the Lauren Good Day Brand
Lauren’s brand is dedicated to making Indigenous art accessible, preserving traditional artistry, and uplifting Indigenous stories. As a first-generation entrepreneur, she has carefully expanded her craft into wearable art. Her collections often center around specific themes, drawing from living beings that hold deep cultural significance like the buffalo. This animal, honoured within many Indigenous nations, embodies resilience and sustenance—a spirit Lauren strives to incorporate in her designs.
Ledger Art: Tradition Meets Innovation
For Lauren, ledger art serves as a bridge to her ancestors and their storytelling methods. Originally painted on hides and later adapted to paper, ledger art allowed Indigenous people to preserve their stories visually. Lauren has adapted this art form, traditionally practiced by men, to tell women’s stories, emphasizing family, courtship, and the everyday lives of Indigenous people.
Creating for Future Generations
Lauren is passionate about sharing her art with Native and non-Native audiences alike, creating pieces that celebrate Indigenous culture while educating others. She encourages non-Indigenous people to support Indigenous artists as an act of cultural appreciation, a respectful way of engaging with Native stories and history.
A Message for Young Indigenous Entrepreneurs
Lauren’s advice for young Indigenous entrepreneurs is to find their authentic voice and honour it. She stresses the importance of hard work, creativity, and a commitment to one’s values and heritage. By staying connected to her culture, Lauren has built a brand that goes beyond fashion—it’s a celebration of Indigenous identity and a gift to the generations that will follow.
The Future of Indigenous Fashion
Lauren sees a bright future for Indigenous fashion, one that is both trendy and deeply cultural. Her collections are not just about style—they’re a reclamation of Indigenous identity and history. She dreams of inspiring other Indigenous designers to embrace their heritage and share their unique perspectives with the world.
Supporting Lauren Good Day
Lauren’s designs can be found on her website and social media. Each collection is carefully crafted and released with intention, often reflecting themes close to her heart and community. As the Indigenous fashion movement grows, Lauren’s work continues to set a high standard for authenticity and cultural respect, making her an inspiring figure in Indigenous and global fashion alike.
Thank you, Lauren, for sharing your stories and creativity with us. To our listeners, supporting artists like Lauren is a meaningful way to honor and uplift Indigenous voices. We can’t wait to see what she creates next.
Stay tuned for more conversations amplifying Indigenous voices on the Matriarch Movement podcast. Join us in supporting creators like Lauren Goodday who are reclaiming narratives and inspiring future generations.
To learn more about Lauren Goodday and support her work, make sure to follow her on instagram @laurengoodday https://laurengoodday.com/
Find Shayla Oulette Stonechild on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shayla0h/
Find more about Matriarch Movement: https://matriarchmovement.ca/
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@matriarch.movement
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Seventh Generation Series
I'm Shayla, Founder, Advocate, and Champion of the Matriarch Movement—a non-profit online platform, podcast dedicated to amplifying the voices of Indigenous women and two-spirit individuals. Kahkiyaw niwâhkômâkanak, all my relations.
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