Read full article in Vogue. For Vogue Mexico’s May issue, the publication wanted a cover star who represents “the face of a new generation of models,” and Indigenous model Quannah Chasinghorse certainly embodies this in more ways than one. Photographed by Inez & Vinoodh for the cover (in an ethereal Valentino dress, no less) the 18-year-old is a refreshing addition to the fashion scene: She proudly displays her traditional tattoos, rocks authentic Indigenous style, and has an array of impressive activism work under her belt too. In the process, she’s also breaking barriers, providing much-needed representation for Indigenous people in an industry that has long overlooked and excluded Indigenous talent.

Currently based in Fairbanks, Alaska, Chasinghorse—who is Hän Gwich’in and Oglala Lakota—is still relatively new to modeling. She has lived in Alaska since she was seven, and only signed with IMG back in December. One of her first big modeling jobs was being cast in a Calvin Klein campaign in October last year, and since then, she has been cast in shoots for V and Thunder Voice Hat Co., an Indigenous-owned hat company. She says her new Vogue Mexico cover is completely surreal. “I’ve always wanted to model. But growing up, I never saw Indigenous representation in fashion or beauty,” Chasinghorse says.  “I never grew up feeling confident because of the negative stereotypes of Native Americans. But that’s changing. Today, younger generations are going to be able to witness Indigenous excellence on the cover of magazines—and hopefully everywhere.”