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October 12th, 2020, is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and we’re celebrating by reflecting on and appreciating the many impacts Native Americans and Indigenous communities have on the United States and the world beyond our borders. Read on to meet 10 Indigenous influencers to follow on Instagram and start soaking in the culture, art, and messages they’re sharing with the world.
Natalie Franklin is a member of the Navajo Nation. She is an avid hiker and explorer, and even runs a popular adventure YouTube channel! Follow Natalie for photos of her travels with her family that are beautiful enough to spark your wanderlust.
Alana Yazzie, aka @TheFancyNavajo, is a lifestyle and food blogger on Instagram. Follow her colorful, fun feed and bookmark her recipes (many featuring Navajo elements) for the next time you need to figure out what to eat for dinner.
Dallas Goldtooth is an activist, actor, and comedian. He is an organizer for the Indigenous Environmental Network, co-founder of Native American sketch comedy crew The 1491’s, and is featured in three films. Follow Dallas to stay up-to-date on environmental and political news, protests, and petitions and join him in making a difference.
Nina is an Ecuadorian Amazonian activist and woman leader. She has been an advocate for climate justice and Indigenous rights since she was 9 years old and is a past winner of the WWF’s top youth conservation award. Follow Nina for gorgeous shots of the Amazonian Rainforest and the Indigenous communities who live there, as well as calls to action to help their cause.
Jordan (@NativeIn_LA) is a trail/marathon runner, mountaineer, and climber living in Los Angeles. She has been running since she was 10 years old and hopes to raise Native American awareness through running. Daniel ran in the 2019 Boston Marathon to represent Native American advocacy groups Wings Of America and Murdered And Missing Indigenous Women. Follow Jordan for her experiences growing up Native and running for justice.
Verna is a Navajo runner, ultramarathoner, and the founder of Native Women Running. Verna runs for her goal: to make POC (people of color) feel like they belong in running. Follow Verna for her #RunSelfies and the powerful conversations she starts on her page.
Founded by Verna, Native Women Running is an organization that was started to foster visibility, inspiration, and community within Native women runners. It now boasts a community of over 12,000 members. Follow this page to see running inspiration and highlights of their wide-reaching community.
Autumn Peltier is the Chief Water Commissioner to the Anishinabek Nation at only 16 years of age. She has been referred to as a “water warrior” due to her advocacy for clean water. Follow Autumn to be totally inspired by her work, her eloquence, and her poise.
Also known as Allen Salway, they are a non-binary member of the Navajo Nation. They are a writer and community organizer for Indigenous peoples and has been featured in the Washington Post, New York Times, and PAPER Magazine. Allen uses their platform to provide free education and support those who need it.
Hāwane Rios
Hāwane is a Native Hawaiian singer and songwriter. Her music is largely influenced by the traditional chants and dances of her culture. Her mission is to raise awareness and protect Mauna Kea, a volcano in Hawaii that holds cultural significance, as well as stand up for the rights of the Earth. Follow Hāwane for her music, photos, and stories of her activism.
Did you like this list of Indigenous influencers to follow on Instagram? Read our blog post about 10 Black athletes to follow on Instagram right now!
