Cosmic Sister (@CosmicSister) is proud to honor sisters Hinauri Nehua-Jackson (@hinaurinehua) and Sidney Nehua-Jackson (@sidneyahuaiti), two third-generation Māori model-activists from Aotearoa, New Zealand, with special Cosmic Sister Ancestor Medicine Awards to help cover expenses for their first New York Fashion Week (NYFW) appearance.

Hinauri (19) and Sidney (17) will walk for First Nations designer Tishynah Buffalo’s Sâkihisowin Collection at Rise NYFW (@risenyfw), which takes place on Friday, September 9, 2022, at 256 W 37th St.

PLEASE STAY TUNED for an article and interviews spotlighting each of these bright, bold, beautiful wāhine (Māori women) and their powerful lineage.

The Cosmic Sister Ancestor Medicine Award (CS AMA) supports women who wish to explore and express cultural treasures (and traumas) from their genetic ancestral lines, with a focus on self-liberation, empowerment, and dis-covering and reclaiming herstory.

At Rise NYFW, independent fashion designers showcase their collections to a global audience of press, stylists, retailers, and industry influencers, championing diversity and giving emerging designers an opportunity to be seen and discovered.

September 9 is the United Nations International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, and this year’s theme is The Role of Indigenous Women in the Preservation and Transmission of Traditional Knowledge. While we appreciate commemorations like this, which help educators, journalists, media professionals (and more) support the movement, EVERY DAY is a great day to celebrate Indigenous cultures from around the world. There is much to do, to appreciate, and to learn and unlearn.