Minnetonka, the heritage brand known for its traditional Native American footwear, recently presented a significant relaunch event, marking the biggest redesign in their 75-year history. The iconic moccasin, originally introduced in 1953 as the Thunderbird, has now been renamed the 'Animikii,' which means 'Thunderbird' in Ojibwemowin. The new beadwork design was created by Lucie Skjefte, a Red Lake Nation Anishinaabeg citizen and graphic artist known for her vibrant colors and community-inspired details.
Skjefte, who holds the copyright to the shoe, has been a strong advocate for incorporating more Native American terms into the fashion industry's vernacular. She asks, 'If we can pronounce Louis Vuitton or Givenchy, why can't we learn to pronounce Animikii?' This viewpoint aligns with Minnetonka's reconciliation efforts, which gained momentum in 2021.
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