Each year, the Manitobah Artist Series collaborations celebrate Indigenous artistry, storytelling and design by bringing an artists vision to life through footwear. Each collaboration begins with relationship—working closely with artists to honour their creative practice, stories and designs throughout every stage of the process.

Grounded in respect, reciprocity and love, these collaborations are about more than creating a beautiful pair of shoes. They’re about creating space for artists to share their perspectives and bringing their work into the world with intention and care.

For the Fall 2026 Artist Series, Manitobah welcomes Morningstar Designs (Alanah Astehtsi̲' Otsistóhkwaˀ (Morningstar) Jewell), a passionate Haudenosaunee artist from Oneida Nation of the Thames, based in Kitchener, Ontario.

Working across digital illustration, painting, murals, beadwork and more, Alanah draws inspiration from the natural world, daily life, and cultural teachings. For this capsule collection, she explores a meaningful relationship with Creation, one rooted in gratitude, reciprocity and giving back.

Keep reading to learn more about Morningstar Designs!

What values guide your work every day?

I would say the values that drive my work the most are a deep sense of empathy, love and compassion for all living beings. I fiercely believe that every living creature on earth is worthy; from the grossest bugs to the scariest beasts. We can learn so much about innocence and the will to live by being connected with creation.

Who has had the biggest impact on your creative journey?

My husband! We met at the very start of my art career and it’s so special that he has been beside me every step of the way. Though we are similar in many ways, our styles, our practices and our processes differ; I learn so much from him and feel so inspired by what he teaches me. I have been inspired by many other creatives and pieces of art, but nothing compares to learning from someone you love and get to spend your life with.

How does this collaboration reflect who you are as an artist?

This collaboration means so much to me! It acts as a reminder to be connected and thankful for creation in everything we do. A reminder to see the beauty in every part of nature that we take from; from our food, to our clothing, to our decor and livelihood, we rely on the land every single day. I think the embroidery details of each plant and animal on the leather speak to thoughtful and purposeful creation - both artistically and in nature.

What gives you hope for the next generation of Indigenous creatives?

We are in an era of pushing back against AI and mass production, and right now is such a pivotal moment for Indigenous art. I’ve seen so many young Indigenous artists carving their place in these moments and it’s inspiring. Younger generations have so much to offer the world of Indigenous art. I have so much hope that they will find what makes them unique and really lean into making one-of-a-kind art, both in the mediums they use and the stories they share. Every generation has a relationship with the time they’re living in, and I’m hopeful that those stories will be radical, important and transformative for the art world.

What story do you hope to share through this collection?

I always think back to being younger and feeling so deeply for animals. All my speeches and projects in elementary school revolved around protecting animals and wildlife, particularly from humans; how we should turn to vegetarianism, and centre ethical and sustainable ways of interacting with the world. I was so passionate about climate change and animal protection, and I have thought this way for as long as I can remember because my parents are the same. When I started learning about Indigenous practices for hunting, fishing, gathering, foraging and planting, I saw a way forward. Centring a relationship with the land - where we feel deep gratitude for all life and give back in meaningful ways - should be the foundation.

The Story Behind the Design:

I wanted this collection to encapsulate what it means for Indigenous people to be intimately connected to the land. There are sacred protocols to follow when hunting: for us to be in a reciprocal relationship with Creation, we must always give an offering in the same moment we take something from her. It helps restore balance and helps us keep our commitment to following our original instructions. I wanted every berry picker, hunter, fisher, forager and gardener to feel connected to these boots, and to always be grounded in the act of giving back to Creation. The tobacco leaf will always be the first thing we see when we are looking down at the land, and provides that reminder that for the deer, berry or fish to give their life to us, we must, at the very least, give our thanks to them.

The Morningstar Designs capsule collection is a reflection of Alanah’s creative practice and the teachings that guide it. Through detailed artwork and considered craftsmanship, the collection brings her perspective on land, gratitude and reciprocity into a new form; one designed to be worn, lived in and carried forward.

A collaboration grounded in connection, and a reminder to look closely at what the land gives us and how we give back.

FULL COLLECTION LAUNCHING AUGUST 27, 2026.

Visit MorningstarDesigns.ca to shop Alanah’s work + see more on Instagram: morning.star.designs