Meet Faith Iukes | Media correspondent and Digital storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Faith Iukes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Faith, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
One thing outsiders probably don’t realize about the content creation industry is just how much behind-the-scenes work goes into it. People often see the highlight reels—cute outfits, edited videos, and polished posts—but don’t see the hours of planning, filming, editing, and managing collaborations that happen to keep everything running smoothly. Along with that, there’s constant media correspondence, like responding to emails, negotiating brand deals, setting up interviews, and staying in touch with PR teams. It’s more than just snapping a picture or filming a short video. It’s about strategy, consistency, and building a brand while staying authentic to yourself. It’s a grind, but it’s also incredibly rewarding when you’re passionate about it!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is deeply tied to my cultural roots and personal experiences. What sets me apart is the way I weave my heritage into my content while staying current and relatable in the fashion and entertainment world. I’m most proud of the way I’ve been able to represent Indigenous voices and cultures in spaces that don’t often see us. Whether I’m creating content for social media or collaborating with brands, I’m always thinking about how I can stay true to myself while inspiring others.

Getting to where I am today professionally has been a journey. It definitely hasn’t been easy, especially as a Native woman navigating an industry that isn’t always inclusive. There were times when I faced obstacles—whether that was lack of representation or feeling like I didn’t belong—but I overcame those challenges by staying focused on my purpose. I’ve learned to build a strong network of mentors and supporters, and to always stay connected to the community that grounds me.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way include embracing my identity and using it as my strength. I’ve realized that the power of authenticity and storytelling is what resonates with people the most. Staying true to my values has allowed me to create a brand that’s not just about fashion or content but also about community empowerment and cultural pride.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I’m here to uplift Indigenous voices, celebrate our stories, and show the world that Native women are strong, creative, and multifaceted. I’m dedicated to continuing this work and inspiring the next generation to embrace their heritage and lead with confidence.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting the Seattle and Tulalip area for a week, I’d want to give them an unforgettable experience that centers on Native American culture, while also showcasing the natural beauty and vibrant energy of the Pacific Northwest. Here’s an itinerary focused on celebrating Indigenous history, art, and culture.

Day 1: Seattle’s Native Roots

• Morning: Start with breakfast at The Crumpet Shop in Pike Place Market. Afterward, explore Pike Place Market and stop by the Sacred Circle Gallery, a Native-owned shop featuring Native American art, jewelry, and crafts.
• Mid-morning: Visit the Seattle Art Museum, paying special attention to its collection of Native American art and artifacts.
• Lunch: Head to Bobby’s Hawaiian Restaurant in Lynnwood, WA for some comforting Hawaiian flavors—a great way to connect with Pacific Islander cultures, which often intersect with Indigenous history.
• Afternoon: Visit the 8th Generation Store in Pike Place Market, a Native-owned business that sells beautiful, authentic Native art, textiles, and products made by Indigenous artists from across North America. It’s the perfect place to pick up meaningful souvenirs that support Native creators.
• Evening: For dinner, head to Off the Rez Café, a Native-owned restaurant in Seattle that serves modern Indigenous cuisine, featuring frybread tacos and other traditional foods with a contemporary twist.

Day 2: Indigenous Art and History

• Morning: Begin the day at Alki Beach, where you can reflect on the first European settlers’ arrival and the Duwamish Tribe’s ancestral homeland. Visit the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center, a must-see for learning about Seattle’s First People, the Duwamish Tribe.
• Lunch: Drive up to Bobby’s Hawaiian Restaurant in Lynnwood for a flavorful lunch.
• Afternoon: Explore Discovery Park for a scenic hike, taking in some of Seattle’s most beautiful views and connecting with the natural landscape that Native communities have long cherished.
• Evening: Dine at The Pink Door near Pike Place Market. While not Indigenous-owned, the restaurant’s cozy, artistic atmosphere makes for a lovely place to unwind after a day of cultural exploration.

Day 3: Tulalip Culture & History

• Morning: Drive to Tulalip and start the day with breakfast at Cedars Café in Tulalip Resort Casino.
• Mid-morning: Spend time at the Hibulb Cultural Center, an immersive museum and cultural center that tells the story of the Tulalip Tribes through exhibits on history, art, and cultural resilience. It’s a must-visit to understand the strength of the Tulalip Tribes and the region’s Native history.
• Lunch: Enjoy a lunch of Hawaiian flavors at Bobby’s Hawaiian Restaurant again in Lynnwood before heading back to Tulalip.
• Afternoon: Relax at the T-Spa in Tulalip Resort, where you can enjoy a luxurious Native-inspired treatment using elements of the Earth.
• Evening: Dine at Journeys East in the Tulalip Casino, where the Asian-fusion cuisine paired with local, fresh ingredients offers an amazing dining experience.

Day 4: Explore Tulalip & Beyond

• Morning: Start the day with a visit to the Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip for some shopping.
• Lunch: Stop at Blazing Onion Burger Co. in Marysville for a quick bite.
• Afternoon: Visit Kayak Point Regional Park, a beautiful coastal area rich in natural history and culturally significant to local tribes. You can enjoy the beach or take part in some paddleboarding.
• Evening: Return to Tulalip Casino for a night of live music and entertainment at Canoes Cabaret, or check out some local live music by Indigenous performers if available.

Day 5: Art, History, and Native Markets

• Morning: Head to the La Marzocco Café in the KEXP Radio Station for coffee. Explore the artsy and musical side of Seattle with a focus on promoting Indigenous music if there are any performances in the schedule.
• Mid-morning: Visit the Fremont neighborhood and make a stop at Eighth Generation, a Native-owned lifestyle brand selling high-quality Native art, textiles, and clothing created by Indigenous artists.
• Lunch: Return to Bobby’s Hawaiian Restaurant for lunch in Lynnwood.
• Afternoon: Explore Gas Works Park for more stunning views of Seattle.
• Evening: For dinner, try The Walrus and the Carpenter in Ballard, where you can taste locally sourced seafood, keeping a focus on sustainable, earth-friendly practices—a key value in Native culture.

Day 6: Snoqualmie Falls & Indigenous Spirituality

• Morning: Take a day trip to Snoqualmie Falls, which is not only a natural wonder but also a spiritual place for the Snoqualmie Tribe. Learn about the Tribe’s deep connection to the land and the Falls themselves.
• Lunch: Have lunch at Salish Lodge, which overlooks the Falls, offering a perfect view.
• Afternoon: After exploring the Falls, head to Woodinville Wine Country for a wine-tasting experience. While not Indigenous, this stop offers insight into the agricultural richness of the area.
• Evening: Return to Seattle and have dinner at The Walrus and the Carpenter for fresh oysters or seafood in Ballard.

Day 7: Capstone with Native Culture and Art

• Morning: Brunch at Portage Bay Café for fresh, local, and organic food.
• Mid-morning: Head to the Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Space Needle for breathtaking views and inspiration. The blending of natural beauty and glasswork reflects a connection to the Earth’s materials.
• Lunch: For lunch, return to Bobby’s Hawaiian Restaurant to enjoy those favorite dishes one last time.
• Afternoon: Spend time exploring the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), which often highlights Indigenous contributions to art and culture in its exhibits.
• Evening: End the trip with dinner at Ray’s Boathouse, a waterfront restaurant offering local seafood, a tribute to the Coast Salish people’s connection to the water.

Seattle and Tulalip offer an incredible opportunity to dive deep into Native American history, art, and culture, while also enjoying the beauty of the region. Whether you’re learning about Tulalip traditions, exploring sacred lands like Snoqualmie Falls, or supporting Native-owned businesses like Eighth Generation and dining at Off the Rez, you’re sure to leave inspired by the strength and creativity of Indigenous communities.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! I’d love to give a huge shoutout to Tia Wood—her dedication to uplifting our communities and spreading cultural pride is incredibly inspiring. Also, a massive thank you to the good people over at the Rise Above Foundation, who are doing incredible work to support youth through sports and education, empowering the next generation.

I also want to give recognition to NSO Entertainment for being such a force in promoting Indigenous talent and providing a platform for our voices to be heard. And of course, shout out to the amazing folks over at Generational Trauma—not just a clothing brand but a movement, reminding us all of the power in reclaiming our stories and healing through fashion and expression. All of you deserve so much credit for the positive impact you’re making!

There are so many people who have played a part in my journey, and I’m grateful for every single one of them. First and foremost, I want to shout out my family—they’ve been my backbone through it all. Their unwavering support and love have always been my driving force. I’d also like to give recognition to my mentors and peers in the industry who’ve helped guide me, share insights, and uplift me when needed.

And I can’t forget to shout out the amazing online community—whether it’s on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram—y’all really keep me motivated! Lastly, a special shoutout to “The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee” by David Treuer. It’s an incredible book that reclaims Native history and reshapes how we think about Indigenous survival, strength, and resilience. It has deeply inspired my journey and approach to life.

It’s a collective effort, and I’m beyond thankful for everyone who’s been part of my story!

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Youtube: https://youtube.com/@faithiukes?si=JYJ4jdiqaHk4EkAb

Image Credits
Adriel Clements