Kristen Upham
Kristen Upham is a member of the Blackfeet Nation (Amskapi Piikani), a Sequoyah Fellow, and a 2026 Santa Fe Indian Market artist, with nearly thirteen years of experience leading global initiatives in digital strategy and innovation.
In 2025, she founded Morning Star Woman to reconnect with ancestral beadwork traditions and create heirloom pieces that celebrate Indigenous artistry and resilience.
Her work reflects a belief that art carries spirit, story, and intention. Every piece is made by hand with the care and respect these traditions deserve.
Indigenous Futurism
Morning Star Woman is inspired by Indigenous Futurism, a movement that reimagines Indigenous culture thriving far into the future.
Each design bridges past and present by honoring traditional beadwork methods while exploring new forms, materials, and expressions of Indigenous identity.
Through this work, Kristen Upham continues a living tradition while helping carry it forward for generations to come.