Voices Behind The Indigenous Design: A Conversation With Randeana Ulmer

In this feature, we are highlighting Randeana Ulmer, who has spent her career working in health and community roles, bringing both experience and compassion to the work she does every day.

Randeana is an Hodínöhšö:ni:h woman who belongs to the Konadaha Seneca Nation from Six Nations of the Grand River, with family connections to Buffalo, New York before being pushed to the Ontario Six Nations reserve. She is a member of the Turtle Clan and a grateful visitor on the lands of the diverse Coast Salish Peoples.

Randeana’s career path has included roles as a safety manager, policy analyst, and in-term Trauma Response Program manager. She is currently an Indigenous Business Leadership Executive MBA candidate while serving as an Indigenous Cultural Advisor in the Indigenous Health sector of the Fraser Health Authority.

Her work is deeply rooted in providing holistic care, creating access to traditional medicines and ceremony, and bringing a cultural safety lens to healthcare programs. Most recently, she developed an Indigenous Life-skills course at Maxxine Wright, beginning this fall, which will provide Indigenous persons, mothers, and soon-to-be mothers with opportunities to learn cultural teachings, self-reflect, and build community.

Q: What inspired you to work in healthcare?

The resilience of my ancestors and a compassionate heart have inspired me to work in healthcare. Especially with the impact of Indian Hospitals and Residential Schools that have had a personal and lasting impact on my family. Additionally, seeing the treatment of Indigenous peoples and a lack of understanding by others has also inspired me to advocate for systemic changes and provide holistic support to Indigenous patients.

Q: What inspired you to be part of this design?

Selena Moore kindly invited me to be witness to this work. What inspired me to be part of this design is the opportunity to bring awareness and unity of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Q: When you think about this design, what’s the one detail that means the most to you?

The one detail that means to the most to me in these designs is the canoe. That together, we can weave together Indigenous ways of knowing and the western medical system (two-eyed seeing). There is room for every person in the canoe, and this shares hope that we can all paddle together in truth and understanding. Furthermore, this representation of the canoe isn't just for Indigenous persons—it is a symbol of strength, teamwork, and learning. To have humility is to know where each of us are at on our journey and to have an open heart when working together.

Q: What do you hope people think about when they wear it?

I hope that when people think and wear this design, they reflect to remember who they are and the medicine they carry. And, what medicine they have to share with others. This design shows hope, strength, and commitment that together we can paddle and move forward in a good way [for everyone].

We are so grateful to Randeana for sharing her story, her wisdom, and her time with us in this feature. Her voice, alongside those of Makayla Mantla and Selena Moore, shaped the meaning behind this limited edition collection. Together, their guidance made this project possible.