About Us
J. Nathan Rainy Chief is a member of Kainai First Nation in Southern Alberta, one of four tribes of the Blackfoot Confederacy. As a descendant of Rainy Chief (and Chief Red Crow), the senior chiefs of Kainai First Nation when Treaty 7 was created, he is connected uniquely to one of the most important events in Blackfoot history. When he was born, he was held by his Great-Great Grandmother, Rosie Davis, who was born in 1877 in Montana. She was the longest living member of the tribe. She was a world-renowned beadwork artist and traditionalist, who still has pieces in museums across the US and Canada.
Nathan comes from a long family history of Trading Post owners and influential Albertans such as D.W. Davis, and John J. Healy who collectively ran Fort Whoop Up trading post, and Fort Macleod trading post, as well as IG Baker and Co in Montana and Southern Alberta.
Nathan has been honored with the 2023 Indigenous Business Builder Series award by Aboriginal Community Futures in Calgary, Alberta. This prestigious recognition is bestowed upon prominent business leaders in the Southern Alberta region.
Since taking ownership of 49 Design, Nathan has driven the company’s expansion into the international market and earned a feature in the Wall Street Journal. His journey, marked by resilience as a former Residential Day School attendee. In 2020, 49 Dzine launched its 1st physical storefront in Calgary, after building successful online eCommerce business for 3 years. This expansion continued with the opening of a second storefront in Edmonton in 2021, further solidifying 49 Dzine presence in the retail sector.
Lori Jeanette Phelps, Senior Store Manager
Lori was born and grew up in the small northern Alberta town of Peace River. Lori’s Metis heritage comes from Pouce Coupe, BC and High Prairie, AB. Growing up in Peace River, Lori was surrounded by a wide variety of Indigenous Culture. She has always had a passion for Indigenous art, this is shown in her support of local Artisans. Lori always welcomes local Artists to show off their work in our store. She has made traditional moccasins, does beadwork and currently works with leather to create some of the beautiful pieces on display in our stores. Lori brings a strong retail background to the team. She strives to provide our customers with a great shopping experience, and ensures they will want to come back. She is very committed to the success of our Edmonton location and strives to build a strong community through relationships born in the store.
Katelyne Bonin, Keyholder
Kat was born and raised in Northern B.C. and spent most of her life living in various regions of British Columbia. She loves the beauty of mother nature, reading, creating, and spending time with family and friends. Recently, she and her fiancé, along with their daughter, moved to Edmonton to be closer with her fiancés side of the family and further immerse their daughter in her Indigenous (Cree) heritage.
Kat's ancestry goes back to the original peoples of the Head of the Lake region in British Columbia (Sylix Okanagan). Her great, great, great grandmother Lucy Sʔimlaʔxw (Simla) eventually settled in the Keremeos area with her husband (of the land) Frank Richter. They, along with their 5 sons, ran "Richter Ranch," establishing the very first orchard in the Similkammen Valley. 25 years into the marriage, Frank chose to take another wife of European descent, sending Lucy to live out her days in a cabin alone on the property. Some of her woven baskets, along with a handmade calender and other artifacts, can still be found at the Penticton museum to this day.
Finding a home here at 49 Design was a perfect fit for Kat. It's given her the unique opportunity to not only use her creative spirit but also learn more about her culture from various perspectives while being surrounded by a supportive community.
Laredo Strawberry-Nault, Keyholder
Laredo Strawberry-Nault is from O’Cheise Reservation No. Treaty 6, he grew up off the reserve in a small town called Legal, AB. Laredo was adopted when he was 3 days old and his dad taught him how to fish and hunt. He love attending Powwows and cultural nights throughout the year. Laredo started at 49 Design because he want to grow closer to his culture and heritage, and he loves meeting all the cool customers from across Canada that supports the store. Laredo's energy and enthusiasm never fails to bring a smile to people's faces.