JACOB ALEXIS

Jacob Alexis is a graphic designer and co- founder of the apparel brand, “Redsoul Gear.” He enjoys many different forms of self- expression including art and design, music, and dancing. He does powwow dancing as well as breakdancing, or B-boying. For Jacob, it’s all a good feeling of freedom— connecting to and nurturing that spirit within. Jacob is from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, and currently lives in Edmonton

 

 

who was your inspiration when you were growing up?

 

I would have to say my parents. My Ina (mom), Daphne Alexis because she taught me to be fun and kind to all living things. My Ade (dad) Arnold G. Alexis, because I’ve always lookedup to him. He taught me to be a man, and above all the importance of honour and respect. He’s my leader. There’s so much more I could say about these two amazing people, but that’s an entire interview on its own.

 

were there issues you had to deal with as a young person that you see young people dealing with today?

 

I’d say it’s difficult to truly be yourself. I’ve always been my own person and stayed true to my family’s morals and beliefs. That being said, it was very difficult to live this way my whole life because of racism, bullying, drug and alcohol abuse, and everything else in between.

No matter who you are or where you come from, you were born different from everybody else in this world and that is something that should be celebrated.

 

what is the role of a leader in the community?

 

Walk your talk. Make an attempt to unify the community and to bring something new to the table.

 

what is your vision for your community?

 

My vision would be to create new avenues for the youth to experience new things, not that there’s anything wrong with what’s being done. I would just like to see the youth have more options than what’s available; there are other areas that could be expanded on. As I said before, we are all different and gifted in our own ways, so having more options makes sense.