Native Made
Angelina Marie Hilton
Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska, Sturgeon Clan | Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Descendant, Buffalo Clan
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Angelina Marie Hilton is an enrolled member of the Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska and a descendant of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska. She is a multimedia artist with a passion for photography and storytelling.
In 2007, Angelina graduated from the Art Institute of California–San Diego with a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising. Shortly after graduation, she joined Gannett’s Democrat and Chronicle in Rochester, New York, as an Advertising Account Executive. She would go on to work in diverse industries, all serving in roles that would increase awareness and visibility.
Her love of documenting life was inspired by visits with family in the Midwest, where she spent hours looking through photo albums, publications, and listening to family stories. Those experiences sparked a lifelong passion for preserving memories, history, and culture through creative expression.
Angelina enjoys writing, singing, dancing, modeling, painting, photography, drawing, and other artistic pursuits. As a mother of two, she draws inspiration from her children, who motivate her to continue creating and learning. In recent years, she has been reclaiming her family’s creative traditions through beading and sewing.
In the Rochester, New York region, Angelina serves on the Indigenous Health Coalition, the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Committee, the White Corn Project, and the ROC Community Table. She is also the founder and organizer of the Native Made Market, an initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting Indigenous artists, entrepreneurs, educators, and communities.
Through her creative and professional work, Angelina collaborates with Indigenous entrepreneurs, organizations, and community leaders to increase Indigenous visibility and representation. Her areas of expertise include graphic design, web design, search engine optimization (SEO), business development consulting, public speaking, modeling, and community engagement.
FEATURED WORK
2027 “ON NATIVE LAND” CALENDAR ARTIST
Bio: Since childhood, Angelina traveled to the res to visit family. Her Grandma’s photo albums and notes sparked a love of storytelling. She now documents life to preserve history for future generations.
Image Description: There are school graveyards in the Americas for Indigenous kids forcibly removed from their families by the US Government to “kill the Indian, save the man”. Descendants still fight for their return.
What does “On Native Land” mean to you? Indigenous beliefs understand all life as interconnected rather than a Eurocentric hierarchy. The U.S. tried to annihilate or assimilate Indigenous peoples with boarding schools, forcibly removing children from families. Graveyards are being uncovered, and families are trying to bring the kids home.
Image Description: Reflect on reciprocity in relationship with the natural world and Mother Earth as the foundation of harmony and sustainability. All beings are kin and “all flourishing is mutual” – Robin Wall Kimmerer
What does “On Native Land” mean to you? Chief Seattle (Susquamish) shared “the Earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the Earth.” I am learning to live in relationship with all beings and to steward Mother Earth’s abundance. This lifestyle brings me peace and grows my connection to myself, Creator, Mother Earth, and all of creation.
Leave a Reply