About the Artist
Kyrie Dunkley, Wichapi Iyoyunpa Wi “ Shining Star Woman” is Dakota and Lakota: originating from the Oceti Sakowin and born into the Toka Nuwan District. She is enrolled through the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, and resides in Flandreau, S.D.
Shinin Star Style is an interactive service intertwined with cultural music, dance, modeling, sewing and fashion collaborations, striving to promote inclusivity and representation within the fashion industry, while celebrating Indigenous excellence, fostering stronger connections and cultural relationships within the Midwest region.
Kyrie has been listed as a South Dakota Arts Council teaching artist roster member since 2021. She is 1 of 5 BIPOC artists on the “Elevate” film production now airing on South Dakota Public Broadcasting’s website, directed by Jonathan and Letishia Kelley, which has been featured in the South Dakota ARTS ALIVE member edition Magazine. Kyrie has also appeared on the Sioux Falls Woman Magazine Cover Holiday edition Dec. 2022 thru Jan. 2023.
Kyrie is a fierce community advocate. She has taken on leadership roles with grants provided by non-profit organizations and collaborations in philanthropy to produce events that give back to her community through art and culture. She is a changemaker and a role model for our youth whose passion, creativity, work ethic, and love for her community are exemplary. An encouragement to the current generation to honor their ancestral lineages and stories.
Since 2022 she has been a primary member in planning and executing the All My Relatives * Mitakuye Owas’iƞ * Mitakuye Oyas’iŋ * music festival at the Levitt in Sioux Falls. With dedication to her creative passions and community she has provided an Indigenous Fashion show along with the festival featuring artists, designers, make-up artists, stylists and photographers all across Indian Country.
From runway, to film, print and commercial Kyrie can be found helping organizations with events and bringing together artist collaborations through fashion shows, modeling workshops, photoshoots, and sewing workshops with an emphasis on music and dance.
“Inevitable” is the first Ready to Wear collection she has showcased. By sewing ribbon skirts it brought her closer to her goals each day. The dragonfly geometric designs in her newest collection symbolize her message...
“Change is Inevitable, Growth is optional.”
PBS
Elevate
This captivating film follows four South Dakota-based BIPOC artists and creatives as they engage their communities through expressive works rooted in culture, heritage, and locality.
South Dakota Public Broadcasting
Fashion show celebrates Native American culture
Four Native American designers showcased their work during a fashion show at the All My Relatives Festival.
About 30 models from across the United States and Canada walked a red carpet behind the Levitt stage in Sioux Falls Saturday. They displayed clothes, bags, hairstyles and makeup by Native Americans.
Running Strong For American Indian Youth
Dreamstarter Creatives Using Art to Make History
Kyrie Dunkley (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate), owner and operator of Shinin Star Style, has a dream to increase Indigenous representation, visibility, and cultural connection in urban communities through fashion and community events. This past summer Kyrie participated in the All My Relatives Festival in Sioux Falls, SD. This Native arts festival included musical performances from Frank Waln, Jackie Bird, Indigenous, as well as a fierce fashion show, that included designs from Shinin Star Style and 3 other Native designers. The fashion show displayed contemporary clothes, bags, hairstyles, and makeup all by Native Designers and artists. 30 indigenous models from across the U.S. and Canada proudly walked the red carpet showing off the designs. Kyrie hopes to continue to host events that will create space for and celebrate Native culture and identity. To see more pictures from the show, and learn what events you can see Shinin Star Style in next, visit:www.shininstarstyle.com/
Dakota News Now
Some You Should Know
Kyrie Dunkley is the owner of Shinin Star Style, a mother, and an advocate for the preservation of indigenous culture.
“Kyrie has been a really strong advocate for our native students and families,” said Chair Person for the Office of Indian Education Anna Brokenleg.
Keloland News
Arts council offers microgrants to local artists
Local artists are getting some community support from the Sioux Falls Arts Council.
This year, the arts council launched their artist microgrant program, offering grants ranging from $250 to $500 for local artists to use in any way they wish. For some creators, they are using the money to give back to the community.
Sioux Falls Arts Council Directory
Sioux Falls Visual Artist Listing
My English name is Kyrie Dunkley, my native name is Wichapi Iyoyunpa Wi (Shining Star Woman). I am Dakota and Lakota: 4 bands of the Oceti Sakowin. I was born in Sisseton, S.D. I am enrolled in the Enemy Swim District. I live in Sioux Falls, S.D. I work from home sewing clothes and selling them under the name “Shinin Star Style” My off the rack items can be found at Sweetgrass Soapery / All Walks Trading Post Co. in downtown Sioux Falls those items include ribbon skirts, ribbon shirts and DIY ribbon skirt kits.
Monetary Donations & Sponsorships are Welcomed!
-
Paypal
@Shininstar
-
Venmo
@Shininstarstyle
-
Cashapp
$shininstars
