For Lupus Awareness Month, Eighth Generation has partnered with Johnnie Jae (Otoe-Missouria and Choctaw), an artist and disability rights activist to launch our Hope Floats Silk Scarf. This Native-designed silk scarf brings awareness to an often misunderstood disease, and one that disproportionately impacts women and Native Americans.
Johnnie is a self-professed “Indigenerd” that aspires to create revolutionary healing and change in the world through the power of radical imagination. Her art reflects my culture, advocacy work, and healing through the act of creation. As the founder of A Tribe Called Geek, a media platform celebrating Indigenous contributions to pop culture and STEAM, Johnnie inspires both Natives and nerds to explore their passions and advocate for justice in their communities (and fandoms).
She also has lupus, and has written this blog post to share more about the disease, her own journey with lupus, and her fund- and awareness-raising Hope Floats Silk Scarf. The following post is by Johnnie, and Eighth Generation is incredibly grateful for her words, teaching, and generosity.
In honor of 2023’s Lupus Awareness Month (May 2023), Eighth Generation and Johnnie Jae are donating a portion of proceeds from our Hope Floats Silk Scarf to Jeffrey Veregee (S’Klallam) and his family. Jeffrey, a renowned artist himself, was recently diagnosed with lupus and is currently fighting for his life against the disease. On Christmas Eve of 2022, Jeffrey and his wife received a hospital bill for his most recent treatments: Jeffrey’s hospital bill is currently $3.75 million and counting. You can also donate directly to Jeffrey’s Go Fund Me at gofundme.com/f/help-jeffrey-veregge-with-medical-expenses.