MiRae Hughes

Tribe: Northern Arapaho

Art form: Beadwork

The artist:

MiRae Hughes (she/they) Is a two-spirit enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. She learned the Indigenous art of beadworking from her elders when she was 17. she has spent most of her life on the wind river reservation.

To mirae, beadwork is sacred. Beading is a way to help keep the Northern Arapaho culture alive. Making a piece involves prayer, patience, love, creativity, and guidance; she still uses designs passed down from generations of ancestors. In addition to bead-working, she teaches others how to bead to ensure that the Northern Arapaho culture stays alive for generations to come.

mirae is a recovering addict. Addiction is wiping out generations of Indigenous culture. For the past few years, she has dedicated time to teaching Indigenous relatives in recovery how to bead and reconnect with their traditional ways.

mirae often comes up with an artistic vision in her head and then makes that vision come to life. Making custom pieces for customers and watching them see the piece for the first time brings mirae immense joy. Using colors and designs that her ancestors used is therapeutic. Helping her culture stay alive is her primary inspiration.

mirae is thrilled to be collaborating with the Wind River Artists Collective to bring Niihooyoo’ Nii’eihii to life.

she takes custom orders - order forms coming soon. For now, email mirae at

with your ideas!