DRIVE. AMBITION. EMPOWERMENT. PROGRESSION IN
est. 2008
Our mission.
Daepian Apparel is a proudly Native-owned clothing brand based in Iowa that represents Meskwaki culture and heritage. The name "Daepian" stands for Drive, Ambition, Empowerment, Progression, In All Natives, reflecting our mission to uplift Native communities through meaningful and impactful designs.
Our brand is dedicated to promoting a positive and healthy lifestyle, which is reflected in both our clothing and our ethos. We encourage self-expression, self-empowerment, and a balanced way of living that honors Meskwaki traditions while embracing contemporary values.
How our clothing is made.
Each of our high-quality, handmade apparel is crafted with care and attention to detail. Featuring unique, original artwork, every item not only showcases our rich cultural heritage but also conveys a powerful message: live the message you spread.
At Daepian Apparel, we invite you to explore our exclusive handmade collection and wear Native culture with pride. With every purchase, you join us in celebrating creativity, culture, and heritage-because together, we are stronger.
Creation story.
Daepian was launched in 2008 with the idea of creating something meaningful for Native people. In particular Native people who've struggled and found hopelessness in the everyday plight of living between two worlds. Natives face extreme effects of colonization, and with the idea of having the characteristics of Daepian, a person can overcome and achieve Red Excellence. It is believed that if a person has the Drive to become better each day, and the Ambition to go after greatness, a person will then Empower themselves to Progress and overcome the barriers we place on self and keep moving forward.
This Daepian idea was in mind with the intent to empower the Native person who might have messed up in life and feels like he/she can't move forward and become better. With a society that fails to believe in retribution stemmed from the historical trauma that we live with, causing continued lateral violence, we believe the Daepain ideology will restore value in that Native person. Thus, giving them strength to achieve great things and become better citizens of their Tribal Nation. We must H.E.A.L (Help Everyone Achieve Love) if we want to move forward.
Meet the founder.
Dawson Davenport is an enrolled tribal member of the Meskwaki Nation.
Dawson is a 2019 graduate of the University of Iowa with a B.A in Art. He is the founder of the Indigenous Art Alliance, an art organization promoting Indigenous Art and Artists.
In addition to Daepian Apparel, and the Indigenous Art Alliance, he is also a published author with work in three books, We the Interwoven Vol. 2, Shattered Constraints: An Anthology of Radical Hospitality and artwork in a book titled Amazing Iowa Athletes.
Dawson is a Native futurist artist creating art inspired by Meskwaki history.
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