This month, we’re celebrating artists from Native American and Native Hawaiian communities, creatives whose work reflects a deep connection to land, culture, and community. Their art reminds us that representation is not a moment, but an ongoing journey of honoring heritage and uplifting Indigenous voices.

///  Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole (Big Boy Records / The Mountain Apple Company)

Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole was a Native Hawaiian singer, songwriter, and activist whose voice became a symbol of aloha heard around the world. Born in Kaimukī and raised in Mākaha, he began his musical journey with the Makaha Sons of Ni‘ihau, helping to define contemporary Hawaiian music. As a solo artist, his soulful blend of traditional Hawaiian sounds and heartfelt ukulele melodies connected deeply across cultures. His rendition of “Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World” remains one of the most beloved recordings of all time, a timeless reminder of love, hope, and the enduring spirit of Hawai‘i.

///   Sierra Spirit (Giant Music)

Sierra Spirit is the solo project of Native American artist Sierra Spirit Kihega. Hailing from Oklahoma, the home of both her tribes (Otoe-Missouria and The Keetoowah Band of Cherokees), she draws from her lived experience and cultural background as part of the Native community. Taking inspiration from artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, The Japanese House, and Ethel Cain, Sierra has created a unique brand of melancholy, guitar-driven, twangy indie rock.

///   Don Ho (Honey Records / The Mountain Apple Company)

Don Ho was a Native Hawaiian singer, musician, and cultural icon from Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Known for his smooth vocals and warm stage presence, he brought the sound and spirit of the islands to audiences worldwide. After serving in the Air Force, Don began performing at his family’s bar, Honey’s, before rising to fame in Waikīkī with his band The Aliis. His 1966 hit “Tiny Bubbles” became an anthem of aloha, earning him national recognition and a lasting legacy as Hawaii’s musical ambassador. Blending pop, easy listening, and island charm, Don Ho’s music continues to celebrate the joy, connection, and timeless magic of Hawai‘i.

Image Credit: Sierra Spirit