Weaving Legacies

All artists tell stories. “But as Native artists, we tell legacies,” says Kassie John BS’22 (Diné), an illustrator and designer whose work is inspired by the generations-old motifs in her grandmother’s tapestries and rugs. A creative soul at heart, John switched her major from pre-med to multidisciplinary design after taking the U’s Intro to Design Thinking. Now she applies innovative problem-solving and cultural insight to her job in public health. Recently crowned Miss Indian World 2024-25, she also travels across the U.S. and Canada to meet with Indigenous communities and share their legacies with the world.

Describe your favorite project from the multidisciplinary design program.

I created a learning tool with my sister, who teaches Navajo in the Davis School District. I designed letter blocks featuring the Navajo letter system and some vocabulary. I included an audio component as well, since Navajo is more orally based. It was really cool to create a resource to connect kids to their culture.

What do you do at the Utah Department of Health?

I work as a health program specialist and am focused on the opioid and tobacco programs. In my role, I get to work with tribal leaders from across the state. One project we’re working on is a program to educate people about the difference between the harmful effects of commercial tobacco and the cultural role of traditional tobacco in Native communities.

How did your design degree prepare you for this job?

I didn’t see the connection between public health and design until one of my supervisors said, “I notice the way you’re thinking and problem solving, and the way you see how wellness, culture, and community intersect.” I’m able to connect things and come up with unique solutions.

Talk about your role as Miss Indian World.

I’m a cultural goodwill ambassador. I represent not only the Navajo people but all Indigenous people around the world. My favorite part has been visiting tribal communities and learning about other people’s stories. That’s the whole reason I ran for Miss Indian World—to highlight and share Indigenous stories as much as I can.

PHOTO BY ERKWANA JOHNSON