About Us

J. Nathan Rainy Chief, Owner and Executive Director
J. Nathan Rainy Chief is a member of Kainai First Nation in Southern Alberta. As a descendant of Rainy Chief (and Chief Red Crow), the senior-most Chief Signatory of Treaty 7, he is connected uniquely to one of the most important events in Blackfoot history. When he was born, he was held by his Great-Great Grandmother, Rosie Davis, who was born in 1877 in Montana. She was the longest living member of the tribe. She was a world-renowned beadwork artist and traditionalist, who still has pieces in museums across the US and Canada. He is also a descendant of Chief Charlie Davis, and several other chiefs.

Nathan comes from a long family history of Trading Post owners and influential Albertans. Since his taking ownership of 49 Design, he has facilitated growth into an international market, and has also been featured in the Wall Street Journal. Nathan was a residential day school attendee.

Victoria-Lynn Scattergood, Designer
Victoria-Lynn is Métis from Metis Region 3.
She’s lived her whole life in southern Alberta small towns. Her ancestors are from the Red River Settlement and Great Lakes region.
Victoria graduated from the Alberta College of Art + Design (AUArts) with a Bachelor of Design with her concentration in graphic design. Victoria is an avid animal lover as well as an illustrator and crafter, often bringing together her passions to influence her work.
As the Designer at 49 Design, Victoria brings her Metis beadwork, quillwork and embroidery inspired designs with a modern flair to 49 Design products and designs.

Lori Jeanette Phelps, Senior Store Manager, Edmonton
Lori was born and grew up in the small northern Alberta town of Peace River. Lori’s Metis heritage comes from Pouce Coupe, BC and High Prairie, AB. Growing up in Peace River, Lori was surrounded by a wide variety of Indigenous Culture. She has always had a passion for Indigenous art, this is shown in her support of local Artisans. Lori always welcomes local Artists to show off their work in our store. She has made traditional moccasins, does beadwork and currently works with leather to create some of the beautiful pieces on display in our stores. Lori brings a strong retail background to the team. She strives to provide our customers with a great shopping experience, and ensures they will want to come back. She is very committed to the success of our Edmonton location and strives to build a strong community through relationships born in the store.

Michael Laderoute, Store Manager, Calgary
Michael, our dedicated store manager at the Calgary location, proudly hails from the Siksika First Nation located in Southern Alberta, Treaty 7 territory. Raised in Calgary, he has a deep connection to the community and its people. With just over a year in his current role, Michael has made a significant impact on our team and store operations.
Before joining us, Michael was part of the Riel Institute, an organization dedicated to supporting young Indigenous adults facing barriers to employment. His journey with us began just two years ago, and through strong leadership, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, he quickly rose through the ranks to become store manager. Michael has said working at 49 Design has allowed him to get closer to his roots and embrace his culture and heritage.

When he's not busy ensuring the smooth operation of our store, Michael enjoys indulging in his passions for sports and video games. Above all, he cherishes spending quality time with his family, strengthening the bonds that have been instrumental in shaping the person he is today. Michael's unique background and dedication to our community make him an invaluable member of our team, and we are honored to have him leading our Calgary location.

Melanie Nanooch, Sewing and Production Team Member, Edmonton
Melanie Nanooch is from Little Red River Cree Nation in Treaty 8 Territory. She is Woodlands Cree and grew up on the Garden River Reserve. Melanie understands and speaks fluent Woodlands/plains Cree. Growing up on reserve Melanie was taught how to make moose hides, hunting and harvesting with her parents. She was also very interested in her Cree classes taught by her Aunty, she learned how to bead earrings, barrettes, make dream catchers, mini tipis and write syllabics. Her creative energy was very influenced by her community, family, and language.
Melanie attended the 2016/17 Fashion Design and Apparel diploma Program at MC College in Edmonton, Ab and graduated as The Valedictorian of her Class. She had her first Fashion Show with her classmates in Sept 2017.
She gained alot of new sewing techniques that she uses for garment construction. Melanie was selected as one of the top 20 recipients for the 2020 Ribbonskirt Competition hosted by Native Womans Association of Canada.
Melanie makes some of the handmade items that 49 Design offers for sale. The majority of her work is in stores, so if you don't find it on this website, you should look at the store websites.