About Us
J. Nathan Rainy Chief is a member of Kainai First Nation in Southern Alberta, one of four tribes of the Blackfoot Confederacy. As a descendant of Rainy Chief (and Chief Red Crow), the senior chiefs of Kainai First Nation when Treaty 7 was created, 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.
Nathan comes from a long family history of Trading Post owners and influential Albertans such as D.W. Davis, and John J. Healy who collectively ran Fort Whoop Up trading post, and Fort Macleod trading post, as well as IG Baker and Co in Montana and Southern Alberta.
Nathan has been honored with the 2023 Indigenous Business Builder Series award by Aboriginal Community Futures in Calgary, Alberta. This prestigious recognition is bestowed upon prominent business leaders in the Southern Alberta region.
Since taking ownership of 49 Design, Nathan has driven the company’s expansion into the international market and earned a feature in the Wall Street Journal. His journey, marked by resilience as a former Residential Day School attendee. In 2020, 49 Dzine launched its 1st physical storefront in Calgary, after building successful online eCommerce business for 3 years. This expansion continued with the opening of a second storefront in Edmonton in 2021, further solidifying 49 Dzine presence in the retail sector.
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.
Matt Diakiw, Store Manager, Calgary
Matt is originally from Edmonton. He grew up in Sherwood Park, and lived in Edmonton until 2013 when he made the move to Calgary. Shortly after moving, he entered the hospitality industry and didn't look back. Matt went to SAIT and enrolled in the Hospitality Management program which helped him become the manager he is today. For the last decade Matt has worked in and managed various establishments across the hospitality industry.
Matt strives to further his skills in a management role and become an asset to our team in that regard. With the change from hospitality into retail, he has found his skills are easily adapted. He enjoys watching hockey, spending time with his family and his son, as well as enjoying a wonderful day in the mountains, snow or sunshine.
Matt excels in team leadership, problem solving skills, as well as outstanding customer service on which most of his career has been based.