Hello! My name is Cassie Melcher. I am a proud Apache and Navajo woman originally from Flagstaff, Arizona. I graduated from Coconino High School and attended Northern Arizona University, where I studied in the fields of Psychology and Social Work. I am Fort McDowell Apache, born for the To’tsohnii (Big Water) clan. My Che’ is Ta’chiinii (Red Merging Water) and my paternal grandfather is of the Cochiti tribe. I am the daughter of Christy J.D. Nations of Flagstaff, Arizona and my father is Ray Melcher of Wheatfields, Arizona. I am a very proud mom, my daughter’s name is Shayne.

I have been residing in Los Angeles for two years. For most of that time I have been actively involved in the Native American Community. The Native American community has embraced me and I feel very blessed to give back the community what I have been given.

Since I took my first steps, I have been an accomplished Pow-wow dancer and singer. The style I dance is Southern Traditional Cloth, a smooth and graceful yet dignified dance. I’ve been asked to participate as a head lady dancer at several local Los Angeles Pow-wows. I find peace and serenity within the Pow-wow circle. There is no other place, in space or time, where I feel closest to my true Native self than in the Pow-wow circle. I sew all of my cloth regalia and I bead everything that I wear, down to my moccasins. I am currently working on a line of traditional and contemporary beaded purses.

I feel that all Native people were born with the innate ability to be creative in any medium. Whether it is traditional like beadwork, Pow-wow dancing, pottery, silversmith, rug weaving and archery, to more contemporary talents like singing, poetry, creative dance, modeling, photography, acting, multimedia and screen writing.

I embrace my creativity in contemporary fashion as well with my modeling career. I have been a model for various calendars, ads, painters, magazines, music CD’s and fashion designers since I was fourteen. I have appeared in the renowned “Women of the Navajo” calendar and the “Native Women” calendar. One of my most recent accomplishments was modeling at the Native American Grammy Nominee Showcase, two years in a row at New York’s Times Square. On my website, I am a strong advocate for the respect and perseverance of the Native Woman and the power she holds within her surroundings. I like to encourage young women to have their voices heard through literature, particularly creative writing. My short stories and creative writing has been published in academic and literary publications. This past April I served as a judge and advisor at the Sherman Indian High School Beauty pageant. My emphasis centered on holding on to your roots, never forgetting where you came from, and keeping the tradition alive with culture.

I am currently employed at a major Native American owned and operated social service organization as a specialist in child care. I service and provide child care for Native Americans throughout Los Angeles County. The two things I love most about my job are working for Natives and working with Natives. All of my comrades share that particular “Indian humor” and hold family and friends close to their hearts.

With the transition I made, moving from my small home town, Flagstaff, Arizona to one of the largest and diverse cities in the country, I have experienced countless hurdles and many triumphs. I feel very fortunate and grateful to all of the friends I have made and to those professionals who have guided me and continue to guide me. Most of all, I am very grateful to my family, especially my Mother, who acts as my backbone.

Within the two years I have lived in Los Angeles, I have been introduced to and accepted into the Native American community. I am always willing and eager to make any contributions, be it in the Traditional Pow-wow circle, contemporary or traditional Native Arts and Creativity, the children and parents she services through her job, or the promotion of education and literature.

Thank you for visiting Renaissance Indian! I hope to see you all on the Pow-wow trail!  For more photos model photos

                                                                                            ARCHIVES PAGE