Ep. 44 Making Space for Indigenous Creativity with Josie Rios
From Cultivating Indigenous Voices by KXCI
August 30, 2025 · 26 min
About this episode
Josie Rios discusses her journey in highlighting Indigenous creativity through art and entrepreneurship.
In this inspiring episode, I sat down with Josie Rios (Akimel O’odham/Gila River Indian Community), a talented artisan jeweler and visionary founder of the Indigenous Market based here in Tucson. I first crossed paths with Josie while we were helping put together a Matriarch Mixer event here in Tucson — but I’d already been familiar with her powerful work in the community. In this episode, we dive into the drive and passion behind Josie’s journey of highlighting the work of the Indigenous community through art, culture, and entrepreneurship. As a Tucsonan, Josie also recollects a few memories from her childhood to her adult life and how it connects her to the work she is involved in today. She also explores what it means to create with intention — and how the Indigenous Market has become a thriving platform for cultural connection and economic empowerment. Here is a brief version of the interview that offers key highlights and insights from the full conversation. Photo of Josie holding jewelry and logo of her Beads Over Diamonds business. Indigenous Market past flyers that feature artists work for each market event. Photo from Indigenous Market social media page. Josie shares her…
People in this episode
Guest: Josie Rios
Topics covered
- Indigenous creativity
- art
- entrepreneurship
- cultural connection
- economic empowerment
Keywords
- Indigenous art
- beading
- cultural empowerment
- Tucson
- entrepreneurship
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Indigenous Market, Tucson Indian Center
Places: Tucson, Gila River Indian Community, Akimel O’odham
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- Ep. 51 The Níhí Lab Pt. 1 with Dr. Cherie De Vore, Nieves Vázquez, and Jariah Callado · February 24, 2026 · 38 min
- Ep. 50 Warrior Society with Andre Bouchard, Harrison Jim Sr. and Montana Miller · January 27, 2026 · 35 min
- Ep. 49 Dr. Michael Kotutwa Johnson · December 30, 2025 · 23 min
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