We uplift Indigenous identity, mental health, and overall place in the world creating works that share the story and beauty of our Lands and Peoples. Each build reclaims the spaces we hold sacred, dismantling the misrepresentations depicting Indigenous Peoples as primitive.
Stephan Cheney
Founder
Lakota – Kul Wicasa Oyate
he/him
High Rez Designs Founder, Stephan Cheney is a Lakota of the Kul Wicasa Oyate. He developed a deep relationship and respect for the Tree Nation working as a firefighter and would take every opportunity to nurture this growth. Stephan believes that through tree’s we can create a shift in consciousness that honors and respects the land and shares the true history of its original stewards.
Stephan began salvaging bits and pieces of burning trees in an attempt to tell this story. He quickly filled up a tiny 4 x 6 foot laundry room with wood and tools he could barely afford. It was in this humble beginning that he started to dream up the furniture pieces made out of High Rez Wood Company the start of High Rez Designs. Stephan made things for Relatives, fundraisers, and giveaways supporting the people and things he loved and believed in. Over the years, he began to create larger and more complex works that spoke to many parts of identity. He created for tribal nations, businesses, and so many of the people that comprise them. Through this growth, High Rez Designs emerged. He now resides in Detroit Michigan with his partner where he continues to dream more broadly about the importance of Indigenous Centered Design.