About Erik Brodt

Native American Heritage and Identity

Erik Brodt is Ojibwe, with 'Ginew' (Brown/Golden Eagle) as his traditional name, symbolizing perspective across living and spirit worlds [11][15][22][26]. He co-founded Ginew in 2010 with Amanda Bruegl (Oneida, Stockbridge-Munsee), creating the first authentic Native American-owned denim brand that incorporates family symbols and heritage designs into contemporary apparel [3][4][7][8][20][27]. Ginew tells Indigenous stories through products like Thunderbird jackets, rooted in personal and cultural memories [9][10][13][21][24].

Medical Career and Leadership

As Associate Dean for Native American Health and Director of the Northwest Native American Center of Excellence (NNACoE) at OHSU School of Medicine, Brodt advances Indigenous health education and breaks barriers for American Indian and Alaska Native students and patients [5][17]. Elected to the National Academy of Medicine alongside Dr. Kendall Campbell, he exemplifies family medicine leadership [2]. He treats patients, mentors students, and promotes Native expertise in healthcare [1][6][16]. Ginew serves as a side project alongside his and Bruegl's OHSU roles [20][27].

Entrepreneurship and Creator Economy

Ginew blends past and present, producing high-end denim made in the USA to sustain Indigenous designs amid fast fashion [12][20][23]. Featured in holiday guides and press, it highlights Native-owned innovation [8][18]. Brodt shares entrepreneurial insights on building authentic brands [3][4][16].

Storytelling and Cultural Preservation

Storytelling bridges Brodt's worlds of medicine and fashion, drawing parallels in conveying authentic narratives [16]. Ginew's blog shares origins, processes, and heritage symbols like those from his childhood [9][10][13][14][19][24][25]. He emphasizes unrecognized Native experts and 'kicking doors open' [6].

Education and Mentorship

Brodt mentors at MedX|ED and NNACoE, sharing insights from Native health work [1][17]. Podcasts highlight his role in rural funding and recognizing Indigenous knowledge [6].

Design and Heritage Integration

Ginew fuses traditional motifs with modern apparel, from sherpa-lined jackets to wedding buffalo imagery [8][10][13]. Press coverage celebrates this as redefining Indigenous identity [4][12][14][16][23].