About Us

J. Nathan Rainy Chief, Owner and Executive Director

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.

He is also a descendant of Chief Charlie Davis, and several other chiefs.

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.

In 2023, the Calgary 49 Dzine location underwent a transformation into the Rainy Chief Trading Post, continuing the legacy of a 5th generation Trading Post enterprise in Southern Alberta and marking a new chapter in the brand’s history.

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.

Michael Laderoute, Operations Specialist

Michael, our dedicated store manager at the Calgary location, proudly hails from the Siksika First Nation located in Southern Alberta, Treaty 7 territory. Raised in Calgary, he has a deep connection to the community and its people. With just over a year in his current role, Michael has made a significant impact on our team and store operations.

Before joining us, Michael was part of the Riel Institute, an organization dedicated to supporting young Indigenous adults facing barriers to employment. His journey with us began just two years ago, and through strong leadership, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, he quickly rose through the ranks to become store manager. Michael has said working at 49 Design has allowed him to get closer to his roots and embrace his culture and heritage.

When he's not busy ensuring the smooth operation of our store, Michael enjoys indulging in his passions for sports and video games. Above all, he cherishes spending quality time with his family, strengthening the bonds that have been instrumental in shaping the person he is today. Michael's unique background and dedication to our community make him an invaluable member of our team, and we are honored to have him leading our Calgary location.

Devin Healy, Training and Compliance Manager

Devin Healy is a member of Kainai First Nation in Southern Alberta. He shares many of the same ancestors as Nathan Rainy Chief as they are first cousins. He has spent most of his life living in Calgary, Alberta.

His time with 49 Design has allowed him to reconnect with his roots, and to expand his knowledge of the importance of traditional values that his ancestors held.

Devin has been with the retail business since day one and has played many roles for the team during his time with us. He really enjoys working at powwows and events and many of you may have seen him working booths all over Alberta and Saskatchewan.

As the Training and Compliance Manager, Devin's role is to ensure all employees, but especially new ones, have the tools they need to succeed in their role.

Tianna Crowchild, Social Media Keyholder

Tianna Crowchild is from the Tsuu T'ina Nation & Siksika Nation, both located in Southern Alberta. She grew up in Calgary and is half Blackfoot and Dène.

Tianna Graduated high school in 2020 with a high school diploma. Breaking the generational cycle, she is actively learning both her languages and loves to hit the powwow trail!

She dances all three women’s powwow categories and does hoop dancing as well. Her hobbies include beading, sewing, playing video games, and hanging out with her pet cats! He role in the company is Social Media Keyholder. She takes care of the store, handles the salesfloor, and does the photography and creates content for 49 Design's social media.