From Ponca City to Milan: Raven Thomas
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“It does not require many words to speak the truth.”
Chief Joseph, Nez Perce Chief (1840-1904)
The arts take on forms of all kinds, and much understanding can come from the beauty found in these creative forms. There is a truth that shines about heritage, community and timeframe. If you want to see commitment to a craft and the resulting success, Raven Thomas is a prime example of just that. With her first shows being local ones for stores like Maurices when she was in middle school in Ponca City, moving on to other small shows locally and then with special projects for companies, she has moved forward with every step. Thomas says, “Find your spark, and your hard work will always pay off.”
Thomas holds her cultural heritage close to her heart, being from the Ponca and Tonkawa Nations, and she loves when her modeling wardrobe reflects her Native heritage. She was the 2015-16 Tonkawa Tribal Princess and served as JOM (John O’Malley) tribal princess for youth in Tonkawa prior to that in 2011-12. She says, “My culture is everything to me.” She dances Jingle Dance, and her daughter is a Fancy Dancer. Thomas says she has danced as long as she can remember. She feels lucky to have been able to do so because “regalia is a luxury in the Native world.” Thomas remembers her humble beginnings, and says that you should “always know where you came from.”
This is why the Ponca City area is still her home base. She appreciates coming home to a supportive family who help with her children and keep her grounded in all that is important. She works hard to focus on the positive in life, and there has been plenty in her life recently.
Thomas began with self-representation, and her work has led her to an agent through nonunion MTM. Working with an agent and designer who allow her to bring in her own ideas has given her even more confidence in the career path she has chosen. She feels that with a resurrection of interest in indigenous arts of all kinds, this is a great time to be working in a creative field.
It was after an indigenous show in Wichita that she was given the opportunity to participate in the show in Milan. She did her research on the language, dress, where to avoid and where you just had to go, but she said she was still taken by surprise by the scenery. Her husband was able to go with her and enjoy the country, food and time together. They even went to Switzerland where Thomas had a photo shoot.
Thomas is an ambassador for Buffalo Hunt Camp and designer Hazel Haggard Stabler, whose unique and beautiful designs are hitting the runways globally. She is excited to be part of that experience. Her future is bright.
2026 will bring Thomas to many new locations with her modeling. She will be in London in March for a modeling conference; May will find her in Cannes, France, for a festival; and in June, she will be in Japan for Fashion Week. She expresses how working hard and having commitment to a goal can take you “to new heights.” It has worked for her.
She feels a responsibility to the youth of her community and that “feeds her fire” for all she does. She hopes others see the goodness in what she’s done and how she strives to stay focused on the positive. It takes passion to sustain the motivation needed (she has modeled at small showings, taken modeling classes through John Casablancas Agency and stayed focused on the prize). She balances family with three children ages 8, 7 and 4 and says the most challenging part of modeling is putting enough time into it so that doors open for you. There’s good timing, understanding the nuances of funding and having the knowledge needed to move forward.
Thomas’ native name is “Kola∙Kax∙Aw,” which means Black Bird. Her dress in Milan, with its exotic black feathers, was a great fit for her heritage and personality. She expresses, “I hope my people follow dreams, keep believing and never give up.” One of the most valuable outcomes for her has been meeting people from other tribes, such as Canadian tribes. Sharing experiences and seeing the success of others is also a motivator.
This lovely young woman from Ponca City has done her community proud by keeping her indigenous identity front and center. With much on her shoulders, she doesn’t back down from a challenge or from new experiences. As a beader, she may even begin selling her creations in the jewelry market soon. She says she’s “leveled up spiritually” through her journey. As she leaves the area next year for London, Cannes and Japan, we can watch her on Tik Tok @kola.ka.aw and keep up with new experiences and more success. What a year 2025 was for Thomas! And what a year 2026 is looking like for her! When thinking about all that is happening in her life, she says gratefully, “I’ve never been happier than where I am right now.” She has found her truth in the creative world of modeling.
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