2023 VIFW DesignerS
VIFW prides itself on having a diverse slate of designers on the runway each year. We put the call out and you answered!
Check out the designers taking the stage each night!
Opening Night, Red Dress Event: Dress in red to remember and celebrate Indigenous resilience and strength, and to honour our missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit members of our communities.
Opening Night Designer Showcase — Nov 20
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Nation: Gitxsan
Yolonda Skelton (Sug-iit-looks) is a visionary fashion designer from the Gitxsan First Nations, whose work beautifully intertwines cultural heritage with contemporary aesthetics. Yolonda's deep connection to her roots as taught to her by her late maternal grandmother Lily Jackson is evident in each and every one of her creations.
Her innate ability to fuse the old and the new has made her a trailblazer in the industry, captivating audiences worldwide with her unique style. Yolonda's designs tell stories of her ancestors, invoking a sense of pride and reverence for the Gitxsan culture.
Through her work, she aims to honour the traditions passed down through generations while embracing the ever-evolving world of fashion. With a commitment to sustainability, Yolonda utilizes eco-conscious materials ensuring that her designs are as environmentally friendly as they are visually striking. She firmly believes that fashion should be a force for positive change.
Yolonda's talent has not gone unnoticed. Her designs have graced the runways of prestigious fashion shows, earning critical acclaim and attracting a loyal following. With each collection, she pushes the boundaries of what is possible, challenging conventional notions of fashion and redefining what it means to be an Indigenous designer. Off the runway, Yolonda is a mentor and advocate for inclusivity and empowerment, using her platform to uplift underrepresented voices within the industry.
Yolonda is a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of fashion designers. Her unique perspective and unwavering passion continue to shape the future of fashion, one exquisite creation at a time.
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Nation: Nishinaabe
Ocean Kiana is an Nishinaabe woodland style artist from North Western Ontario raised by the Martiarchs of her family. Her Nishinaabe name is Waabshki Memegwans, meaning White Butterfly and she is of the Wolf Clan. On her home reserves Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (Pic River First Nation) and Netmizaagamig Nishinaabeg (Pic Mobert First Nation) She creates all her pieces inspired by her home territory.
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Nation: Inuvialuit & Gwich'in
Designer: Taalrumiq (pronunciation : Dah-la-ghru-mek)
Name of Collection: Anuuraat (pronunciation: Ah-noo-raah)
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From the shores of the arctic ocean to the high fashion runway, Proudly Indigenous Crafts and Designs presents Taalrumiq! Born to an Inuvialuk Mother and Gwich’in Father in a segregated Indian hospital, Taalrumiq grew up in the small Inuit hamlet of Tuktuuyaqtuuq with her Inuvialuit family, community and culture. She hails from a long matrilineal line of expert Inuit seamstresses who sewed for survival in the arctic.
Creating with the same skills and talent inherited through blood memory, in combination with her own passion to bring forth her creative vision, her collection references traditional design elements and materials to showcase exciting new renditions of Inuvialuit clothing, executed in her signature bold and colourful style! Taalrumiq’s work inspires reclamation and celebration of Indigenous identity. She educates, engages and informs a global audience about what it means to be a contemporary Inuvialuk while sharing her people’s history, culture, art and fashion.
Only 100 years ago, Inuvialuit were on the brink of extinction, and today they thrive! Witness an evolution of Inuvialuit fashion through Taalrumiq’s collection ‘Anuuraat.’ It’s truly a testament to the resiliency, ingenuity and beauty of her People, culture and traditional homeland, considering universal themes of belonging and identity across time, and fostering greater understanding across cultures.
Pronunciation:
Inuvialuit – Ee-noo-vee-ah-loo-eet
Inuit – Ee-noo-eet
Tuktuuyaqtuuq – Dook-doo-yuck-dook
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Nation: Inuit
Proudly Indigenous Crafts & Designs featuring April Allen
Introducing the Talented Indigenous Artisan & designer: April Allen, a contemporary Inuk artist hailing from the picturesque town of Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, nestled on the North Coast of Labrador. As the creative force behind ‘Stitched by April’, she masterfully weaves her Inuit heritage, history, and traditional materials into every intricate design. April’s passion for her craft is evident in the meticulous attention she devotes to each stitch and bead, finding solace and fulfillment in her work.
April’s artistic journey has deep roots, inspired by her mother’s tireless hours spent sewing during her formative years. This early exposure kindled her fascination with her culture’s traditional crafts and the art of sewing, as she closely observed her mother’s skilled hands. Her profound connection to her heritage is intrinsically intertwined with the art of beading and sewing. In 2022, April made waves in the Indigenous artistic community, participating in prestigious events such as the Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival, Inuit Studies Conference, Adaka Cultural Festival, Arctic Arts Summit, and the Crafted Show and Sale hosted by the Winnipeg Qaumanaq Art Gallery. At these gatherings, she not only showcases her remarkable creations but also imparts her knowledge and skills to eager participants. This spring, April proudly presented her work at the 2023 Labrador Winter Games, further solidifying her status as a prominent Indigenous artist. Her stunning collection of Inuit Dolls has found a permanent home at The Rooms, Provincial Art Bank in St. John’s, NL.
Driven by an unceasing desire for innovation, April continually explores new designs for her future creations. She is particularly dedicated to incorporating these designs into her teachings, especially when working with Indigenous youth. She firmly believes that by sharing her craft and connecting with the younger generation through artistic expression, she can inspire them and promote healing through the power of the arts. ‘Threads of Unity: From Silence to Strength’ is a fashion collection that represents a powerful amalgamation of culture, mental health awareness, and advocacy for missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada. This collection is not merely a showcase of style and aesthetics, but a profound expression of unity, resilience, and the journey from silence to strength.
The inspiration for this collection stems from April’s roots, her cultural heritage, and her personal experiences. As a person deeply connected to Indigenous culture in Canada, she’s witnessed the profound impact of issues like suicide, depression, and mental health struggles within her community. Additionally, the disturbingly high rates of missing and murdered Indigenous women have left a lasting mark. This collection is her way of addressing these issues, giving a voice to the silenced, and advocating for change. ‘Threads of Unity: From Silence to Strength’ is more than a fashion collection; it’s a statement of resilience, unity, and hope. It brings together culture, mental health awareness, and indigenous issues into a harmonious blend, shedding light on the challenges faced by indigenous people in Canada and inviting society to stand together in solidarity. By wearing these creations, you carry the stories of your heritage and the urgency of these pressing issues, ultimately creating a tapestry of strength and transformation.
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Nation: Pelican Lake First Nation
Helen Oro, Designer/Owner of The Label Helen Oro Designs is from the Pelican Lake First Nation band. She is recognized as an international designer and entrepreneur making waves in the fashion industry. Helen wishes to share how beadwork can be worn, styled, felt and seen. Sharing her culture and contemporary approach through her creations.
Helen Oro has been promoting her statement Beadwork through various fashion weeks across USA, Canada and overseas since 2013 Being the 1st First Nation from Canada to showcase in many countries such as Australia, New Zealand and various events like NBA AllStar Weekend Fashion Showcase in Los Angeles. In 2016 ELLE Canada named her top 4 Sask designers to look out for. In 2017 FLARE added her to one of their biggest articles #HowIMadeIt 100 cool women with cool jobs.
In 2018 Helen was added to the woman of the year gallery by Chatelaine Magazine for her work with indigenous fashion. Through the years of travel and networking Helen has built an impressive loyal clientele base throughout Canada and US. Leading to her having her creations being seen at red carpet events. 2021/2022 she worked her first film job as a in house designer for the production Dusk & Dawn. Helen has created once in a lifetime opportunities for many through mentoring, helping to build portfolios, and teaching about model safety. Wanting to do more than create beautiful pieces she wanted to build a brand that gives back, educates and empowers others.
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Nation: Kwakiutł | Dzawada'enuxw | Skwxwú7mesh
Rebecca is of Kwakiuł, Musgamagw Dzawada'enuxw, and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh ancestry and is an Indigenous artist with a BA from the University of British Columbia with a Major in the First Nations and Indigenous Studies Program. Rebecca apprenticed for fashion design under established Indigenous designer and artist, Himikalas Pam Baker. She completed the Indigenous Couture Residency at the Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity, led by D’arcy Moses (2022). Her preview collection was shown at the HerStory Fashion Show in Vancouver. Rebecca debuted her first full collection at New York Fashion Week (September 2022). Rebecca was the recipient of the 2021 YVR Emerging Artist Scholarship for her fashion design. Her dress, ‘Wazulis’ is on display as part of an exhibit at the YVR Vancouver Airport and then to the Museum of Vancouver. She also had some pieces included as part of an online exhibition at the Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity (2022).
There is an intimate ancestral connection with the art that Rebecca creates, representing her lineage as an Indigenous woman. Rebecca has been creating sewn and beaded regalia since the age of eleven, with her first commission at the age of sixteen. She is the regalia designer for the Dancers of Damelahamid’s productions (2016 – present) with her works dancing on national and international stages. Rebecca is also an accomplished pow-wow dancer and has been dancing for twenty years and is a dancer with the Dancers of Damelahamid since 2015.
All My Relations: Traditional practices mix with contemporary aesthetics in magnificent pieces from emerging and established Indigenous designers.
Night 02 Designer Showcase — Nov 21
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Nation: Anishnaabe
Tracy Toulouse is an Anishnaabe (Ojibway) apparel & accessories brand. Proud member of Sagamok Anishnaabek in Northern Ontario, Canada. Tracy's artistic vision incorporates authentic Woodland storytelling motifs with modern clothing design dedicated to quality, comfort, and identifiable style. Tracy's mode infuses applique, leather, fur, antler bone, birchbark, beadwork and ribbonwork. Each design carries the tradition and spirit of the Woodland people.
As part of cultural reclamation Tracy leads youth empowerment workshops in First Nation communities across turtle island. The "Rise Up Through Empowerment & Fashion†workshop has been helping Indigenous youth raise their self confidence, build on their creative expression and feel the possibilities in non-traditional careers.
Paris, London, U.S and Canada; Tracy can always be found popping up at international fashion shows, events & markets. Tracy's original line of Swirling Wind continues to appeal to a wide market who support the Indigenous spirit including her fan favorites Biiskiwaagan parkas and collectable purse lines. Tracy's designs reinforce the Indigenous spirit and its connection to the land, showcasing this spirit in a wearable voice to be heard and felt by all.
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Nation: Inuit
Founded in 2014 Victoria's Arctic Fashion (V.A.F.) is an up and coming design label which fuses traditional northern garments and accessories with a modern style. Started by Victoria Kakuktinniq, V.A.F. has already established itself Across Canada as a Parka brand favourite in the North.
Victoria has showcased her designs at Paris Fashion week, New York Fashion week, and Toronto fashion week. She is also the Winner of the 2015 Nunavut Trade Show Business of the Year Award. V.A.F. designs are sold throughout Canada and Greenland. With a unique look, that embodies Inuit traditional parka design with a focus on sustainability and the use of traditional fabrics, furs and skins. She has also collaborated with Canada Goose in 2021/2022 creating a collection that was sold in Canada Goose stores across the world including Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver, And Beijing.
The creator of V.A.F., Victoria Kakuktinniq, is an Inuk woman, born and raised in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. She has always been deeply immersed in her Inuit Culture. Victoria has been fortunate to be raised by a line of strong, Inuit Women. Growing up she was surrounded by seamstresses. Her mother, grandmother, and sister all used their traditional knowledge of sewing to make beautiful handmade traditional garments for their family to help keep them warm in the harsh Arctic climates. Victoria was always so inspired by these women and felt compelled to follow in their footsteps.
Following a traditional sewing course in Rankin Inlet, she knew she had found her passion and soon after enrolled at MC College in Winnipeg, where she would prefect her craft in the Fashion Design and Apparel Production program. Victoria gained notoriety there for her form fitting parkas, with signature embroideries. Soon after completing the program, Victoria returned to Nunavut and created Victoria's Arctic Fashion where she has become a change maker in the modernization of the Traditional parka.
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Nation: Beardy’s and Okemasis
Originally from Beardys & Okemasis Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, Heather has been in Edmonton since 2005. She attended Fashion Design school in Saskatoon and has been sewing since 2001. Her design aesthetic includes the use of thrifting, up cycling, some traditional techniques and materials such as beadwork, horsehair, dentillium and hides. Heather is inspired by vintage styles and blends them with modern design. She owns her own business as a custom seamstress, costume designer, tailor, and jewelry artist.
Heather has shown her collections all over North America and Japan. Heather completed an Artist Residency at the Banff Centre For Art and Creativity for Indigenous Haute Couture along with 9 other Designers from across Turtle Island. One of Heather’s award winning gowns was featured in Chatelaine magazine’s Spring 2023 Issue.
She serves as Fashion Director for Heart of the City Festival and is the Creative Director of the Indigenous Empowerment Fashion Collective. They focus on creating opportunities for Indigenous People who wish to follow dreams in the Fashion Industry.
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INDI CITY
Nation: Peepeekisis Cree Nation
Angel Aubichon, a Métis and Cree woman from Peepeekisis Cree Nation, serves as the Co-founder and CEO of Indi City, a tech-enabled Indigenous retail brand. Angel's journey from Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, to her studies in creative writing, languages, and Indigenous Women in Community Leadership has been a remarkable one. She initially explored animation and film, then delved into community organizing and the non-profit sector.
As a young single mother of an autistic son, Angel turned to beadwork to support her family, which eventually led to her vision for scaling Indigenous adornment. Indi City was born out of this dream, incubated within tech makerspaces in Calgary. Their beloved core product, laser-cut acetate earrings, draws inspiration from Angel's Kokum's woodland floral style beadwork.
Indi City's mission revolves around Indigenous economic sovereignty, with a specific focus on empowering Matriarchs. They bring this vision to life through innovative creations like wearable tech-regalia, seamlessly blending the ancient with the modern, creating functional and stylish wearable art.
Their dedication to preserving and promoting the voices of original storytellers is embedded in their approach to fashion, design, and innovation. Indi City's journey is a tribute to their ancestors while opening the door to a new era of Indigenous expression
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Nation: Yellowknife, Dene Nation
Proudly Indigenous Crafts & Designs featuring Cheryl Fennell ‘Drums in My Heart’
Cheryl Fennell is an NWT Yellowknives Dene. She narrowly missed the VIFW application deadline due to wildfires forcing her city to evacuate. Being selected fanned the flames of inspiration to fashion designs from deep in her heart.
The Drums in my Heart collection resonates with Cheryl’s earliest memories when she would fall asleep listening to drums beating. She also recalls her Dene mother asking her to make her doll a dress. While she lost her parents at age 9, this mother/daughter teaching method influenced her to walk her own creative path.
The drum is Cheryl’s heartfelt focus for her unique collection and its soundtrack. She showcases 15 designs that her life in the NWT, Nunavut and Greenland inspired. She incorporates hide, beads, fish skin and fur. Her clothing and designs are in the Edmonton International Airport, in an Ottawa High School Indigenous hub, the NWT Prince of Wales Museum, and on children’s backpacks. She has participated in 3 fashion shows over the last year and is very happy to be on the VIFW runway.
Cheryl’s creations call people to see the Indigenous worldview of love, unity and healing; and to realize that the natural world is a divine trust for all of us to use sustainably for the betterment of the world.
Cheryl hopes this collection will resonate with the drums in your heart.
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Nation: Anishinaabe, Temagami First Nation
Lesley Hampton (she/her) is an Anishinaabe artist and fashion designer focused on mental wellness and body neutrality in fashion through the lens of the Indigenous worldview. She is the Creative Director of LESLEY HAMPTON, an Indigenous-owned, women-led, size-inclusive clothing and accessory brand based in Toronto, ON. Additionally, she is a model/content creator represented by BNM Model Management and a speaker on Indigenous entrepreneurship and diversity in fashion. Lesley Hampton aims to decolonize Euro-centric standards in the fashion industry, inspire the next decade of Indigenous leaders and entrepreneurs, and create space for empowerment and representation in fashion, media, and beauty.
Listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 Local: Toronto, Lesley has been described as "an important Indigenous face in the Canadian fashion landscape" by The Globe and Mail, the number one Canadian brand to keep your eye on by VOGUE, and "Wherever her career takes her, activism and style will always go hand-in-hand," according to The National Post. Lesley Hampton is a member of Temagami First Nation, located in northern Ontario, and she identifies as an adult 'Third Culture Kid' with her formative years spent in Canada's Arctic and Atlantic, Australia, England, Indonesia, and New Caledonia. This amalgamation of her Anishinaabe Indigeneity and her international nomadic upbringing nurtured a passion for socio-cultural causes, and she uses her work as a catalyst for research, conversation, and community building.
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Nation: Tlingit/ Eagle
Jennifer Younger is a Tlingit, Eagle Kaagwaantaan artist from Southeast Alaska. She is best known for the fusion of traditional metal carving with contemporary elements. She employs a variety of unique carving techniques along with innovative material finishes.
“With my creations, my goal is to reach beyond the NW Coast. Reaching people across the globe will hopefully draw them into where I am from. And people will see that what indigenous people are doing is relevant today.”
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Nation: Taos Pueblo
Fashion, Textiles, Public Speaker, Interior & Educator
Patricia Michaels of Taos Pueblo is a world-renowned Fashion and Textile Designer. She has AA, Institute of American Indian Arts, 4 years at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, with Nick Cave as her mentor, worked at Santa Fe Opera Costume department and with an Italian tailor in Italy.
Patricia was in Project Runway Season 11 and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian awarded her the inaugural “Arts & Design Award”, and was a speaker at the Bill & Melinda Gates Scholar Foundation, amongst many other accolades.
Her work as a CEO of her PM Waterlily LLC, takes her around the world to places like New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, Many countries in Europe and the USA and at least twice a year to NYNY Fashion Week to do fashion, lectures, presentations, sales, workshops, fundraisers, artists in residency, advisory boards and inspirational speeches. She has a home collection with “Akin Homes” and uniforms for Hotel Chaco.
Her biggest driving force are her two children Mozart & Margeaux, Native Traditions, youth and empowering women. Her cottage industry empowers women’s voice and Native history leading to current issues where she finds herself supporting the awareness of MMIP Missing & Murdered Indigenous People, Community Against Violence, American Indian College Funds, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Smart Art, Cancer Support funding, and Preservation of Native Culture and Resources.
Recently her designs landed her to created costumes for Opera Lafayette, “Sylvain which premiered at the Kennedy Center in DC. James her companion is a hunter where she spends a lot of time with him in nature bringing the magic world of Taos Pueblo mountain back into the studio for inspiration. She has been using the digital world for 9 years since she revolutionized the uniform world with Cintas uniform company by creating digital uniforms and ever since has been using digital design in her fashion & textiles.
Indigenous Futures: Indigenous Futurism features streetwear designs that advocate for Indigenous sovereignty. It is an evening of Indigenous artistic practice, contemporary storytelling, and pop culture.
Night 03 Designer Showcase — Nov 22
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Girls Who LEAP youth have each created and designed their own clothing, which they will wear / model on the runway,
Kevin Gosnell has created 2 designs to showcase on the runway
All the looks will be paired with Mukluks by Manitobah
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GIRLS WHO LEAP
Girls Who LEAP: Lead to Empower & Act with Purpose is a registered non-profit volunteer-run society that provides leadership and mentorship opportunities as well as wrap-around support for self-identifying young women; including indigenous, two-spirited, LGBTQQIA+, vulnerable and at-risk youth in the Downtown Eastside and Grandview Woodlands communities. GWL believes that promotion of community engagement, prevention and early intervention are key methods to bring about positive social change.
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KEVIN GOSNELL
Kevin Gosnell is a multi-talented artist hailing from the Nisga’a nation. As a young two spirit individual, Kevin embraces his unique identity and uses it as a driving force behind his creative endeavors. With a deep passion for self-expression, Kevin is not only an accomplished artist but also an aspiring fashion designer, makeup artist, and drag performer. Born and raised in the village formerly known as Gitlax̱t'aamiks, Kevin takes great pride in his heritage and the rich cultural traditions of the Nisga’a people. He is a member of the esteemed frog/raven tribe and belongs to the house of Axdi Wil Luugooda, which carries the profound meaning of "never empty."
Kevin's artistic journey began at a young age, where he discovered his love for visual arts, fashion, and performance. With a keen eye for detail and a flair for creativity, he honed his skills as an artist, capturing the essence of his two spirit identity through various mediums. Inspired by his diverse interests, Kevin sets out to break boundaries and challenge societal norms through his art. He envisions using fashion as a platform to celebrate individuality and promote inclusivity. As a makeup artist, he strives to enhance beauty in all its forms and empower others to express their true selves fearlessly. And as a drag artist, Kevin aims to captivate audiences with his unique performances, bringing joy and entertainment while pushing the boundaries of gender and identity. Kevin's journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and unapologetic self-expression. Through his artistry, he aspires to make a positive impact, not only within his community but also in the broader world. With boundless creativity and unwavering determination, Kevin is poised to leave an indelible mark on the creative landscape as he continues to explore, innovate, and inspire.
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MANITOBAH
Manitobah is a celebration of Indigenous design, beauty, and resilience. Renowned for its high-quality footwear and unwavering dedication to the Indigenous communities who built it.
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Nation: Blackfoot, Piikani
Matthew Provost, is a Siksikaitsitapii (Blackfoot) designer, printmaker, beader, and visual artist from the Piikani Nation within the Blackfoot Confederacy. Matthew continues to utilize research as a component of design to recreate contemporary elements of Niitoyis (Lodge’s). His practice is broad while also focusing on regalia making through sewing, beadwork, and leatherwork. Matthew is an up-and-coming designer focusing on cut and sewn designs. From pattern making to garment construction, he creates his designs to challenge the boundaries of Indigenous concepts of fashion. My name is Jamie and I am from the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation. I was fortunate to grow up immersed in culture and surrounded by talented artists. My whole life I was drawn to the arts, music, dance, drawing, painting, but I was particularly drawn to working with my hands, whether it was sewing, beading or weaving.
Jamie Gentry Designs
My name is Jamie and I am from the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation. I was fortunate to grow up immersed in culture and surrounded by talented artists. My whole life I was drawn to the arts, music, dance, drawing, painting, but I was particularly drawn to working with my hands, whether it was sewing, beading or weaving.
For as long as I can remember I have wanted to make moccasins. However it wasn’t until we moved to Sooke, that I was able to find a teacher and from that day forward I have not stopped.
My goal is to create meaningful connections through moccasins making. When we connect with the maker and the product, we are more likely to hold that product closer to us, and it is less likely for that product to end up in a landfill. I hope to contribute a meaningful product to the world, build connections and share culture.
Each pair of moccasins is custom made. I do not cut into my hides until I know who the moccasins are for. This way I can put thoughtful, specific intentions into each pair, for every individual.
I make traditional, custom made moccasins for modern day living. My focus is on style, comfort and durability with an emphasis on sustainability. Each pair is cut, beaded, sewn, carved by hand and infused with love making each pair unique.
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Nation: Apsáalooke & Amskapi Piikani
Angela Howe of Choke Cherry Creek is a beadwork artist, fashion designer and business owner. She is Apsáalooke and Piikuni from Montana. Angela creates clothing for the visionary and infuses designs, styles, colors and florals inspired by her Indigenous roots. Her brand Choke Cherry Creek, carries the legacy of her matriarchs and strives to empower and uplift Indigenous communities. Choke Cherry Creek’s mission is to inspire the world to see that Indigenous people are beautiful, resilient, rich in culture and are still carrying on their traditions today. She especially enjoys her passion for fashion because it is such a beautiful form of expression. Angela has been invited to showcase her array of clothing in various places including premiere runways in Las Vegas, New York Fashion Week, and Paris.
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Nation: Heiltsuk
Coming straight from the central coast of BC this Heiltsuk owned streetwear clothing brand is connecting old culture and language to our clothing to share who we are and to tell our story through art and clothing. KC Hall our main artist works with Charlie Brown/designer to bring the northwest coast flavour to the streets in subtle and big ways. We aim for our clothes to be rocked by anyone anywhere. Connecting them with their roots.
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COPPER CANOE WOMAN
Nation: Haíɫzaqv & Nuučaan̓uł
Copper Canoe Woman was founded with you in mind and our ancestral roots in mind. We sought to create beautiful jewelry that tells a story: our story.
At Copper Canoe Woman, we do not just create jewelry for the sake of creating it – we create pieces that are deeply interconnected with our respective cultures. It is important to us that we create pieces from stories and teachings that we have the inherent right to.
Copper Canoe Woman was founded on the Lummi Reservation on a college student’s dream. Throughout college, Vina beaded jewelry to help support herself throughout her degree. She thought there had to be a more sustainable way to bring her designs to life, so she found one.
Since then, we have grown so much and built so many wonderful connections along the way. We say thank you to each and every one of you, because you have all been a part of our journey to where we are today.
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Nation: Samson Cree Nation
SECTION 35 is an Indigenous owned streetwear brand based on the Unceded Territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. SECTION 35 was founded in 2014 and officially launched in March 2016.
SECTION 35 has been featured in Vogue, Complex and numerous other publications over the last year. In 2022, SECTION 35 had work featured at the Metropolitan Museum of New York’s “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” Exhibition alongside some of biggest designers in America. The brand has shown on numerous runways from Indigenous Fashion Arts in Toronto and most recently Yamaava Fashion Daze in California which was produced by Kelly Cutrone. In February of 2023, the brand attended the prestigious White Milan Trade Show in Milan, Italy during Milan Fashion Week. SECTION 35 has also collaborated with brands such as OxDx out of Phoenix, Arizona to The Hundreds based in Los Angeles, California and just recently launched its first collaboration with Mitchell & Ness alongside powerhouse Salish Artist Debra Sparrow.
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Nation: Nuu-Cha-Nulth / Kwakwakawakw
Alicia was born and raised in Victoria, BC, Canada. She is originally from Nuu-Chah-Nulth ( Ahousaht ) and Kwakwaka'wakw ( Alert Bay ) Nations, both on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. She has been living in Vancouver for the past 20 years.
Alicia has been a First Nations artist since childhood. In elementary school was when she was first introduced into First Nations Art by her teacher. It was an instant passion and she was a natural at it. She loved it and gained many art awards throughout school. During high school she began learning different forms of cultural art: carving, beading, drum making. She also began modelling for Indigenous Fashion Designers. After experiencing the fashion shows, she always had a vision of featuring First Nation Art on more modern clothing and everyday wear. This vision was always in the back of her mind.
In 2012, she was in between jobs and had some free time. So, she decided to start sketching.. painting.. drawing. Eventually, started drawing on her own shoes with a sharpie. When she posted these to her facebook page, everyone wanted to purchase them and it became popular. She kept creating and soon opened her own selling platform on facebook " Alicia's Ink ".
Over the past 11 years, Alicia became a full time artist and has sold over 3,000 of her one of a kind pieces and has shipped all over North America. Her pieces include: Boots, High Heels, Runners, Purses, Wallets, Belts, Jackets & Earrings. All her pieces are hand painted with leather paint and a coating of varnish. Each has its own different design, color and placement.
Alicia has premiered her collections in New York Fashion Week in 2019 & 2022. Her first NYFW collection was called " Resilience " and portrayed a strong look dedicated to survivors and non-survivors of the Residential School System. Her collections have been on fashion runways in Seattle, Las Vegas & Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week.
Recently, Alicia has collaborated with Sharpie and joined in a campaign called " The World is Your Canvas ". The campaign shows all different art combined with sharpies and what can be created. This has had her featured in her own Sharpie video Ad and newspaper articles.
Alicia continues to paint and design everyday and showcases her work on social media. Her goal: " To have First Nations Art in mainstream media and show everyone that we are not just in the history books but.. here today and rising "
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Pam Baker is of Squamish ancestry on her father’s side and is of Musqamaqw Dzawada’enuxw/Kwaguilth/Tlingit/Haida ancestry on her mother’s side. Many years ago, she began a lifelong search to provide First Nations people a stage to showcase their culture and mentor indigenous youth and work with her First Nations communities.
In regards to textiles and clothing for hot weather, Himikalas attended Capilano University where she trained in the Textile Arts Program. What breathes and what would be appropriate for office wear.
As a single mother Himikalas moved with her two sons age 4 and 10 to Los Angeles, California to study at Otis College of Art and Design where she obtained her degree in Fashion Design. Her newly acquired degree provided here with the technical skills and business acumen to focus on designing a future honoring her ancestors. Baker started creating her own unique fashion and jewelry with her First Nation West Coast design. She recently completed the FIND program at The Wilson School of Design at KPU, and graduated top of the class. Where she has updated her skills in Photoshop and Illustrator as well as am now a certified operator a laser cutter.
Baker has been showcasing her one-of-a-kind pieces since 1988, as well as coordinating fashion shows and models since then. Himikalas was also selected as one of the top 3 designers in Canada to design for the 2010 Olympics Fashion show and designed regalia for our Squamish representatives for the opening ceremonies. Pam has also owned T.O.C.N.T.I fashion school, and Copperknot Jewelry and Touch of Culture since 1988 and is now collaborating with Roz Stanton in designing metal art.
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Spirit of the West Coast: Celebrate designs with a signature West Coast spirit that highlights the uniqueness of this land and people
Night 04 Designer Showcase — Nov 23
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Nation: Musqueam
Debra and Aleen Sparrow, a dynamic mother-daughter duo hailing from Musqueam, proudly unite their creative forces to craft a stunning fashion collection that pays homage to their Salish heritage. With a shared passion for weaving, they have seamlessly transitioned their intricate designs onto clothing, melding traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion. Drawing inspiration from the rich Salish textiles, Aleen and Debra are committed to preserving the essence of their culture through their collection. Every garment is a testament to their dedication to using all-natural fibers, reflecting their reverence for the environment and ancestral traditions. Debra Sparrow, a masterful weaver with decades of experience, brings authenticity to every stitch. Her intricate designs are a window into the history and stories of the Musqueam people. Each piece embodies the spirit of resilience and wisdom passed down through generations. Aleen Sparrow, a visionary artist, brings a modern twist to Salish patterns, infusing them with her unique perspective. Her innate talent for weaving translates effortlessly into fashion, resulting in garments that are not just pieces of clothing, but living works of art. Together, they create a collection that transcends mere clothing; it's a tribute to their culture, a celebration of craftsmanship, and a statement of sustainability. Debra and Aleen Sparrow invite you to experience the magic of Salish textiles, woven with love and reverence, and to join them on a journey that melds tradition and modernity in the world of fashion.
DEBRA SPARROW
Debra Sparrow was born and raised on the Musqueam Indian Reserve and is self-taught in Salish design and jewelry-making. Her work can be seen in various museums and institutions including the University of British Columbia, Vancouver International Airport, Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, the Royal B.C. Museum in Victoria and the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture in Seattle, WA.
Debra designed the logo for the Canadian Men’s Hockey Team for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, B.C. She also continues to work on pieces close to her heart at her home in Musqueam. It is Debra’s hope to educate others about the beauty and integrity of her people’s history through her art.
Debra is an acclaimed weaver who has been weaving for twenty years and is deeply involved with the revival of Musqueam weaving. Her Musqueam blankets are displayed at the Vancouver Airport, and at UBC. She is active in a program at the Museum of Anthropology designed to teach grade four children about Musqueam culture and history. She helped with the design of the Queen of the Night costume in the Vancouver Opera production of The Magic Flute
Debra and her sister felt a need to find their roots; they wanted to know what their place was in the world. Their grandfather had told them that they had to know who they were and where they come from; otherwise they were nothing. They decided that their path to this knowledge was through traditional crafts. Debra chose to pursue jewellery making, but later found herself involved more and more with weaving.
Debra and her sister organized a local group of Musqueam weavers who wove traditional blankets. They were inspired by an old blanket passed down in their family, by blankets owned by museums in Washington, DC and New York City and by a book on Salish weaving by Paula Gustafson. Now Debra is involved with the commercial production of blanket designs in clothing as well as blankets.
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Nation: Tsuu T’ina Nation (Dene)
Livia Manywounds (Blackfoot Woman) hails from the TsuuT'ina (Dene) and Siksika (Blackfoot) Nations in Treaty 7 territory located in Southern, Alberta, Canada. Livia is a first generation Business Owner, Designer, Emcee, and Photographer. This multi talented entrepreneur is a Broadcasting Graduate from Mount Royal University and former CBC Reporter. Livia creates pieces rooted deep in her culture with a focus on Indigenous Haute Couture and wearable art. She is an Indigenous business award winner, receiving the 2019 Community Futures Treaty 7 Indigenous Business Builders Series recognition award. Livia opened the 2019 Otahpiaaki Fashion show with her Winter Count Collection. She was featured at the 2022 Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival (IFA) and featured in the Toronto Star and The Kit Magazines as one of four Indigenous Fashion Designers changing the game of Fashion.
The Globe and Mail featured her story, healing through the threads of grief and creating fashion. CBC Calgary News highlighted Livia as one of few Indigenous Designers gaining recognition on international runways. This multi-talented entrepreneur was one of ten selected across Canada for a one of kind Indigenous Haute Couture Residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in 2022. Now, Livia has retired her brand Dancing Storm Designs and is continuing forward as Livia Manywounds - Designer, Emcee, & Photographer.
This rising artisan has combined her passion for fashion with the gift of voice and capturing memories. Her new slogan, Art is universal in telling our stories.
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Nation: Nuxalk and Onondaga
JB the First Lady's passion for fashion came at a young age. Being in powwow culture and Potlatch culture she is inspired by colours and designs. Her love for colour shines through her designs. Her Designs are made for indigenous musicians, artists, models, actors and actresses. JB wants to make red carpet and show looks. She wants to adorn and celebrate artists and musicians on red carpets. This will be her second collection showing at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week 2023.
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Nation: Haida
Ta’kiid Aayaa is Corey Bulpitt’s Haida name, which translates to “gifted carver.” Corey is a carver and painter. He was born in Prince Rupert, BC, and is a member of the Naikun Raven clan. Corey started his artistic career doing graffiti in the ‘90s. During his teen years, Corey was immersed in the fundamentals of hip hop culture. At 20 years old, Corey started an apprenticeship in Haida Gwaii with master carver Christian White in which he learned design and carving.
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Nation: Lutsel ke Dene First Nations
My line is called Dene Couture – Heirloom Collection by Tishna Marlowe
Past Present and Future, it is Dene Couture’s and Tishna Marlow’s Origin story. This line is about my grandmother’s, and the women of Lutselke. All these women communally raised me to be the artist I am today. They taught me the artform of beading and sewing. I grew up around them scraping hides daily and constructing garments. It became a Language to me, an unspoken language called Blood Memory. I watched with admiration and pure love of how they took our traditional materials such as Caribou Hides, Sinew, Various Furs and Patterns passed down from woman to woman on whatever material was available. The place I come from is on the East Arm of the Great Slave Lake called Lutselke, is an isolated community we call a fly in Community I was apprehended when I was 8 years old and became Ward of the Government. I was the last year of the Sixties Scoop and I Classified as a Sixties Scoop. I spent the next 8 years in care.
During my stint I lost my language, my knowledge of my Grannies Teachings, my Identity, my
Self Dignity and My shine. I truly believe I was a nobody because I was Indian. It wasn’t till I was released at 17, that I returned home, quit high school and lived my life just being home with my people, working for the band and the Wildlife office that I relearned whom I was. I was and am a member of the Ethen Dene “People of the Caribou, from Land of the Ancestors “Thaidene Nene” and I come from the people who have resided in Luteselke Place of Small fish since time Immemorial.
This Line is about my journey to Re-culturalization my Imposters Syndro and most importantly to the beautiful woman of Lutselke of the Past, Present and Future, who have shaped and continue to shape me Today. “Our love of each as woman is what can change the Trajectory of any society or community, because it all starts at home”.
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Raised Red River in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Jason Baerg is also a registered member of the Métis Nations of Ontario. They serve their community as an Indigenous activist, curator, educator, and interdisciplinary artist. Select international solo exhibitions include Canada House in London, UK, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia, and the Digital Dome at the Institute of the American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA. As a 2 Spirit Cree Métis fashion designer, they launched their first commercial cruise capsule collection with the New York City-based Fashion Art Gallery in 2018. In 2020 they released a complete collection at Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto under their brand Ayimach Horizons. In 2022, Baerg opened Santa Fe’s Indian Market Fashion Show Gala and was reviewed by Dr. Jessica R. Metcalfe, one of the organizers and a recognized Indigenous fashion expert, who wrote, “Jason Baerg’s collection was a crowd favourite!!!” This community recognition meant as much to me as being highlighted in Vogue as being one of the “15 Indigenous Artists to Know from This Year’s Santa Fe Indian Market”. In 2023, ELLE Magazine acknowledged Jason Baerg as one of “5 Indigenous Fashion Designers You Need to Know”.
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“Kaylyn, who is Northern Tutchone and Tlingit, beads and tufts earrings, pendants, chokers, bolo ties, cuffs, and more. Her creations use traditional techniques, but her colour and pattern choices are dizzyingly anti-conventional. She often incorporates high-contrast black and white quillwork into her flowers. And, she’ll often give each petal an entirely different treatment; beaded stripes, then orange tufting, then neon pink. Sometimes her tufts are multi-colour, resembling tie-dye or even graffiti-style spray-paint. For this technique, Kaylyn learned hair-dying tips from her hairdresser and applied them to caribou hair. As she also incorporates gems, metallics, crystals, gold – each piece becomes an audacious garden, a feast for the eyes.⠀ Her work though, is more than aesthetic experience. Each piece is inspired by a memory or a story or a friend. ‘I heard a phrase one time – symphony of thoughts – that I really like,’ says Kaylyn. ‘It is what my pieces are. So many textures, never flat. I give myself permission to try things. I do whatever I feel like in the moment!’”
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Pam Baker is of Squamish ancestry on her father’s side and is of Musqamaqw Dzawada’enuxw/Kwaguilth/Tlingit/Haida ancestry on her mother’s side. Many years ago, she began a lifelong search to provide First Nations people a stage to showcase their culture and mentor indigenous youth and work with her First Nations communities.
In regards to textiles and clothing for hot weather, Himikalas attended Capilano University where she trained in the Textile Arts Program. What breathes and what would be appropriate for office wear.
As a single mother Himikalas moved with her two sons age 4 and 10 to Los Angeles, California to study at Otis College of Art and Design where she obtained her degree in Fashion Design. Her newly acquired degree provided here with the technical skills and business acumen to focus on designing a future honoring her ancestors. Baker started creating her own unique fashion and jewelry with her First Nation West Coast design. She recently completed the FIND program at The Wilson School of Design at KPU, and graduated top of the class. Where she has updated her skills in Photoshop and Illustrator as well as am now a certified operator a laser cutter.
Baker has been showcasing her one-of-a-kind pieces since 1988, as well as coordinating fashion shows and models since then. Himikalas was also selected as one of the top 3 designers in Canada to design for the 2010 Olympics Fashion show and designed regalia for our Squamish representatives for the opening ceremonies. Pam has also owned T.O.C.N.T.I fashion school, and Copperknot Jewelry and Touch of Culture since 1988 and is now collaborating with Roz Stanton in designing metal art.
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