Our Story

Uplifting Indigenous Design

Showcasing the ingenuity of 30+ accomplished Indigenous fashion designers from across Turtle Island, the event offers an exclusive platform for unveiling their latest seasonal inspirations.

The main events will showcase Indigenous fashion, art, drumming, dance, singing, and more through four themed nights, featuring captivating fashion shows, vibrant pop-up shops, cultural showcases, interactive art installations, and empowering educational workshops.

This immersive experience will celebrate the rich diversity of Indigenous creativity, fostering a deeper appreciation for Indigenous art forms and cultural traditions.

WISDOM CIRCLE

Our Wisdom Circle consists of a core advisory council of 12 Indigenous Elders, artisans, changemakers, and community leaders. The Wisdom Circle provides guidance to the team on strategic development, youth mentorship, and events to ensure that all activities are aligned with Indigenous values and appropriate cross-cultural engagement.

The members of the Wisdom Circle will co-produce this year’s Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. We are honoured to have their collective input and creativity to make this year’s event shine!

  • HIMIKALAS PAM BAKER

  • Christine Leo

  • YOLANDA SKELTON

  • GINGER GOSNELL-MYERS

  • Ruth Alfred

  • KRIS ARCHIE

  • Charlene Aleck

  • Alexis MacDonald Seto

  • debra sparrow

  • Marissa Nahanee

  • Mandy Nahanee

  • Andrea Rimer

Authentic Representation

VIFW aims to address crucial issues by challenging stereotypes and promoting greater understanding and appreciation of Indigenous fashion and culture. Through our programming, we hope to dismantle harmful narratives, foster cultural authenticity, and inspire positive change within the fashion industry. Additionally, VIFW is dedicated to promoting ethical and sustainable fashion practices, highlighting the environmental and social impact of the industry and encouraging responsible consumption and production.

Meet the Team

  • Joleen Mitton

    Founder +
    Artistic Director

  • Maynard Johnny Jr.

    Cultural Advisor

  • SACHA SIM

    Assistant to the Artistic Director

  • CHRISTINE LEO

    Designer Coordinator

  • Kerriann Cardinal

    Designer Coordinator

  • MARLAYNA PINCOTT

    Makeup Director

  • KRYSTAL DUMAIS

    Hair Director

  • VEE PHO

    Head Dresser

  • Toni Gladstone

    Youth Mentorship Coordinator

  • Jocelyn Macdougall

    General Manager

  • Felicia Greekas

    Marketing
    Co-Manager

  • Kristen Rivers

    Marketing
    Co-Manager

  • Patrick Shannon

    Branding + Media Capture Director

  • KEI BARITUGO

    Public Relations Director

  • CAROLINE PHELPS

    Makers Market Director

  • Brian Nguyen

    Bookkeeping + Photography

  • JANELLE ZWARYCH

    Volunteer Coordinator

  • DENICE JAGIC

    Box Office Manager

  • ROBERT WILSON

    Technical Director

  • CANDACE CURR

    Hospitality Manager

  • MARNIE SCOW

    Backstage Auntie

Our History

Vancouver’s first Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW) took to the runway from July 26-29, 2017 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and Museum of Anthropology (MOA). Showcasing collections from Indigenous fashion designers and models from across the country, with two shows each day, the inaugural 4-day event had an audience of 4,550. VIFW was an independent production that later partnered with the City of Vancouver’s The Drum is Calling Festival. 

The second VIFW was held November 18-21, 2019 at both The Orpheum Theatre and Queen Elizabeth Theatre and saw similar numbers in attendance. The opening gala was held at The Orpheum Theatre featuring a powerful Red Dress Ceremony to honour and remember the many Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls across Canada (MMIWG).

From November 28 to December 2, 2022, VIFW was back for a third event that showcased the works of 32 Indigenous designers from across Turtle Island at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. 

Our Philosophy

Fashion is a powerful means of expressing one's identity, sense of place, and personal creativity. Throughout history, humans have adorned themselves with clothing, jewellery, and talismans to explore symbolism, beauty, and belonging, as our forms of living and presenting evolve. 

At VIFW, we highlight how fashion can build connections with Indigenous values, wisdom, and history, becoming a powerful tool for the cultivation of strength and resiliency in Indigenous communities, as well as a vehicle for understanding and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

VIFW is committed to facilitating reconciliation through collaboration and dialogue about fashion, identity, story, art, and representation. Our fashion is Wearable Culture, and it unites artists, cultural creatives, leaders, and the curious in celebrating the stories inherent in the creation of each piece. Through showcasing the expression and evolution of Indigenous designers from across Turtle Island, VIFW bridges the past, present, and future of Indigenous resurgence in the heart of the city.