b'INDIGENOUS FASHIONMitton echoes this sentiment, partic-ularly in her work with VIFW, where she prioritizes mentorship for young Indigenous designers. Its not just about the fashion; its about building a community, she says. We have to be there for each other, especially for the younger designers coming up. They need to know that theyre not alone, that they have support.Clearly, mentorship and the matriar-chal foundation of Indigenous culture are crucial elements in ensuring the success of Indigenous fashion. As Indigenous designers continue to lead by example, they are shaping a future where emerging designers are supported, celebrated and empow-ered to thrive.LOOKING TO THE FUTUREAll three women are optimistic about the future of Indigenous fashion. In fact, Sage Paul, founder of the Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival in Toronto, envisions a future where Indigenous designersPaul believes it has the potential to lead arent just part of the global fashion conversation but are leading it the global industry, particularly in areas Paul, who manages the Indigenousthat sense of community and purposelike sustainability and cultural represen-Fashion Arts Festival in Toronto, sharesthat sets Indigenous fashion apart. tation. Fashion is in an environmental the scope of that operation. For acrisis [and] many mainstream designers festival of this scale, were talking aboutMATRIARCHAL WISDOM are looking to Indigenous communities hundreds of people, she says. Its notThe matriarchal structure of Indigenousfor solutions because weve always had just the designers and models you seea reciprocal relationship with the land, communities plays a vital role in theshe says. Our approach to sustain-on stage. There are the lighting andsuccess of Indigenous fashion andability, using materials thoughtfully and sound technicians, the event planners,Paul, Mitton and Saloy-EagleSpeakerensuring that what we create respects the administrators, and, of course, theacknowledge the importance of thethe environment, is something the Elders and cultural advisors who helpwomen who have come before them.entire industry can learn from.guide us in keeping the event cultur- They too are committed to passing ally appropriate. down knowledge and support to thePaulenvisionsafuturewhere next generation of designers.Indigenous designers arent just part Saloy-EagleSpeaker, who works onof the global fashion conversation but smaller shows in rural Alberta butOur strength comes from our history,are leading it. We have the best stories also showcases internationally, high- from our communities, and from thein the world, and the best fashion in lights the importance of resource- women who raised us, says Saloy- the world, she says. I want to see fulness and the need for dedicatedEagleSpeaker, who mentors Indigenousmore Indigenous designers taking assistance. I typically work with aboutwomen in rural Alberta. The matriarchycentre stage, with our cultural prac-three or four assistants at each largeteaches us that we dont have to dotices influencing the mainstream, not show, she says. They help with every- this alonetheres always someonejust in aesthetics but in the way we thing from handling the garments tothere to help you, and its importantapproach design and production.working behind the scenes during the event. Even though some of myto keep that circle of support going.Mitton echoes this sentiment, noting shows are smaller, each person playsMy advice to aspiring designers is tothatwhileVIFWisprimarilyfor a crucial role in making sure everythingalways stay connected to your roots. Indigenousaudiences,theresa runs smoothly. growingdemandfromnon-Indig-Indigenous fashion is built on theenous consumers who are seeking Thethreewomenemphasizethatstrength of the matriarchy, adds Paul.authenticity and deeper meaning in Indigenous fashion shows are moreOurgrandmothers,mothers,andthe fashion they wear. People have than just runway eventsthey aresisters have always been the onesbeen borrowing from our culture for community gatherings. Everyone whowho create, nurture and lead. Its noso long. Now its time for us to lead, contributes plays a role in making suredifferent in fashion. We stand on theirto show the world what Indigenous were not just putting on a show, butshoulders, and its our duty to upliftfashion really means. Theres no limit sharing our stories, says Mitton. Itsthe next generation. to what we can doour art deserves 54A CCIB PUBLICATIONFall 2024'