b'FASHIONIndigenous people have been using thisthere would have been an extensive progres- perfectly represents the coming together method to make leather for clothing, adobession of technique over time. How do weof mainstream fashion and the traditional. and vehicles since time immemorial. Today,show the designers and honour the processIt really moved me; she nailed it, says the tanned leather is used for clothing, foot- and the generations of knowledge that wentPaul, noting that the likes of actress/model/wear, jewellery, tools and instruments.into that design? Theres so much that goesinfluencer Ashley Callingbull, as well as into it, Paul says.Deb Haaland, United States Secretary The workshop was presented by Anishinabeof the Interior, have been seen wearing citizen Amber Sandy from Neyaashiinigmiing,While it may seem as though Indigenous Chippewas of Nawash First Nation,fashion has been coming into mainstreamBlackburns creations. and Anishinabe-kwe Kanina Terry fromspaces only recently, that is far from theNot only do Indigenous peoples bring value Obishikokang (Lac Seul First Nation).case, stresses Paul. Looking back intoto these spaces, they also bring humour. Another panel discussion dovetailed quitehistory, she points out that Canada itselfAlthough not a part of IFAF this year, Paul was formed because of fashion and the fur nicely with the hide-tanning workshop. Theindustry. [However] mainstream fashion ismentions the very contemporary beadwork Fashioning Resurgence Panel Series featuredbased on capitalism, which wasnt a part ofof some young people. All the young Women in the Fur Trade: Tradition, History andour communities. Our communities bringpeople are making things Ive never thought Truths from Indigenous Women. In additionvalues to the industry. We respect the Landof, she notes. Theyre coming out of the to the trades history and the colonizationand each other. generational trauma. Young people are aspect, panelists discussed how womenoutspoken and take pride and joy in who are leading the revival and reclamation ofThe work of reclamation does not justthey are as Indigenous people. They are hide-tanning camps.happen in pockets or in times and placesputting forward things that are not based The panel series also covered several otherwhere Indigenous people gather. Today,on trauma.Indigenous peoples are occupying urban important topics: fashion performance,spaces while donning what some wouldPaul illustrates her point by mentioning Jill digital marketing and new technology, andconsider more traditional attire, like ribbon successful partnerships as well as Indigenousskirts. This is viewed as a positive trend.Kaasteen Meserves beaded work. The Lingit governance models for fashion. All wereI feel good when I see someone wearingartist, based in Juneau, Alaska, had some of relevant and poignant topics for Indigenousa ribbon skirt on the subway. It makesher cheeky work featured on the TV series designers around North America.me feel at home, says Paul. I dont wantReservation Dogs and even in Vogue magazine. A to call it a trend, but its something I seefew of her creations include a beaded flaming We focus on designers and artists fromhappening more. pickle, an eggplant, and even middle fingers. across Canada, Turtle Island and around theOverall, Paul loves the inventive new creations world, explains Paul. Theyre on reservecoming from young artists and sees the joy and in small towns, and they know thisTRENDS and humour in them. Plus, she says, Theres platform goes far beyond. It goes towardsSpeaking of trends, Indigenous designers area lot of sexiness and those are things being building sovereignty, self-determination andleaning into creating clothing that is morecelebrated. Its great! doing the work we know is in our blood. accessible due to the variety of mediums available at their fingertips. There is a wideIFAF is only going to continue to grow IDEAL PLATFORM array of printed materials available frombecause, as Paul explains, there is still so much IFAF is a great platform for creative peoplewhich to make clothing and other items.that needs to change and evolve for Indigenous wanting more exposure, to share skills andStreetwear is another popular item that isdesigners. This only marks the beginning of a see what else is out there. The recent eventreadily available.long, prosperous and creative journey.was also home to a marketplace whereFrom streetwear to high fashion, Paul attendees were able to purchase beautifullysays the new Convergence collection from designed genuine Indigenous piecesitemsCatherine Blackburn (English River FirstFor more on IFAF, check out the event website: like beadwork, tanned-hide mitts, moccasinsNation) is setting a high bar. The collectionIndigenous Fashion Arts - Indigenous Fashion Arts .and other leather goods, jewellery, baskets, textiles, bags and clothing, in both traditional and contemporary fashion styles.IFAF is a busy hub that brings a lot of pieces together for community and artists alike. It is also a capacity-building tool for artists, as well as an educating tool for the public. As Paul explains, It opens the door to our community. It can be hard for designers to keep up with demandit takes time and ethical wages for that to work. Consumers may sometimes balk at the seem-ingly steep prices for original pieces, but if they understand what goes into the whole process, they may change their minds about what they are willing to pay. For example, if the end result is a pair of beautiful smoked, tanned leather mitts with a beaded design, Ontario Native Womens Association65'