b'FASHIONPhoto by Daniela Luquini.Indigenizing the Fashion IndustryFirst NationsI ndigenous fashion proudly standsHistorically, the mainstream fashion out. Whether its beautifully hand- industry hasnt exactly been a friendly designers on the rise crafted ribbon skirts, belts, beadedplace for Indigenous designers. The medallions and earrings, embel- industry has been known to appro-lished fedora and Panama hats or uniquepriate many sacred geometric designs BY JENNIFER ASHAWASEGAI-PEREIRA couture items, Indigenous designersand churn out clothes for the masses. infuse their creations with their identitiesIndigenous inspired doesnt pay homage and their culture. Theyve been gainingto Indigenous peoplesits often actually recognition on their own merit. Not onlyquite the opposite. Despite this struggle, stylish, Indigenous-designed apparel isthe mainstream fashion industry has meaningful and most often inspired byslowly been making space for Indigenous identity and previous generations. designers to be seen and heard. 26l I ssue1 2022C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne'