b'needed: In fashion, there is no intellec-tual property protection. The designs are not protectedtheyre based on family and cultural designs. Who protects them from appropriation? There is work being done around that, Paul adds. How to put it in place, the power and balance. In addition to a lack of financial resources and the potential for appropria-tion, Paul points out that location can also be a barrier: Far more designers live in rural areas. But she also notes that online visibility has been helpful in this area. As a younger designer, Toulouse says that while she thought a move to the city would have benefitted her career, I never had to, which is great. While the Anishinabekwe lives in and operates out of her community, some designers do choose to follow that other path. Theres lots of room for Indigenous designers to make a splash in a larger pond, and we have Indigenous models being recognized internationally, on a mainstream level, Toulouse says.Sage Paul is the artistic director for Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto. One of the models currently garnering much media attention, is Quannah Building a stronger future together!222 Rowntree Dairy Road | Woodbridge, ON L4L 9T2 | T: 905-652-4140 | www.local675.ca@local675interiorsystems @Local675DALI @Local675interiorsystemsDALII ssue1 2022C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne l 29'