Image via Alex Waber
If there’s something we should be hearing more about in Canada, it’s Indigenous designers. Whether it’s the way Section 35 uses visual storytelling to authentically celebrate Indigenous art and culture, or the apparel activism of Dusty LeGrande’s Mobilize streetwear brand, Indigenous talent in the country is bursting at the seams.
This weekend’s Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival in Toronto—featuring designers from Canada and around the world—offers up a taste, but there are still many more homegrown brands to discover.
Even outside of fashion, we’ve shared stories about the International Indigenous Music Summit and how dancers like Tallcree First Nation’s James Jones (or Notorious Cree on TikTok) are elevating Indigenous representation in the media. And that’s just scratching the surface.
So here are some of the Indigenous fashion talents the country has to offer, stretching from the southernmost community of Nunavut to Winnipeg. They’re all Indigenous, all based in Canada, and all well worth your time.
Mobilize
Founder: Dusty LeGrande
Location: Edmonton
Website: mobilizewaskawewin.com
In a interview with Complex last year, Mobilize founder Dusty LeGrande said, “I wanted my fashion to become a space where I could be loud with designs, and let everyone know Indigenous people are still here, still strong, and still present without having to say a word.”
Since then, LeGrande’s brand has continued growing and today, it’s a staple in the Canadian streetwear scene with its stylish take on social commentary. The brand, alongside its collection, has also launched other initiatives like its Next Gen Scholarship, which supports emerging Indigenous designers.
Resist Clothing
Founder: Mitch Gegwetch
Location: Toronto
Website: resistclothing.ca
Resist Clothing wants to decolonize your closet. With a mission to “ignite change and build a premium streetwear brand that elevates Indigenous messages, inspires allyship, and demonstrates Indigenous resilience,” it’s fighting both for now and the future.
The brand was launched by Mitch Gegwetch, Anishinaabe and a registered member of Sagamok First Nation. After attending peaceful rallies, he decided to put thoughts to fabric and created his own “F*ck Colonialism” T-shirt. When he had people asking where they could purchase one he decided to launch an Indigenous streetwear brand. It was originally dubbed Our Feather Clothing Company but, as of 2021, it’s Resist Clothing.
Chippewar Nation
SheNative
Section 35
Founder: Justin Louis
Location: Vancouver
Website: sectionthirtyfive.com
Section 35 is an Indigenous-owned streetwear brand founded by Justin Louis, a member of the Samson Cree Nation. It’s based on the unceded territories of the Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and was launched as a form of visual storytelling. As well as offering sweatpants, coats, jackets, and headwear, the brand recently collaborated on a line of tees with Wasauksing First Nation artist Tyler Tabobondung Rushnell.
CoutuKitsch
Biulu Artisan Boutique
Founder: Lydia Morales
Location: Winnipeg
Website: etsy.com/ca/shop/BiuluArtisanBoutique
These beadwork accessories are made by Mexican and Colombian Indigenous ladies belonging to the Huichol, Cora, Tikuna, Andina (Quechua), and Embera peoples. Their offerings are truly eclectic, with a vast amount of intricate jewelry, handbags, hats, keychains, and more to choose from. Coming soon, they’ll be launching a YouTube channel to showcase the diversity of their designers’ cultures. Much of their profit goes to community outreach, making a Biulu shop a great way to directly support Indigenous initiatives.
Hinaani Design
Red Rebel Armour
Evan Ducharme
Indi City
Naokah Designs
Founder: Alison Mackenzie
Location: Peterborough, Ontario
Website: naokahdesigns.com
If you’re looking for variety, Naokah Designs is the shop for you. This family-run shop sells a vast amount of graphic tees and sweaters with their slogans ranging from empowering to witty. Founder Alison Mackenzie keeps her husband and kids close to Naokah’s heart, as the whole family is involved in design and order prep for the shop. Whether you want to snag a shirt to show off your Indigenous heritage or are simply an ally looking to support a local business, there’s a top in Naokah’s collection for you.
Manitobah MukLuks
Eeyou Istchee Lifestyle
Red Road Clothing
North Okanagan Apparel
Founders: Cody Issac, Sara Martin
Location: Vernon, British Columbia
Website: northokanaganapparel.com
What started as a basement project launched in the pandemic is now a business selling everything from crewnecks to cups in order to represent the Okanagan. It was launched by Sara Martin and Cody Isaac, who is Syilx Nation. They aim to share the story and passion of what they describe as “one of the most beautiful places in the world.” Expect to see crewnecks, snapbacks, and toques (for when the colder months roll around).