Indigenous Canadian Models Walk the Runway at New York Fashion Week – Edmonton

A group of indigenous fashion designers and models have been invited to the prestigious New York Fashion Week to showcase a sample of First Nations, Inuit and Metis culture to the world.

“Going to New York Fashion Week, Indigenous Fashion Week, was terrifying. It was life-changing,” explains model Brittany Gadwa.

A single mother and social worker living in Elk Point, Alta. She modeled at the hiTechMODA show, representing her Khewin Cree nation.

“I was shaking in the back. I was shaking in my heels. It was absolutely inspiring,” he said.

Gadwa said she shed many tears during the journey.

“I was bullied a lot as a child, so I dealt with suicidal thoughts. I didn’t know who I was and I didn’t know my worth. Moving to New York was a huge healing experience for me.

Her outfit was designed by another Alberta: the Doneese Bull-Buffalo of the Lewis Bull Tribe.

A ribbon dressmaker and bead worker put together 10 new outfits for the show, which were inspired by what the epidemic had left behind.

“We didn’t have any powwows because of Covid, so I wanted my dress to be bright and colorful – just like the essence of the dress.

After they killed the airstrip, the Canadian troops got a bit of a tour.

“We went to Times Square for a photo shoot and everyone was wearing my designs and complimenting my models,” says Bull Buffalo.

The experience gave her more confidence and inspiration to continue with her designs – something she’d wanted to do since she was a child, walking around the house dressed in her uncles’ mother’s and aunts’ clothes.

“It’s really my dream come true.”

All of the models, including Amanda Wanoch, are from the Consensus Six region, which includes central Alberta and Saskatchewan.

“He was very encouraging as a young woman,” Wanoch said.

Raised in Fort Vermillion in northern Alberta but now living in Edmonton, she has put her own spin on the runway, representing her Cree, Dene and Métis ancestry.

I’m sure I impressed a lot of people because I danced for tea on the terrace.

She said her grandmother gave her a warm welcome upon arrival.

“We were welcomed everywhere in New York and Manhattan and New Jersey, Brooklyn. It was a great experience. “

Wanotch was one of the few plus size models to participate in the shows.

She started modeling in July and shared a quarter in New York with famous Canadian-born model Ashley Kalingbull.

“She’s not alone now, you know? There are so many of our women who can get these opportunities now. They know it can be done,” Wanoch said.

Bull-Buffalo said the entire trip was memorable.

“I was enjoying everything and trying to take it all in. The experience – it was the first time on the plane to New York.”

She wasn’t alone – many of the Canadians at the meeting had never visited the Big Apple before.

Gadwa said, “I will be here as a path and set the stone for all to follow.”

Now the women hope to inspire the next generation to dream big.

“I wasn’t proud to wear the designs we were, to show our culture and our race,” Wanoch added.