Cochrane | Indigenous Fashion History and Teachings

Mushkegowuk Council's Health Department is hosting an Indigenous Fashion History and Teachings Show in Cochrane on February 29, 2024 at the Apitisawin Gym in Cochrane. The event will showcase the rich and diverse heritage of Indigenous fashion with the goal of enlightening and empowering our community by showcasing ceremonial/regalia and custom designer wear. Through this event, we aspire to inspire, educate, and identify future designers and knowledge keepers who will contribute to preserving our heritage and crafting unique pieces for generations to come.

Doors will open at 1PM and welcoming remarks will begin at 1:30PM. 

This event is eligible for NIHB Travel. Deadline to apply for NIHB Travel is Monday, February 12 at 12PM. Please contact Dolores at doloresgull@mushkegowuk.ca or 705-288-2854 to submit an application.

This event is free to attend, registration is not required. 

AGENDA

1:00 PM - Doors Open (back entrance of Apitisawin Gym)

1:30 PM - Welcome Remarks by Yvonne Metatawabin, Master of Ceremonies

1:45 PM - Opening Drum 

• Feel the rhythm and heartbeat of Indigenous culture with a captivating drum performance by Thunder Creek Singers.

2:30 PM - Runway Show

• Explore the vibrant and varied legacy of Indigenous fashion, highlighting ceremonial regalia and designer attire. The exhibition will present regalia designed for Rites of Passage and Powwow (designers: invited future designers, CREE STYLE BY De LORES).
• Mark Carpenter will feature a special segment showcasing the sacred long hair of males, a profound expression that faced disapproval in the context of residential schools.

4:00PM - Sundance Ceremonial Wear Teachings

• Traditional Practitioners Jules Tapas and Charlene Gunner-Tapas will impart knowledge on Sundance Ceremonial Wear.

4:30PM - Keynote Speakers: Scott Wabano (they/them)

Scott Wabano is an award-winning Fashion Stylist and designer, Creative Director and Content Creator. A 2Spirit Cree from the Mushkegowuk & Eeyou Istchee territories on the James Bay coast, Scott grew up with a strong admiration for traditional and mainstream fashion and a passion for bringing authentic Indigenous representation to the industry. With features in Vogue, Forbes, ELLE, FASHION, The National Post and more, Scott has become an advocate for sustainable and Indigenous fashion while also advocating for the rights of Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ youth on Turtle Island.

Scott owns the genderless brand ‘Wabano’, an Indigenous, sustainable fashion brand used to educate society about the impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities. Scott is also one of the co-founders of the non-profit organization Two Spirits of Eeyou Istchee and was recently featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List for Toronto. Scott uses their voice and presence to advocate for Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ youth and remind them of the power of their identity, the power of their existence, and the power we all carry as individuals.

5:00 PM - Special Guest Chelazon Leroux (she/he/they)

Chelazon Leroux was a Canada’s Drag Race contestant. Chelazon is a 2Spirit Dene First Nations Multidisciplinary Artist. Chelazon’s artistic pursuits include: Drag, stand-up comedy, and social media content creation. 

Chelazon uses her Indigenous identity— as a status member of Buffalo River Dene Nation (Treaty 10) and family ties to Fond Du Lac First Nation (Treaty 8) —as the foundation for her creative works. Chelazon is best known for her Auntie persona and TikTok posts. Chelazon uses her social media influence to educate and entertain audiences worldwide.

Her goal is to utilize her responsibilities as a Two-Spirit  multimedia artist to bring 2Spirit’s historical role into the modern world and to educate and entertain audiences worldwide on  the experiences, stories, and beauty of Indigenous identity.

5:30PM- Dinner 

6:30PM - Closing Drum by Thunder Creek Singers, and Closing Prayer

VENDORS:

Several Indigenous arts and crafts vendors will set up booths to showcase and offer their artwork for sale.

This event is proudly sponsored by: Omushkego Nation Rebuilding Initiative, Agnico Eagle, Aboriginal Peoples Alliance Northern Ontario, Ininew Friendship Centre and Cree Mij Designs.