A group of indigenous fashion designers and models were invited to the prestigious New York Fashion Week to showcase samples of First Nations, Inuit and Métis culture to the world.

“Going to New York Fashion Week for Indigenous Fashion Week was absolutely devastating. It was life-changing,” explained model Brittany Gadwa.

A single mother and social worker living in Elk Point, a town in Alta. Modeled for his hiTechMODA show representing the ancestry of Kehewin Cree Nation.

“I was shaking backstage. My heels were shaking. It was absolutely exhilarating.”

Ms. Gadwa says she shed a lot of tears on the trip.

“As a kid, I was bullied a lot, so I was dealing with suicidal thoughts. I didn’t know who I was, and I didn’t know my worth. Going to New York for me.” It was a great healing experience.”

Her costume was designed by another Albertan, Donny’s Bull Buffalo of the Lewis Bull tribe.

A ribbon skirt maker and bead worker put together 10 new outfits for the show, inspired by what she missed out on during the pandemic.

“Because of COVID, I couldn’t do a powwow, so I wanted the skirt to be sparkly and colorful, like the regalia.”

After destroying the runway, the Canadian contingent did a little sightseeing.

“I went to Times Square for a photo shoot and everyone was complimenting my models in my designs,” Bullbuffalo said.

This experience gave her the confidence and motivation to continue with her designs. This is something I’ve wanted to do since I was little, having my cousins ​​dress up in their mother’s and aunt’s clothes and march around the house.

“It’s just a dream come true for me.”

All models, including Amanda Wanotch, come from Treaty 6 territories, including Central Alberta and Saskatchewan.

“As a Nehiyau woman, it has been very empowering,” Wanotch said.

Representing the ancestry of Cree, Dean and Metis, this model grew up in Fort Vermillion in northern Alberta and now lives in Edmonton.

“I think I surprised a lot of people because I danced a tea dance on the runway.”

The old lady said she was warmly welcomed when she arrived.

“We were welcomed in New York and Manhattan, and New Jersey and Brooklyn. It was just a beautiful experience.”

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

She only started modeling in July, and in New York, she got to share the runway with famed Native Canadian model Ashley Callingbull.

“Now she’s not alone, right? There are so many women right now who can have these opportunities. They know they can do it,” Wanotch said.

Bull-Buffalo said the whole trip was unforgettable.

“I was trying to enjoy everything and immerse myself in everything. The experience was my first time in New York, my first time on a plane.”

She wasn’t alone — many of the Canadians in attendance had never been to the Big Apple.

“I intend to be here as a trailblazer and lay a stone for all others to follow,” Gadwa said.

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

“I have never been more proud to wear our designs, which represent our culture and ancestry,” Wanoch added.