Native American culture hit the runways of Turtle Island (North America) last week with Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week returning after a two-year pandemic hiatus.

32 Indigenous fashion designers showcased contemporary Indigenous regalia adorned by models of First Nation, Métis and Inuit descent at the Queen Elizabeth Centre in Vancouver, Canada from November 28th to December 2nd.

Since its inception in 2017 VIFW has worked to achieve global recognition for Indigenous fashion designers and artisans while providing talent development to Indigenous youth through mentorship, safe business practices, cultural appreciation, fashion shows, arts and cultural events.

VIFW launched the week-long event with the Red Dress Event where guests were encouraged to wear red in honour of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Using the platform to express political, environmental and economic statements of land, exchange and ally-ship showing how worn identity can build connection with Indigenous values, wisdom, empowerment, and history.

Throughout the week, guests were invited to shop for gifts from Indigenous vendors in between shows and enjoy musical performances by The Wolfpack, Snotty Nose, Rez Kids, Soul Shakers, DJ O Show and DJ Kookum among others.

Squamish / Musgamagw Dzawada'enuxw fashion designer and co-producer of VIFW Pam Baker said:

"Promoting cultural appreciation and uplifting Indigenous designers on a global stage is at the heart of what motivates us at VIFW.

"It's our duty to share our teachings to honour our ancestors, where we create a path towards understanding the designers. Our ways and art will not be lost."

VIFW celebrated the excellence and resilience of Indigenous people and culture through fashion from traditional regalia to streetwear, designers featured traditional beading, weaving and leather work that reclaims, remixes and/or pays homage to Indigenous regalia.

Designers included, Rez Candy Shoppe, Acahkos Designs, Dorothy Grant, Sugiit Lukxs Designs, Rhonda Johnson, Danielle Morsette, Osamuskwasis Roan, C. Lysias Designs, Heather Bouchier, Catherine Blackburn / Melanie LeBlanc, Sho Sho Esquiro, Tyler Jacob, Girls Who Leap, Corey Bulpitt, T.O.C. Legends, AMR Apparel / OKA, Alicia's Designs, Hstrymkers, Mobilize, Ayimach Horizons, Debra Sparrow, Kaylyn Baker, JB the First Lady, Rebecca Baker-Grenier, Ay Lelum and D'Arcy Moses