2020 IIAFA Winners

 Internationally renowned fashion designer and traditional Haida artist Dorothy Grant’s strong connection to her culture and Haida identity has been the driving creative force and her foundation as a contemporary fashion designer for over the past thirty-two years.  In 1988, Grant became the first to merge Haida art and fashion utilizing her formal training at the Helen Lefeaux School of Fashion Design. 

Dorothy believes that her clothing embodies the Haida philosophy Yaangudang meaning “self respect.” The driving force behind her clothing designs is “empowerment, pride and feeling good about oneself.”

There are few designers in Canada that are manufacturer, a wholesaler, and have had their own retail storefront, Dorothy Grant is one of those few. In 1986 Grant began to pursue a vision of building a business and storefront in downtown Vancouver which became a reality in 1994. Over the course of seventeen years and three recessions, she kept going with her vision in spite of the struggles and challenges of being a small business owner. Grant’s ability to maintain a successful business while remaining true to her artistic ability has been one her most impressive achievements. Dorothy’s success is evident by her invitations to participate in many prestigious art and fashion exhibitions. She is the recipient of numerous awards, and her work is featured in 13 museum collections across Canada, United States, and United Kingdom. In May 2015, Dorothy received the “Order of Canada” for her contributions to Canada’s fashion industry and for mentoring youth through her example as a designer and entrepreneur.

After seventeen years in retail and manufacturing, Grant has transformed her entrepreneurial focus to Native art market trade shows and online sales through her website www.dorothygrant.com. She continues to make one of a kind garments for her clients and she shows in various art markets in Alaska, California, New Mexico, New York and various cities in Canada.

Accessories Designer of the Year winner Melrene Saloy EagleSpeaker is a Blackfoot woman from the Blood Tribe in

Southern Alberta and the founder of Native Diva Creations.

Her collection consist of First Nations color, designs and patterns that are created with traditional and contemporary

materials to make new and modern jewelry. Since its inception in 2015, Melrene has taken her business globally by

making culturally appropriate jewelry for people from all walks of life.

This changemaker’s goal has always been to make authentic jewelery, that many people can enjoy while showcasing

her Blackfoot roots and using new and contemporary tools to make her brand standout.

 Originally from Six Nations of the Grand River in Ontario and now living in the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve. Bruno Henry continues to bring his artistic visions to life through photography, clothing design, jewelry design and other various works of Art.

Described as a self-taught artist, inspired by the traditional look of our Native ancestors, Bruno is known for his classy and creative blending of modern adaptable styles with ancient designs and symbols. Most of his custom fit clothing designs are created using traditional materials like Deer hide and Buffalo hide stitched together using leather stitch-work instead of thread or sinew.

Each venue that showcases his work, he directly involves Native youth as models and volunteers. This gives them the chance to experience confidence in themselves, to tap into those untapped talents and gifts within. I can't say it it enough and how important it is for our Native Youth to keep our identity as First Nations and be proud of our Heritage. This is where I feel I can help them, be it with mentoring them as up and coming designers or helping with their self-esteem through my photography

Goals
It is my goal to bring recognition to myself and other First Nation Designers into the mainstream fashion market.

My clothing line...
My clothing line has always been about wear anytime fashion. Each design I create I want the wearer to have the ability to wear the design anytime of the year and to any formal or semi-formal event. My designs are not made for any such occasion and each very unique in it's design and craftsmanship. 

Courtney-Dawn Anaquod Hails from Muscowpetung saulteaux First Nation (Fort Qu’Appelle) in SK. Currently resides in Saskatoon. I am renowned Saskatchewan’s Jigging champion, Youth Mentor and Jigging Instructor and founder of the Qu’Appelle Valley Dancers. I am a 2nd year Mental Health & Wellness Student. Courtney is Self Taught Jigger and Inspiration comes from her Grand parents and continues to carry on the Anaquod legacy sharing her talents with the youth Across Saskatchewan and northern Saskatchewan.

Courtney Caught the eye of Christine Tournier-Tinkerkemp of S.S River Designs in 2019 and Has Been modelling for S.S River Designs ever since.
Courtney has walked the Runway For the Sask Fashion week 2019, Back to Batoche days 2019.

Goals
My goals is to Obtain my Diploma In the Mental Health & Wellness Field which will provide me the credential and Skills to enter the work force in this Field, as there is a high demand for trained and Skilled people of Indigenous and Métis Background in this Capacity of work. My Training will allow me to work With Families from all walks of life who are experiencing the the Cycles of Addictions And Mental Health . I Would Like to Open up my own dance studio and Mental health Centre. 

My self Nabin Luitel son of Gobinda Luitel and Chhabi Maya Luitel. Extremely creative and well developed Fashion Design professional with extensive experience in orchestrating all aspects of children's haut couture clothing design operations while demonstrating attuned attention to detail and inventive qualities. Astute knowledge of clothing lines, . Actively pursuing a Fashion Design position in an operational environment that will effectively utilize acquired creative skills and abilities while demonstrating over 11 years of experience in the professional field. As being a Chairman of Fashion Federation Nepal and teaching in different college like Lord Buddha Education and Foundation, IEC, Central Fashion Hub and other private fashion institute emerge my inner skill to explore more in terms of fashion consultant cum fashion designer in fashion industry. I completed my Bsc in Fashion and Apparel Design from ALT Training college Bangalore.

Goals
Chairman ( Fashion Federation Nepal)
• Conceptualizes and Develops Designs
• Collaborates with Design Team
• Maintains Relationships with Company Value Chain
• Designs Fashion Accessories
• Works with Marketing Team to Develop Promotional Strategies of Nepali costume and traditional dress of different culture
• Growing up Nepali designers
• Research for fibers available in Nepal

Participate In

ASEAN Fashion week Indonesia Surabaya -2014
Intimate Fashion Week , India - 2017
IPOH Fashion week, Malaysia - 2018
International Fashion week, Nepal- 2019

My clothing line...
FITINGROOM...
Fitingroom is my clothing line it's a multi vendor platform where all the talented n renown designers can create their own brand to sell their product internationally from Nepal. Firstly, we provide opportunities to Nepali designer to show case their highly level of deigns and give them opportunity to international through this platform and also provide the opportunity for international designer and brand. 

Tansi, My name is Jessica, I am Metis from Manitoba, currently living in Edmonton. I started my career the furthest from artistry you could imagine, Engineering. I always had a passion for makeup and the dynamics of creating a look. In January 2015 I was diagnosed with cancer and this was the time for me to follow my dreams and become a MUA. I completed many online courses during my recovery and practiced my craft when I could. Once I received the all clear my career as a professional artist was in full swing!

I also decided I wanted to help other women with cancer so I started "Beauty at all stages" a not for profit that helps women recently diagnosed and going through treatment, learn how to manage with their new normal.

Since 2017 I have opened a small studio High Society Beauty, my own artistry and styling company.
Since opening High Society Beauty I have a lot to be grateful for
- I was featured in RAW : Arise artists showcase
-I sponsored and was a featured artist for the Aboriginal Women's Professional Association (AWPA) Fashion show & Gala
- I received the Golden Feather award at the AWPA event
-I hosted online artistry tutorials for the youth program at the Metis Nation of Alberta
- HMUA for Caroline Johnson, Indigenous fitness competitor and runner up for Health & Fitness cover model

I have also expanded my education;
- Makeup Forever, Master program
- Cinema Secrets Pro Cosmetics - Pro Certification, film & television artistry
- Live Glam - Pro Certification, High fashion artistry
- M.A.C Cosmetics- Pro Certification

I am so humbled every time I get the chance to work with a new client, and I'm filled with gratitude that they trust in my creative process for their event or shoot.

Since becoming a MUA I haven't worked a day yet, I've been challenged and I've grown, but I've yet to work a day because I truly love what I do.

My work can be viewed at www.highsocietybeauty.com
IG - @high_society_beauty
FB- @high society beauty
Hiy Hiy

Goals
My goal is to have a multi media studio space. a studio that is large enough that I can not only practice my craft but teach artistry and styling.
I also envision, holding seminars for indigenous youth who are interested in entrepreneurship and or the beauty/ fashion industry and having a mentorship program with other successful indigenous entrepreneurs. 

Day One is an independent First Nations artist from Maskwacis, Alberta whose decades long story following the artistic path has been tough at times; but his talent, generosity and perseverance have ensured his reputation as both a respected artist and valued community member. You can likely find him posted up with a canvas and paint marker anywhere in the province, showcasing his live-painting skills at conferences, cultural celebrations, music festivals and community events. Day One has established himself as a versatile and experienced collaborator whose uniquely neo-traditional artwork displays his passion for indigenous culture while blending it with modern life and hip-hop symbolism. I paint in a style I call neo-aboriginal, blending traditional art with modern street art styles

Goals
My goal as an artist is to learn my language and bring people with me on my journey. I speak with my art on many issues that affect first nations people.

Sage Mountainflower is from Ohkay Owingeh, the place of the Strong People in Northern New Mexico. She is also an enrolled tribal member of Ohkay Owingeh, with tribal blood lines from Taos Pueblo and the Navajo Nation.

Sage is the owner and designer of the her indigenous fashion brand Sage Mountainflower. She learned to do beadwork by observing and making small beaded bracelets, earrings and medallions as a child. She is self taught in pueblo embroidery and sewing. When she became a mother, she began making traditional and contemporary clothing for her children so they can participate in tribal ceremonies. Her artwork evolved into beaded handbags, hatbands and other accessories. It soon followed with integrating traditional beading techniques and pueblo embroidery into modern contemporary clothing. Her visions have become creations wrapped in her culture with glimpses of natural world. Her designs are made simply from the love of the natural beauty surrounding the places she calls home.

Sage Mountainflower designs have been exhibited locally, in Indian Country, and Internationally. In 2014, her first designs were shown at the South Western American Indian Arts (SWAIA) Santa Fe Indian Market Contemporary Clothing Contest and they were shown in the First American Art Native Art Magazine. Sage Mountainflower completed her first collection for Natives In the City Fashion Show and was featured in Native MAX Magazine in the May/June 2019 Issue. Later that summer, the Sage Mountainflower contemporary dress “She Brings the Rain” was featured in a VOGUE.com article, “Santa Fe Indian Market, When Tradition and innovation Collide.”

This year, Sage participated in the Dysonna Theatrical Art and Fashion Award Show in Albuquerque, NM and was awarded the Designer Scholarship for her Midnite on Mesa Collection and She Brings the Rain Look. The scholarship assisted in her travels to put the Sage Mountainflower Midnite On the Mesa and Pink Waves Collections on the runway for the International Indigenous Fashion Week in Paris, France. This opportunity provided a photoshoot in gardens at the Palace of Versailles. She was selected as a Beadwork, Clothing and Textile Artist for the Abbe Museum Indian Market in Bar Harbor, Maine and for SWAIA Indian Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Both events were canceled due to Covid 19 Pandemic. Therefore, she participated in both markets digitally and virtually. She recently submitted a virtual entry for the SWAIA “Virtual" Indian Art Market Contemporary Clothing Contest and will be showcasing four looks from her Pink Waves Collection. Most recently, Phoenix Fashion Week selected Sage Mountainflower in its well recognized Emerging Designer Bootcamp, Digital Edition, where she is working to launch her brand early this Fall. She has also been selected to participate in the upcoming Virtual Fashion Shows: Denver, Colorado’s Native Fashion in the City, Los Angeles, California’s Dysonna Theatrical Fashion Awards Show, Passport to Fashion Columbus, Ohio and Enchantment Fx4 in New Mexico.

Goals
Sage Mountainflower goals is pushing her boundaries and working to create a team to assist in growing her business into a successful indigenous fashion brand. She wants to continue creating one of kind designs, by allowing her to share her visions and keep her artwork alive. She wants to produce a team to showcase a collection on the runway at New York Fashion Week. She plans to develop streetwear to create designs for a clothing line to market her brand.

My clothing line...
Sage Mountainflower is native couture style, blending traditional native wear with a contemporary flair to be worn outside traditional boundaries. Her design illustrates the relationship between the people and the natural world. The Sage Mountainflower brand represents her work and who she is, by capturing cultural aesthetics and incorporating into contemporary indigenous fashion.
Embrace Your Power, the Brand is Me, Sage Mountainflower. 

Jamie Ahksistowaki (means Brave Woman in Blackfoot) Medicine Crane is an activist, advocate, educator, and multidisciplinary artist. Raised with her traditional ways of knowing and spirituality, Jamie is a Blackfoot woman from the Kainai and Piikani Nations in Alberta, Canada. Having the honor of being raised with her traditional ceremonies, beliefs and spirituality, it has given her the strength and understanding that all animate and inanimate beings in creation have been created with a purpose and a reason. Drawing from her faith and belief that the Creator is central to all life, including Mother Earth and all creation, we must learn to live in harmony and to respect one another. Ahksistowaki is the owner of Brave Woman Designs and founder of Brave Woman Botanicals- specializing in natural healing products for your mind, body, and spirit.
The creative force behind Brave Woman Designs, a clothing line inspired by the beauty of Blackfoot and Indigenous history. Brave Woman Designs embodies the experiences of both traditional and contemporary while respecting Mother Earth by using recycled materials. Most pieces are designed to be custom and one of a kind.
Jamie has always been artistic and been designing clothes since she was child. She started with creating doll and Barbie clothes and continued to sew by designing Indigenous regalia. Most recently, she has branched into more contemporary clothing designs. What inspired her to start designing was being able to wear designs that were authentic and can be worn on any occasion. All of her designs are influenced by her Blackfoot culture, her environment, and experiences.
Jamie started a modeling school in her community when she was 23 years old, to help young women build their self-esteem and see the world of opportunities. At the end of the program there was a fashion show to showcase the modeling graduates and local fashion designers. One year she didn’t have as much designers, she told her friend we need to make some pieces for the fashion show. They worked day and night to complete a collection each, this is how Jamie began designing clothes. From there she choreographed many local fashion shows highlighting many Indigenous models, designers, hair/makeup artists and fashion designers. She has had the honour of sharing her collections at many fashion shows including Western Canadian Fashion Week, Toronto Fashion Week, Pink Party, and many more
Jamie was awarded Miss Congeniality in the Miss Universe Canada pageant in 2003, she was the first Indigenous woman to hold this title. She released her first solo flute album in February 2017, titled, “Honoring Life” and awarded Best Instrumental 2019 at the Indigenous Music Awards Jamie has received international recognition for music, dance and modeling. A life-long activist, she is actively involved in several movements advocating for Indigenous rights, women’s rights, human rights and justice, serving the World YWCA board of Directors as a Vice-President. As a multi-disciplinary artist, Jamie has had the opportunity to spread her message of healing and living in harmony.

Goals
To share teachings and positive messages through my designs to more people and expand my designs to include street wear

My clothing line...
Brave Woman Designs, a clothing line inspired by the beauty of Blackfoot and Indigenous history. Brave Woman Designs embodies the experiences of both traditional and contemporary lifestyle while respecting Mother Earth by using recycled materials and nature. Most pieces are designed to be custom and one of a kind.