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Indigenizing Modern Fashion

Writer's picture: NinaNina

One of the biggest things that I've been struggling with over the years is the battle between my Ego and my Spirit.

I've heard it said that if it involves the spirit it's easy, and if it involves the ego, it's complicated. I have begun to take this approach to my creations and question what is traditional and who decides whether it's traditional, or not.

Simply put, that choice should be up to us and no one else. The spirits don't care what is on your skirt, just so long as you are wearing one. Social conventions and expectations say that a skirt with skulls and roses is not "traditional." Indigenous Police will try to tell you that your Jingle Dress isn't supposed to have lace sleeves. Well, I'm sorry officer, it's hot, my dress is black, and this helps to keep me cool. My arms are covered so what does it matter how I covered them?

"You can't bead that" they say. "And why not?" I respond. "It's beadwork, and it makes me happy. You should just be happy that I'm learning the skills."


Fashion is an expression of oneself, it just so happens that I love Black, skulls, roses and the like. To be able to make my own articles of clothing gives me such a sense of pride in who I am as an Anishinaabe woman. Now my daughter walks into the fabric store and begins to pick out what speaks to her and will request specific articles of clothing from daddy/daughter sets to mommy and me skirts.


We wear them everywhere from traditional ceremony, to school, to the mundane. This is what she should know. Her spirit is happy and so is mine, simple.





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