Nêhiyaw Blues-Rocker Bebe Buckskin on her Favourite Sources for Indigenous Fashion

With her new EP, Asiskiy (Cree for “dirt”), out now,
Metis blues-rocker Bebe Buckskin has fully embraced her reputation
as a show-stopping fashionista. 

Buckskin sat down with us to share some of her favourite sources of inspirational Indigenous fashion; including up-and-coming and established designers, artisans, and jewelry makers. 

By Christine Leonard

Indi City

Fashion is an expression and Indi City wants to be part of how you express yourself. Offering an array of contemporary Indigenous designs made 100 percent by Indigenous hands. 

“We take pride in our ancestral connection to this land. Everything we create is intended to be a mindful acknowledgment to the bloodlines we come from, and the Grandmothers and Grandfathers that made it possible for us to be here to share Indigenous fashion with you.”

“My Blood Memory is Couture. I am the eldest daughter of the eldest daughter of the eldest daughter.” (INSTAGRAM)

Rezin Babe

Danni Suitaakii is a Calgary-based local Indigiqueer/2S artist & filmmaker. “All her pieces made with love and resistance. Handmade and imperfect,” says Buckskin. (INSTAGRAM)

Moonstone Creation

Calgary’s Moonstone Creation Native Gallery and gift shop is an internationally known gallery for authentic Native art. Owner, traditional artist, designer, and spiritualist, Yvonne Jobin, is Cree First Nations originally from High Prairie, Alberta.

Yvonne’s considerable knowledge of Indigenous culture and spirituality is reflected in her artwork. Whether her work is for traditional use, collectors, museums, or major motion pictures, all of her art reflects a respect for the gift of nature, the land and humankind’s need to live in balance with creation. Yvonne is much in-demand as a seminar leader and is dedicated to preserving and teaching her culture through the arts and with the use of authentic materials of her ancestors. (INSTAGRAM)

Sage Paul 

Sage Paul is an urban Denesuliné tskwe based in Toronto and a member of English River First Nation. She is an award-winning artist and designer and a recognized leader of Indigenous fashion, craft, and textiles. Her work centres family, sovereignty, and resistance for balance. Sage is also Founding Collective Member and Artistic Director of Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto. (INSTAGRAM)

Native Diva Creations

Handmade beaded jewelry and accessories for both men and women. Native Diva Creations makes wearable art with techniques, patterns, and designs in an updated and contemporary way that is wearable for all peoples.

Based in Calgary, Melrene Savoy-Eaglespeaker is a member of Alberta’s Blood Tribe. Melrene was inspired to work for herself after participating in the entrepreneur symposium in Morley, a First Nations settlement within the Stoney Nakoda Nation. Products she makes in her thriving home-based business include Indigenous earrings, necklaces, body jewelry, hats, and jackets. (INSTAGRAM)

Heather Crowshoe Couture 

Heather Crowshoe designs Blackfoot Pikanii Nation Couture. She began professionally designing and creating dresses and overcoats for the Calgary Stampede Indian Princess. Since childhood, she has been immersed in traditional Northern Piikani clothing and textile knowledge of her parents, aunts, and grandmothers. This experience ignited her passion to become a Couturier. Heather and her daughter Karli’s couture, streetwear, and modern regalia designs were inspired by their upbringing. Both were raised by Piikanisinni, the Piikani way of Life. (INSTAGRAM)