The fashion industry has long been dominated by western, eurocentric perspectives and practices. However, a growing movement led by Indigenous designers and artists is working to transform the industry from the inside out – and most importantly, to create our own.

In a recent episode of the Matriarch Movement podcast, host Shayla Oulette Stonechild sat down with Sage Paul, the founder of Toronto Indigenous Fashion Arts (IFA), to discuss her work in elevating Indigenous fashion and design.

Sage shared how Indigenous Fashion Arts was born out of her own desire to create a space for Indigenous designers and artists to showcase their work in a culturally relevant way. “I just wanted to have a space where I could present my work. That’s really where it started from, as an Indigenous person, a place that was culturally relevant, a space where my peers were a part of it.”

Indigenous Fashion Arts centers the stories, meanings, and traditions through the designs and contribution of its participating Indigenous artists and designers. Sage contrasted this approach with mainstream fashion weeks, which she says are “specifically capitalistic and commercial” in their focus on selling to buyers.

“For us, we start with the designers’ works and if you talk to designers, you’ll learn the stories and the meaning behind the work that they’re creating. There’s usually a lot that goes into it, whether it is a cultural form of expression or whether it’s an individual form of expression, but there is a lot of meaning that goes into that work.”

This emphasis on cultural integrity is a core value for Sage and IFA. She spoke about the importance of taking the time for consultation, relationship-building, and following protocols to ensure authenticity in the work being showcased.

Sage also highlighted the unique challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs in urban centers like Tkaronto (Toronto), where building a sense of community and accessing resources can be difficult. She sees platforms like IFA as crucial for supporting the growth of Indigenous-led businesses and creating pathways for generational wealth.

As Indigenous fashion gains more global visibility – from red carpet moments to international trade shows – Sage expressed excitement about the future. Her vision is for IFA to continue expanding its reach and creating more opportunities for Indigenous designers to thrive on their own terms.

“I am so tired of having nothing to fall back onto, and I want to change that,” Sage said. “We are focused on building stability, building longevity and building generational wealth.”

Through her work with Indigenous Fashion Arts, Sage is not only transforming the fashion industry, but also empowering Indigenous communities to reclaim their rightful place at the forefront of creativity and innovation. It’s a movement worth watching and supporting.

To support and learn more make sure to check out https://indigenousfashionarts.com
Follow Indigenous Fashion Arts on instagram at @indigenousfashionarts
Follow Sage Paul on instagram at @sagepaul

Thanks for checking out this episode of the Matriarch Movement podcast! If you enjoyed the conversation, please leave a comment and thumbs-up on YouTube, or leave a five star review on your favourite podcast app!

• Find Shayla Oulette Stonechild on Instagram: @shayla0h
• Follow Matriarch Movement on instagram at @matriarch.movement
• Our producer is Nicole Robertson with Muskwa Productions.
• Our podcast producer is Kattie Laur.
• Our videographer is Sara Cornthwaite.
• Behind the scenes photography is by Kiki Guerard, Michelle Aregentieri, and Stephanie Neves.
• Special thanks to the Indigenous Screen Office for supporting this video podcast.

Till the next one. All my relations.