20 Indigenous-Owned Fashion Brands in Canada You Should Know

The amount of Indigenous-owned companies selling clothes and accessories across Canada is endless. Here are 20 of our favourite ones to check out.

By  FORComplex Canada
Jun 10, 2022
A faceless model wearing a Section 35 hoodie
Publicist

Image via Alex Waber

A faceless model wearing a Section 35 hoodie
Publicist

Image via Alex Waber

If there’s something we should be hearing more about in Canada, it’s Indigenous designers. Whether it’s the way Section 35 uses visual storytelling to authentically celebrate Indigenous art and culture, or the apparel activism of Dusty LeGrande’s Mobilize streetwear brand, Indigenous talent in the country is bursting at the seams.

This weekend’s Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival in Toronto—featuring designers from Canada and around the world—offers up a taste, but there are still many more homegrown brands to discover. 

Even outside of fashion, we’ve shared stories about the International Indigenous Music Summit and how dancers like Tallcree First Nation’s James Jones (or Notorious Cree on TikTok) are elevating Indigenous representation in the media. And that’s just scratching the surface.

So here are some of the Indigenous fashion talents the country has to offer, stretching from the southernmost community of Nunavut to Winnipeg. They’re all Indigenous, all based in Canada, and all well worth your time. 

Mobilize

A model wearing a pink paisley headscarf, pink sunglasses, and a jean jacket with white fur attatched
Image via Publicist

Founder: Dusty LeGrande

Location: Edmonton

Website: mobilizewaskawewin.com

In a interview with Complex last year, Mobilize founder Dusty LeGrande said, “I wanted my fashion to become a space where I could be loud with designs, and let everyone know Indigenous people are still here, still strong, and still present without having to say a word.” 

Since then, LeGrande’s brand has continued growing and today, it’s a staple in the Canadian streetwear scene with its stylish take on social commentary. The brand, alongside its collection, has also launched other initiatives like its Next Gen Scholarship, which supports emerging Indigenous designers. 

Resist Clothing

A model wearing a black t-shirt and baseball cap against a mural
Image via Publicist

Founder: Mitch Gegwetch

Location: Toronto

Website: resistclothing.ca

Resist Clothing wants to decolonize your closet. With a mission to “ignite change and build a premium streetwear brand that elevates Indigenous messages, inspires allyship, and demonstrates Indigenous resilience,” it’s fighting both for now and the future. 

The brand was launched by Mitch Gegwetch, Anishinaabe and a registered member of Sagamok First Nation. After attending peaceful rallies, he decided to put thoughts to fabric and created his own “F*ck Colonialism” T-shirt. When he had people asking where they could purchase one he decided to launch an Indigenous streetwear brand. It was originally dubbed Our Feather Clothing Company but, as of 2021, it’s Resist Clothing.

Chippewar Nation

SheNative

Section 35

Model wearing Section 35 apparel
Image via Publicist/Alex Waber

Founder: Justin Louis

Location: Vancouver

Website: sectionthirtyfive.com

Section 35 is an Indigenous-owned streetwear brand founded by Justin Louis, a member of the Samson Cree Nation. It’s based on the unceded territories of the Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and was launched as a form of visual storytelling. As well as offering sweatpants, coats, jackets, and headwear, the brand recently collaborated on a line of tees with Wasauksing First Nation artist Tyler Tabobondung Rushnell.

CoutuKitsch

Biulu Artisan Boutique

A pair of blue beadwork butterfly earrings from Biulu Artisan Boutique
Image via Publicist

Founder: Lydia Morales

Location: Winnipeg

Website: etsy.com/ca/shop/BiuluArtisanBoutique 


These beadwork accessories are made by Mexican and Colombian Indigenous ladies belonging to the Huichol, Cora, Tikuna, Andina (Quechua), and Embera peoples. Their offerings are truly eclectic, with a vast amount of intricate jewelry, handbags, hats, keychains, and more to choose from. Coming soon, they’ll be launching a YouTube channel to showcase the diversity of their designers’ cultures. Much of their profit goes to community outreach, making a Biulu shop a great way to directly support Indigenous initiatives.

 

Hinaani Design

Red Rebel Armour

Evan Ducharme

Indi City

Naokah Designs

Two people wearing tie dyed orange Every Child Matters shirts from Naokah Designs
Image via Naokah Designs

Founder: Alison Mackenzie

Location: Peterborough, Ontario

Website: naokahdesigns.com

If you’re looking for variety, Naokah Designs is the shop for you. This family-run shop sells a vast amount of graphic tees and sweaters with their slogans ranging from empowering to witty. Founder Alison Mackenzie keeps her husband and kids close to Naokah’s heart, as the whole family is involved in design and order prep for the shop. Whether you want to snag a shirt to show off your Indigenous heritage or are simply an ally looking to support a local business, there’s a top in Naokah’s collection for you. 

Manitobah MukLuks

Eeyou Istchee Lifestyle

Red Road Clothing

North Okanagan Apparel

Founder of North Okanagan Apparel poses in front of mountains
Image via North Okanagan Apparel

Founders: Cody Issac, Sara Martin

Location: Vernon, British Columbia

Website: northokanaganapparel.com

What started as a basement project launched in the pandemic is now a business selling everything from crewnecks to cups in order to represent the Okanagan. It was launched by Sara Martin and Cody Isaac, who is Syilx Nation. They aim to share the story and passion of what they describe as “one of the most beautiful places in the world.” Expect to see crewnecks, snapbacks, and toques (for when the colder months roll around). 

Smudge The Blades

Feral Fawn

Born in the North

Bronwyn Butterfield

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