ABOUT
THE
ARTIST

Wabanoonkwe (she/her)

I am an Anishinaabe from the elk clan registered with the Wabaseemoong Independent Ojibwe Nation, raised in Shoal Lake First Nation, Treaty 3 in Ontario Canada.

I am an experienced entrepreneur passionate about Indigenous empowerment and cultural

preservation. Over the past 31 years, I have embarked on diverse ventures, from

fashion start-ups to business development and serving as a creative director for editorial photo

shoots and fashion shows. Throughout my journey, my focus has always been breathing life

into the beauty of being Indigenous.

What sets me apart is my commitment to fostering Indigenous pride and traditionalism. I strive

to leave a glorious legacy by showcasing the richness of Anishinaabe culture and empowering

others to embrace their heritage, language, and traditions. Through my work, I aim to create a

lasting impact on both individuals and communities worldwide.

Whether it's through innovative business strategies, fashion creative directing, or promoting

Indigenous visibility, I am driven by the belief that our cultural heritage is a source of strength

and inspiration. I am dedicated to sharing the stories and talents of Indigenous people, raising

cultural awareness, and fostering diversity and inclusivity while cultivating a realistic approach to

sustaining traditional ways.

Wabanoonkwe speaks more on her entrepreneurial journey on the Warm Embers podcast.

NOW ACCEPTING CUSTOM ORDERS

WATER
STORIES

2025 Collection

The Water Stories collection brings attention to the mercury water contamination that has deeply impacted the communities of Wabaseemoong and Grassy Narrows located in Treaty 3, Canada. Water Stories is more than a couture collection; it is a dynamic platform to celebrate culture, language, mentorship, community engagement, and resistance against corporate environmental destruction in Indigenous communities.

Water Stories debuted at the 2025 SWAIA Native Fashion Week in Santa Fe, New Mexico and has been growing and evolving since. We integrated a youth initiative that had Wabaseemoong youth perform a jingle dress dance, known for its healing qualities, at the fashion show. The powerful performance served as a reminder of the transformative power of healing. The collection was a collaboration with renown Tlingit artist Jennifer Younger who created copper accessories that symbolized the healing properties of copper elements and its relation to water.

The runway opens with garments of bold, black fabrics to symbol the mercury contamination. The runway looks gradually move through shades of blue with airy fabric, evoking the process of purification and renewal. The final garment is a blooming flower—an emblem of Mother Earth’s enduring resilience and the collective strength of humanity, united in the pursuit of healing and a more harmonious future.

Since its debut, Water Stories has evolved with more intricately crafted garments while still staying true to bringing attention to mercury water contamination. Every element of this production was created with love, empathy, humility, forgiveness, and respect—as part of our ongoing call for equal rights and access to clean water, essential for the health of our communities and the well-being of generations to come. We are honoured to have been able to present our vision and to express healing through fashion.