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Members of the VIFW Wisdom Circle

Uplifting Indigenous Design

Showcasing the ingenuity of 30+ accomplished Indigenous fashion designers from across Turtle Island, the event offers an exclusive platform for unveiling their latest seasonal inspirations.

The main events will showcase Indigenous fashion, art, drumming, dance, singing, and more through four themed nights, featuring captivating fashion shows, vibrant pop-up shops, cultural showcases, interactive art installations, and empowering educational workshops.

This immersive experience will celebrate the rich diversity of Indigenous creativity, fostering a deeper appreciation for Indigenous art forms and cultural traditions.

WISDOM CIRCLE

Our Wisdom Circle consists of a core advisory council of 12 Indigenous Elders, artisans, changemakers, and community leaders. The Wisdom Circle provides guidance to the team on strategic development, youth mentorship, and events to ensure that all activities are aligned with Indigenous values and appropriate cross-cultural engagement.

The members of the Wisdom Circle will co-produce this year’s Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. We are honoured to have their collective input and creativity to make this year’s event shine!

  • A woman with long brown hair smiling against an orange background. This is Pam Baker from Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week.

    Himikalas Pam Baker

  • Portrait of a woman wearing a large black hat, a black and red patterned shirt, and a silver necklace, against a plain gray background from Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week.

    Christine Leo

  • Woman with short black hair, glasses, wearing a red and black winter coat, and black pants standing against a plain light-coloured wall. Her name is Yolonda Skelton from Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week.

    Yolonda Skelton

  • A woman with long dark hair sitting in a room with wood-paneled walls from Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week.

    Debra sparrow

  • Woman wearing traditional indigenous accessories and clothing, including a brown headband with a white button, large earrings, and a beaded necklace, standing in front of a wooden background from Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week.

    Charlene Aleck

  • A woman with shoulder-length brown hair smiling, wearing a yellow turtleneck and a black cardigan with colourful patterns, standing in front of wooden paneling at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week.

    Ginger Gosnel-Meyers

  • A woman with long black hair wearing a red outfit with black and white embroidery, standing in front of a wooden door at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week.

    Kris Archie

  • An elderly woman with gray hair, wearing a red jacket with black accents and red earrings, standing in front of wooden cabinets at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week.

    Ruth Alfred

  • A woman with long gray hair, wearing a black turtleneck and large earrings, standing in front of wooden paneled walls at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week.

    Alexis MacDonald Seto

  • Woman with long dark hair, wearing large earrings, a black outfit, and a blue patterned shawl, standing in front of wooden paneling at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week.

    Marissa Nahanee

  • A woman with long, dark braided hair wearing large silver hoop earrings and a red and black patterned top, standing in front of a wooden door.

    Mandy Nahanee

  • A woman with dark hair, glasses, and a striped scarf smiling against a plain white background at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week.

    Andrea Reimer

  • A digital pattern of geometric shapes resembling stylized orange fish arranged in different orientations and groupings on a dark blue background.

    Sharon Jinkersson Brass

  • A man with glasses holding a colorful, painted wooden paddle in front of a gradient background with a stylized fish design at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week.

    Maynard Johnny Jr.

  • A digital pattern of geometric shapes resembling stylized orange fish arranged in different orientations and groupings on a black background.

    Joan Delorme

  • A digital pattern of geometric shapes resembling stylized orange fish arranged in different orientations and groupings on a dark blue background.

    Inez Cook

  • A digital pattern of geometric shapes resembling stylized orange fish arranged in different orientations and groupings on a black background.

    Denise Williams

Meet Our General Manager, Caroline Phelps

From taking Pam Baker’s self-confidence course at 12 years old to leading one of the biggest Indigenous fashion events in Canada, Caroline has come full circle. She’s not just organizing a runway — she’s creating safe spaces for Indigenous artists, designers, and performers to be celebrated, uplifted, and empowered.

Meet Our Cultural Advisor, Maynard Johnny Jr.

With roots in the Coast Salish and Kwakwaka’wakw Nations, Maynard brings not only his artistry, but his heart, teachings, and cultural grounding to everything we do. As a Cultural Advisor, he ensures we move with respect, intention, and deep connection to community.

Maynard reminds us that fashion is just one expression of something much bigger: identity, belonging, and the strength of our Ancestors behind us. He also holds space for the men in our VIFW circle and reminds us that their voices, stories, and presence are vital to our cultural revitalization.

Indigenous model in red dress standing in Vancouver's Museum of Anthropology

Authentic Representation

VIFW aims to address crucial issues by challenging stereotypes and promoting greater understanding and appreciation of Indigenous fashion and culture. Through our programming, we hope to dismantle harmful narratives, foster cultural authenticity, and inspire positive change within the fashion industry. Additionally, VIFW is dedicated to promoting ethical and sustainable fashion practices, highlighting the environmental and social impact of the industry and encouraging responsible consumption and production.

Meet the Team