An Edmonton-based Indigenous designer recently had the chance to showcase some of her couture pieces at the fall gathering and fashion show at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller.
Bigstone Band Cree Nation member Rhonda Johnson was one of the designers featured at the Alberta Museum Association, AMA Awards Gala on Sept. 14.
"This was the first of its kind for the museum and they invited our Indigenous Empowerment Fashion Collective to showcase," said Johnson.
"It was such an honour for us all."
Indigenous models showcased the work of designers right in the dinosaur exhibit, and some designs were shown during the reception as well, she said.
"I design traditional and contemporary fashions as well as regalia and ribbon skirts and shirts," said Johnson, who creates designs under her label Acahkos Designs. 'Acahkos' is the Cree word for star.
"I take inspiration from various sources, from traditional artisans and creators to famous fashion designers. They all inspire differently for different events and occasions.
"I have various collections and they all have different structures and drape, all depending on the event and type of showcase."
Johnson learned how to sew from her great-grandmother.
"I was fortunate to be able stay with my chapans (great grandparents) while growing up so I learned sewing techniques from a very young age," she explained.
"Our ancestors were all innovators and seamstresses using natural sources from the land, not just hide and furs but also utilizing sources such as bark, fish scales, quills and so on.
"I was able to pick up and learn by listening and watching my chapan Mary Louise work," said Johnson.
"She taught me in her kind caring way so I was able to retain all the knowledge she passed onto me."
While she's from Treaty 8 territory in northern Alberta, Johnson also has connections to Maskwacis, knowing many people and models from Ermineskin as well as having been involved in fashion shows there.
