2025 Designers
Jolene Robichaud
Jolene Robichaud (she/him/they) is an Acadian & Mi’kmaw queer artist who brings her experiences to life through every stitch, color, and silhouette. She was raised in Richibucto, NB, and is registered with Indian Island First Nation. Now based in Montréal, she runs her own business, JR Fashion Designs, where she works as a fashion designer, artisan, textile artist and multimedia artist. With seven collections under his belt, Jolene has showcased on 10 runways to date. Some notable shows include St. John's Fashion Week, Semaine de Mode de Montréal and the International Indigenous Tourism Conference. His designs combine vibrant artistic flair with stories of resilience, social issues, and personal experiences that embrace a hopeful and forward-looking vision. With a commitment to both craftsmanship and creating work that brings positivity into the world, Jolene continues to carve out a space where art, fashion, and heritage intersect in powerful and unexpected ways, honoring both branches of her ancestry.
Tisha Thompson
Tisha Thompson is a proud member of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation. She is a mother of four and a grandmother to six. With a rich background in fashion design, hairdressing, and makeup artistry, Tisha has established herself as a skilled professional in her field. Her experience extends to organizing and participating in fashion shows, where her creative talents shine.
Marlana Thompson
Marlana Thompson is a Mohawk from the Wolf Clan. She was born and raised in Akwesasne, Where she lives with her husband Wayne Baker and children. She has been sewing, beading and creating pieces of art since she was seven years old, mainly for herself for ceremonies and powwows and now does it full time under her label Okwa:ho Creations. Marlana incorporates all the life elements in her works of art, combining traditional touches with the styles of today.
Many of Marlana’s works have been showcased in fashion shows during the Toronto Sky Dome Powwow, in the Museum in Bonne Germany, a museum in NY, the Smithsonian, Teen Vogue and the Akwesasne International Powwow also well as local fashion and art shows. Marlana sets up at powwows and art shows in both the US and Canada. One of her specialties is working with her clients and coming up with designs to reflect that person individuality and spirit with the use of various mediums.
Jennifer Benally
Jennifer Benally, from the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, is the designer and owner of Shinymoon Creations. With over 30 years of experience, she creates traditional and contemporary clothing, including powwow regalia. A 2023 graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts with a BFA in Studio Arts, Jennifer interned with Nike's Color & Trend team in Oregon. She also teaches Custom and Regalia at IAIA. Jennifer blends Indigenous tradition with modern fashion, using vibrant designs inspired by her cultural heritage and experiences, including geometric patterns from her grandmother and floral motifs representing her Haudenosaunee roots. “I have been creating wearable masterpieces for over thirty years, designing powwow regalia, ceremonial, and contemporary clothing while blending tradition with modern fashion. My clothing instills confidence with its vibrant designs which reflect my upbringing in the pow wow world, my Diné side, and my Haudenosaunee roots.”
Cami Jones
(Wolf Clan, Seneca)
From the Cattaraugus Reservation, Cami Jones is a traditional Hodinöhsyo:ni:h potter, teacher, student, and community activist. As a mother of two, she is deeply rooted in her culture and
dedicated to revitalizing and sharing traditional knowledge with the next generation. Her work centers on traditional pit-fired pottery, natural fibers, and plant-based dyes — all grounded in a deep connection to the natural world. Cami’s practice is not only about art but about relationship: with the land, her community, and her ancestors. Through her art and advocacy, she promotes cultural continuity and uplifts the strength and beauty of Hodinöhsyo:ni:h traditions.
Waverli Thompson
My name is Waverli Thompson, I’m the heart and hands behind Ever Green Designs, a modern traditional fashion label named in honor of her daughter. With over 10 years of beading experience, I began this creative journey in high school, inspired by a deep love for culture, craftsmanship, and self-expression.
My work is rooted in family—acknowledging my mother for passing down traditional teachings, and with heartfelt gratitude to my partner Justin for his continued support. Ever Green Designs blends timeless tradition with a fresh, modern edge—each piece a tribute to legacy, love, and the power of Indigenous creativity.
Tina Bradley
A member of the Wolf Clan from Akwesasne,TinaBradley began her sewing journey out of necessity when her daughters needed ribbon dresses and skirts for the Longhouse, when she couldn't afford to buy them. Self-taught,Tinahas grown immensely as a designer over the years, developing a unique blend of traditional Iroquois and modern-day fashions. Her dedication has led her to participate in prestigious events, including the 2023 and 2024 Teton Trade Cloth Fashion Summit in Oklahoma. She also earned a spot as a guest designer with Teton Trade Cloth in the first ever New York Indigenous Fashion Week. She has also had the honor to showcase two years in a row with Runway of Rezilience held at CasaLoma in Toronto. In 2022,Tinafirst showcased her work in 2022 at the Akwesasne Indigenous Fashion Show, marking a pivotal moment in her career and has been a repeat designer every year since. Recently,Tinahas ventured into working with leather, further expanding her creative horizons. Seeing her garments come to life is a deeply gratifying experience forTinaas she blends tradition with contemporary trends.
Instagram
Robin Marquis
Kwe my name is Robin Tekaiakenhtha Marquis. I am bear clan from Kahnawake Mohawk Territory. I am a passionate fashion designer, painter, moccasin maker and beadworker. I am a proud mother of 3 children, one of which my oldest daughter, Jayla White, who will be opening my set in tonight’s show. I am very excited to be working with my niece/model ,Kendall Horn, who has always been my biggest influence and supporter to become a fashion designer. I am very proud to have been chosen to showcase my line in this years Akwesasne Fashion Show and I am especially excited to see all the new looks from my fellow indigenous designers. Nia:wen and I hope you enjoy!
"Robin Marquis is a trailblazing Mohawk fashion designer renowned for seamlessly blending Indigenous essence into contemporary designs. With an incredible eye for colour and a deep reverence for her Mohawk culture, Marquis has captivated the fashion world with her innovative creations, celebrating Haudenosaunee culture while pushing the boundaries of modern design"
- Seeing Red Media
Samara Tobeck
Afro Amazonia Wear was created by Samara Tobeck. Her designs blend modern styles with her rich African and Guarani heritage. The brand celebrates all body types and advocates for social justice through fashion. Before starting her brand, Samara worked as a commercial model, showcasing for companies like Disney, Aveda, Macy's, Juut, CDC, Love Your Melon, and others. During her time in the industry, she observed a significant lack of representation for BIPOC models. Her brand embodies art in various forms and highlights the beauty of diverse bodies, transforming looks into unique styles. This brand is committed to social justice and empowerment, partnering with those who strive to uphold fundamental rights.
Dee Back
Thea Thomas
Thea is the designer behind Threads by Thea. Raised in Kahnawake Mohawk Territory, her work integrates and weaves cultural subtleties into every collection. Her designs reflect a deep respect for craftsmanship, with a focus on empowering self-expression. Thea creates pieces that honor both personal identity and cultural roots. Through her work, she aims to bridge a gap between tradition and modernity, creating timeless, meaningful fashion that resonates with diverse audiences.
Terry Cree
A talented seamstress with over 50 years of experience who has been providing various creations of attire. Terry loves to sew and create innovative and unique garments; such as wedding gowns or dresses for all occasions. When she is not being creative, she assists community members by attaching name bars to jerseys or first responder uniforms, tackles repairs or resizing garments, mending tents, refurbishes various types of fabric items, and creates customs attire using her embroidering machine. These are just some of the countless sewing things she is capable of constructing.
Tasha Thompson
Natasha Thompson is the designer behind the brand “Tasha Marie,” proudly representing the Snipe Clan of the Mohawk Nation within the Haudenosaunee people. As a mother of two beautiful daughters, Natasha’s upbringing in a culturally rich environment has greatly influenced her artistry. While she is primarily known for her intricate beadwork and textile work, she has recently embraced fashion design as a powerful medium for storytelling. In her culture, artwork and clothing convey deep narratives, and Natasha believes fashion can express one’s identity without words. Her goal is to provide a platform for her community, enabling them to showcase their heritage at events and on red carpets, merging traditional elements with modern trends. Grateful for the opportunities she has experienced and the support from her community, Natasha is excited to share more of her stories through her designs at upcoming events, celebrating the beauty and resilience of her culture.