Wabanoonkwe

Boozhoo (Hello),
My name is Wabanoonkwe, an Anishinaabe woman from the elk clan. I am a proud member of the Wabaseemoong Independent Ojibwe Nation and was raised in Shoal Lake First Nation, Treaty 3 Territory in Ontario, Canada.
As a military spouse of more than 20 years and a mother of three, I cherish family, community, and the joy of exploring cuisines and cultures from around the world.
With over three decades of entrepreneurial experience, I am deeply passionate about Indigenous empowerment and cultural preservation. My career has spanned fashion startups, business development, and creative direction for editorial photo shoots and fashion shows. Through every project, my purpose remains the same — to celebrate and enliven the beauty of being Indigenous through art.
What defines my work is a commitment to fostering Indigenous pride, visibility, and economic sustainability.
I strive to leave a lasting legacy that highlights the richness of Anishinaabe culture and inspire others to reconnect with their heritage, language, and traditions.
Whether through innovative business strategies, fashion and design, or cultural advocacy, I believe that our heritage is a powerful source of strength and inspiration.
My mission is to share Indigenous stories and creativity, raise cultural awareness, and promote inclusivity, all while honoring and sustaining traditional ways in a modern world.

wabanoonkwe

The story behind my drive textiles for the collection NOCTURNAL ROSE

As a designer, choosing the right fabric can truly make or break your collection. The first lesson I learned in school was to understand textiles. This is still a process I’m still navigating, but I do celebrate my wins when they’re executed to my vision.

This collection was a combination of sequins, liquid satins, beads, and a white floral design that was meant to mimic old-style beadwork of roses.

There were plenty of times when I came up with ideas and plenty of times when I failed, but that’s just life as a designer. When I sat in the studio, drafting patterns and trying my best to plot out my plan for hours, I had no idea the impact this collection would have on others.

I sew with passion, legacy, and a 100% drive to leave an impact on others. It was safe to say that was the final result at RES2026.

I firmly believe in continuous education and truly believe that the only competition in this world is my last project. I’m learning to balance and take care of myself while challenging myself to level up my skills and tailoring. As long as I’m a designer, I feel that this is something I’ll continue to pour into as long as I’m behind a sewing machine.

This collection brought me joy, pride, and a sense of worth. The models are the muses who bring these to life once they hit the runway. The photography continues to make that light shine, and the makeup, hairstylists, and styling are the icing on the cake that eloquently make this collection what it is. I’ll always be forever grateful for the talents that were taught to me by my matriarchs and the talent that collaborates with me. I pray that I still bring beauty to the world through my visions, and as each collection is born, so are all the relationships that come with it.

This is me living my dream.
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