First Nation students at Lethbridge College modelled their traditional regalia at the annual FNMI days.
Lethbridge College FNMI student advisor Marcia Black Water says the importance of this fashion show is to highlight the different outfits each person wears and what it represents to the indigenous culture.
“Its important to show all the work that goes into them. Because they’re so detailed and sometimes it takes many years to get them (outfits) to where they are,” she said.
Some of the outfits that were shown included the men’s prairie chicken dance outfit that originated in Traditional Blackfoot territory.
FNMI student Tasheena Black Kettle is one of the numerous students who showcased their outfits.
Dancing woman’s jingle since she was three-years-old she says she always felt more comfortable in a Jingle dress then any other outfit.
Black Kettle designed her own outfit at the age of 15 after she had dreamt of certain designs and colours.
She explains that the Jingle Dress originated from Ojibwa community and that each cone on the dress represents 365 days of the year.
“Back then the Ojibwa people would pray on each jingle, so when you are out there these are your prayers your dancing for.”
Being able to design her own outfits was an advantage Black Kettle had. She was able to mix and match her favourite colours in ways she felt represented her personality.
“I like bright colours and I chose the bright colours against the black so they would pop out more,” she laughs.
While Black Kettle adds that she travels to many different Pow wows in North America, she said the first thing she likes to do is put on his her hair pieces.
“Once my braids are done, I wrap them with these white wraps and put on my fur, I then finish with my braid holders,” She says.
Black Kettle just completed her correctional studies program and is now continuing with her degree in the Justice Studies – Bachelors of Applied Arts program at Lethbridge College.
Lots of time and commitment is put into traditional regalia and that is one thing Black Water notices when it comes to the annual fashion show.
“Something I noticed today with one of the Chicken Dancers, the father and son had similar colours, you can tell that sometimes those are family traditions, with the certain colours that are used,” Said Black Water.
With the FNMI days held in the centre core of the college, lots of people stop by to watch the events take place.
One observer by the name of Cinnamon Meldrum says it was really interesting how they explained the different outfits.
“With work we attended a few pow wow, so it’s kind of neat to actually learn the history behind them,” she smiles.

Tasheena Black Kettle a womens jingle dress dancer at the Annual FNMI days

Prairie Chicken Dancer Tyis Bull bear showing is traditional outfit and the Anual FNMI days