Empowering Indigenous Teens Through Sewing: Saskatoon’s Unique Design Camp

Fashion and culture collide in unexpected ways, and Saskatoon’s got something special brewing. The Brave Girl Quilts Indigenous Teen Fashion Design Camp has pulled together seven Indigenous teens, giving them a crash course in sewing and design. But honestly, it’s not just about making clothes. It’s about confidence, creativity, and letting culture shine through. After three weeks, these young designers get to strut their stuff in a public runway show, showing off what they’ve created—and maybe a bit of who they are now.

Empowering Indigenous Youth Through Fashion

This camp sprang from the mind of Bernadine Sapp, an Indigenous mental health worker and founder of Brave Girl Quilts. She learned to sew while making powwow regalia and wanted to offer Indigenous youth that same creative spark—and a way to feel rooted in their heritage.

Thanks to funding from Creative Kids, seven Indigenous teens, ages 14 to 19, joined the camp for free. Over three weeks, they took thrift-store finds and turned them into runway-ready pieces, pulling ideas from Indigenous teachings, their own style, and whatever’s trending now.

The Journey of Lyric Sincennes

One participant who really stood out? Eighteen-year-old Lyric Sincennes. Before camp, he’d never touched a sewing machine. But with a bit of guidance, he pieced together a collection inspired by blue, water, and movement. *It’s so awesome because I just feel so present,* Sincennes said, describing how sewing feels almost meditative for him.

Sincennes, who’s eyeing a future in photography, realized sewing could add a new layer to his art. *I feel like sewing would definitely be a good skill on top of photography. I could sew stuff for shoots or other projects,* he said. He’s found a new passion—and maybe a few surprises about what he can do.

Serenity Louis: Embracing Mistakes and Creativity

Seventeen-year-old Serenity Louis came in with a bit of sewing know-how, but no clear vision for her collection. She leaned into 1950s fashion for inspiration and found that her best designs sometimes started as mistakes. *I had no idea what I was doing,* she laughed, talking about an asymmetrical skirt that took on a life of its own. *I made a mistake … but I think it came out good.*

She played with appliqué, ribbons, and thrifted pieces, mixing contemporary looks with Indigenous influences. The result? Some truly unique pieces that felt personal and meaningful.

Beyond the Runway: Lasting Impact

Sapp wants these young designers to walk away with more than just clothes. She hopes they carry forward new skills, confidence, and a stronger tie to their culture. *It’s not just about culture, it’s about showing your mental health, the work you put into yourself,* Sapp said.

The camp gave everyone space to experiment and try new techniques without worrying about being judged. That freedom led to some pretty diverse, creative collections.

The Role of Community Support

Honestly, none of this would’ve happened without community support. Creative Kids made sure money wasn’t a barrier, so the teens could just focus on creating.

Family and locals turned out for the runway show, cheering the designers on. That kind of recognition? It’s not just good for confidence—it reminds everyone how important cultural expression really is.

Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations

Now that the camp’s wrapped up, these teens are already thinking about what’s next. Sincennes wants to blend sewing with his photography. Louis has a new respect for turning mistakes into something beautiful.

Sapp’s hoping to run the camp again, giving more Indigenous youth a shot at exploring creativity and connecting with their roots. She’s got her sights set on empowering the next wave of Indigenous artists—one stitch at a time.

Join the Celebration

The Indigenous Teen Fashion Show kicks off at 7 p.m. at 816 Spadina Cres. East. Anyone can attend, and tickets are up for grabs on Eventbrite.

It’s a rare chance to see the raw talent and wild creativity of these young designers. Plus, you’ll be backing a program that’s really shaping the lives of Indigenous youth in a lasting way.

Want to dig deeper into the camp or the runway show? Check out the official article on The StarPhoenix.