When I was young, there were not many options for Indigenous clothing, unless you got a cool t-shirt at a pow wow. Nowadays, there are many Indigenous clothing brands where you can buy authentic Native-designed clothing in store, online or in pop up shops. Here is a list of some of my favourites!
Please note, I am not an owner, director or employee of any of these companies, nor do I warrant any of their products. Any questions or concerns should be sent directly to these companies.
The NTVS
The NTVS (Natives) clothing company that blends art, streetwear and culture to create unique designs that embrace Native American culture. The company is Indigenous-owned and the designs are made by actual Indigenous peoples – inspired Natives not “Native-inspired”. Their website indicates that they work directly with Native artists from many different tribes, including: Red Lake Ojibwa, Fond du Lac Chippewa, Native Hawaiian, Kiowa, and Choctaw. One of the things I like most about them is that they also support Native American communities by sharing a portion of their profits with Native American organizations. My closet is well-stocked with The NTVS clothing!
Decolonial Clothing
Decolonial Clothing is another Indigenous-owned and operated clothing company that was created by Dakota Bear and Casey Desjarlais from Treaty 6 territory. They describe their clothing brand as one that bridges activism and decolonization, by creating designs that are bold and hold meaning to Indigenous peoples. Some of their clothing items have been displayed in Netflix series as well as being featured in top magazines. Their latest “Decolonize Everything” hoodie and sweatpants is my new fav outfit!
Red Rebel Armour
Red Rebel Armour is an Indigenous streetwear brand founded that combines Anishinaabe culture with street culture that offers clothing with a unique vibe. Their mission is “to empower Indigenous people by showcasing our art, stories, and symbols through fashionable streetwear”. What I like most about this company is that their vision is to provide opportunities to Indigenous peoples re-entering society after involvement with the criminal justice system. Some of my favourite clothing designs are the ones that feature the Land Back movement.
Chippewar
Chippewar is an Indigenous clothing company started by Jay Soule, an Indigenous artist from the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation (Deshkaan Ziibing Anishinaabeg). Jay explains that he creates his art under the name Chippewar “which represents the hostile relationship that Canada’s native peoples have with the government of the land they have resided in since their creation”. His unique style of clothing was everywhere during the Idle No More movement. One of the things I appreciate most about his clothing is the way in which he celebrates warriors, including our powerful women warriors.
