EAC Shop & Services: Indigenous Empowerment Fashion Collective

In partnership with the Indigenous Empowerment Fashion Collective (IEFC), the Edmonton Arts Council Shop & Services is proud to present a fashion exhibition (September 10 – 29, 2025) featuring the work of Indigenous designers and artists Heather Bouchier, Jamie Medicine Crane and Rhonda Johnson.

IEFC, an Indigenous owned and operated collective based out of Edmonton, is committed to empowering Indigenous artists to showcase and promote their work at the highest levels. The collective was formed in 2019 when they teamed up with Western Canadian Fashion Week to host an opening fashion show. Since then, they’ve participated in numerous events and in March 2025, they hosted the first ever Edmonton Indigenous Fashion Week(end).

IEFC Board member and Creative Director Heather Bouchier shares, ​“The IEFC is making the Edmonton Indigenous Fashion Week an annual event, with its next show in development for 2026. Additionally, members will be working towards their own collections, projects and events.” Heather emphasizes that while ​“they are creating new and exciting opportunities and adding new and upcoming artists, they are remaining true to their core values of empowering and elevating all members.” 

Each member of the collective has years of experience in fashion, in everything from design and marketing to teaching. Says Heather, ​“Each one of the Designers [in this exhibition] is an acclaimed artist. The pieces curated for this exhibition have been chosen based on the impact and importance that each piece holds for the designers. We hope that by sharing our work, the diversity and creativity of Indigenous Fashion Designers can be featured. Each designer has an individual perspective and style that is prevalent in the pieces shown.”

Heather Bouchier (Seeseequasis) is Plains Cree from Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation (Treaty 6 Territory) in Saskatchewan and is currently based in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton, AB). Heather’s designs feature many upcycled and sustainable materials blended with traditional techniques such as beadwork, horsehair and dentalium shell techniques. Mixing traditional and modern, she has been working with 3D printing dentalium shells and incorporating them into her work.

Jamie Aaksistowaki Medicine Crane is the creative force behind Brave Woman Botanicals & Designs. Aaksistowaki (pronounced ahk-sis-toe-wak-ee), means Brave Woman in Blackfoot. Brave Woman Designs, reflects the beauty and resilience of Blackfoot and Indigenous history. It seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary influences while honouring Mother Earth through sustainable and eco-conscious practices.

Acahkos Designs is the artistic label of Rhonda Johnson, a Cree designer from the Bigstone Cree Nation from the Treaty 8 territory. Acahkos Designs blends traditional craftsmanship, emphasizing sustainable practices and cultural storytelling through fashion and wearable art. Rhonda’s work is deeply rooted in identity, resilience, and healing – she uses fashion not only as art but as a medium for cultural preservation and empowerment.

As for what’s next, the collective members ​“will be working towards their own collections, projects and events.” Heather suggests ​“folks can show support by following their socials, purchasing their work, and sharing.”

Heather Bouchier (Seeseequasis): @heatherbouchierdesign

Jamie Medicine Crane: @bravewoman1

Rhonda Johnson: @acahkosdesigner

Indigenous Empowerment Fashion Collective: @iefashioncollective | eifw​.ca

The Indigenous Empowerment Fashion Collective are embracing the fashion industry by elevating and empowering Indigenous artists to showcase and promote their work at the highest levels. The IEFC is an inclusive game-changing organization that provides a safe space for all who wish to take part. They are Indigenous owned, operated and based in Edmonton, AB. Their board members are Heather Bouchier, Kateao Nehua-Jackson, Jamie Medicine Crane, HInauri Nehua-Jackson, and Rhonda Johnson.