OTAHPIAAKI 2019: ÍSSTOÍYÍTAHSINNI

Oki. Âba wathtech. Dadanast’ada. Tansi. Bozhoo. Siyo. Halito.

We welcome you to Otahpiaaki 2019: Ísstoíyítahsinni//Winter Counts - Celebrations of Indigenous Language Through Visual Sovereignty, Story & Design.

We are honoured once again to be a gathering place for a host of Indigenous fashion designers, artists, musicians, and performers showcasing and celebrating indigenous beauty in all of its forms – intellectual, physical, emotional,and spiritual. Our runway in Mohkinstsis/Calgary takes place at the newly opened, state-of-the art Central Public Library and will feature designer ateliers + literary features on each floor.

In our fourth and final year at MRU, we are focused on iihpkim mootspi (Blackfoot) -- passing on the teachings that one has received, to communities in the hopes that Otahpiaaki-inspired projects will blossom in many Nations under the guidance of a new generation of community-based producers, creatives, educators, and Elders. Otahpiaaki 2019 will take on a slightly different format as we engage in sahpahtsimah (Blackfoot) -- collaborating in a good way. Our goal is to share the knowledges we have gained as a team to support and promote capacity in (3) other communities in Treaty 8, Treaty 6, and Treaty 7 outside of Mohkinstsis.

It is also the International Year of Indigenous Languages (United Nations), a year to raise awareness of the consequences of the endangerment of Indigenous languages across the world, and an opportunity to establish links between Indigenous language, lifeways, justice, balance, truth, and reconciliation. The theme Winter Count encourages and platforms the stories in designers’ collections and their visualizations of language and message in pattern, form, and action.

In partnership with PARK, Otahpiaaki will be hosting an Indigenous runway show at the Calgary Central Library on November 9. 

6:00pm - Doors

7:15pm - Sandra Lamouche (Hoop Dancer)

7:30pm - Standing Showcase: Featuring Livia Manywounds (Tsuut'ina First Nation), MOBILIZE (Dusty LeGrande, Cree) and Melrene Saloy-Eaglespeaker (Kainaiwa).

On the Runway: Heather Crowshow Couture (Piikani Nation), The Chief’s Daughter (Karli Crowshoe,Piikani Nation) Faith Starlight (Cree/Stoney Whitefish First Nation), Carol Mason (Kainai Nation), Tobi Davis (Kainaiwa & Piikani Nations), White Otter Design (Jaymie Campbell, Anishinaabe, Curve Lake First Nation), Faye Thomas (Cree, Pelican Lake First Nation),and Martha Kyak (Pond Inlet, Nunavut).

Otahpiaaki VIP guests will watch the show from the best seats in the house, enjoy premium gift bags with limited-editing Otahpiaaki homeware, and have an exclusive meet + greet opportunity with Indigenous artists & designers