Kanesatake model shines on Toronto runway

The lights dimmed over the Toronto runway, and a hush fell across the audience. Then, stepping forward in a woven basket skirt that shimmered under the spotlights, Bri Etienne walked down the catwalk.

With each stride at Runway of Rezilience, the Kanesatake model blended the world of high fashion with the deep roots of Indigenous artistry. For Etienne, 19, it was both nerve-wracking and an unforgettable moment.

“I was actually so nervous because I wanted it to go really well,” she said. “Usually, I’m not nervous anymore because I’ve done a few shows, but this one meant so much. There were so many beautiful outfits, especially mine with the basket skirt. I really wanted to showcase it well.”

Etienne began modelling in 2023, debuting at a show in Montreal organized by designer Karoniénhawe Diabo of She Holds the Sky Designs. She recalls being interested in modelling during the pandemic but feeling unsure about pursuing it.

“I remember during Covid I wanted to get into modelling. I don’t remember exactly why, but I always had an interest,” she explained. “Then I saw that she was holding a casting call, and I was kind of hesitant. But my mom told me to try it out, so I did and ever since then, I’ve been doing a few shows a year.”

Her journey quickly expanded beyond Montreal, with appearances at shows in Akwesasne and Kahnawake. Still, Runway of Rezilience marked her first time modelling outside of Quebec. “I wanted to try something bigger,” she said. “Being in Toronto could open more doors for me. I’ve mostly been in shows in Montreal or around home, so this was a new opportunity.”

Etienne was invited to participate by designer Tisha Thompson, who has frequently selected her for shows. Out of gratitude for Thompson’s support, she didn’t hesitate to say yes. “For everything that Thompson did for me, getting me out there, always choosing me as a model, I really wanted to give it a try,” she said.

Representing Kanesatake on such a stage carried a deep meaning for Etienne. “It actually means a lot. We’re such a small community, so it’s harder to have people doing tons of things like this,” she reflected. “It’s really good to represent, especially since my age group back home is so small. It means a lot to be one of the people that can help represent Kanesatake in something like modelling.”

At Runway of Rezilience, Etienne was thankful to wear a skirt woven from traditional basketry materials by designer Keisha. The piece was both a garment and a cultural statement. “I was literally so honoured,” she said. “I know how much time and effort Tisha Thompson put into it, making it look more like a skirt that fit my body, and not just a circular basket form. It was so cool.”

For Etienne, modelling is more than just walking the runway; it’s about reclaiming and celebrating Indigenous identity in a space where representation is growing but still limited.

“I think it’s really cool to be an Indigenous model, because more so now there are so many Indigenous people getting into fashion,” she said.

“Before it was mostly different races and cultures, and Indigenous people weren’t as represented. Now you see people like Heather Diamond Strongarm and Quannah Chasinghorse doing big shows, and it’s really cool to be part of that generation.”

She also emphasized the importance of visibility in fashion for Indigenous communities.

“It was taken away from us to wear our traditional outfits during residential schools. It’s really empowering to be able to showcase everything we had and what was taken from us and now we’re able to show it again to the world.”

Looking forward, Etienne hopes to continue building her modelling career while balancing her education. She sees her role as both personal and collective: an opportunity to inspire others while highlighting the beauty and influence of Indigenous fashion.

“I really hope I can continue to represent my community,” she said. “Even though I’ve been modelling for a bit, this show felt like the concrete step to push me further. I hope people realize how much Indigenous fashion influences mainstream fashion. It deserves that recognition.”

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