Like many programs at Centennial College, the students in Fashion Business and Management have plenty of opportunities for real-life experiences. On top of that, the School also has a mission to teach our students to become global citizens, and respect traditions and culture both locally and abroad.
Those two objectives are coming together in a way that can benefit you. If you’re at Progress Campus, from April 8 - 12, you’ll find that the Fashion Business students have put together a pop-up shopping experience called The Shop, which will feature a line-up of vendors that are all Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island, selling art, crafts, and more.
Preparing for The Shop: Art and Learning
But before The Shop could be hosted, the professors of the Fashion Business and Management program wanted to make sure the students knew to properly honour the Indigenous people of Canada. That’s why, on Valentine’s Day, the department coordinator, Pamela Richards, hosted a special Indigenous Fashion Symposium.
"The symposium," explains Carla Echeverria, a Fashion Business and Management student, "was Indigenous artists and Indigenous designers coming and talking about how it is to be Indigenous, and showing us their art." The evening began with Business School professor Jarret Leaman talking about Indigenous procurement methods, before moving onto the symposium, which involved three groups of presenters.
"First we had Jessica McKenzie of FutureKokum give a beading demonstration" Carla says. "The second presenter, Patrick Hunter, was an actual graphic designer that partners with hockey teams, with Hyundai, and other corporate brands, and is given the space for Indigenous art. And finally, we had the twins, Edie and Jacquelyn [Assinewe], that have a jewelry business.
The Shop: Building on Year One
This is the second year that Centennial’s Fashion Business and Management students have put on The Shop. In 2023, Assinewe Jewelry was one of their first vendors.
"Jacquelyn and I started Assinewe Jewelry in August 2020," Edie says. "Assinewe Jewelry is a jewelry brand that specializes in beadwork and polymer clay that is influenced by traditional Ojibwe designs and culture. Everything is handmade by us."
"Pamela Richards reached out to us last year," Edie says. "She told us about the project, and how we can get involved as a vendor. It was really interesting, we've never seen any schools do this kind of project, and we've never seen that done before. We loved the focus on having Indigenous vendors for the pop-up. We also really enjoyed how the sales and proceeds would go toward a charity of our choice. That was really important to us as well."
"Last year we asked Pamela to donate the proceeds from sales to the IRSSS," Edie says, referring to the Indian Residential School Survivor’s Society. "The IRSSS has a special place in our heart. Our Great Grandpa was a residential school survivor, and our Grandpa and Dad attended Indian day school. It is really amazing to participate as a vendor in this project, but also give back to something that is meaningful to us."
"Last year's event was a success, I think everyone felt that way," says Stephanie Herold Pomedli, Fashion Business and Management Professor and The Shop Coordinator. "We donated over $3,000 to charities of the vendors’ choice, which is incredible. Our goal this year is to donate even more. I think people really had a feeling that it created a true boutique on the bridge. We want to do that even bigger and better. And I think the vendors looking at their testimonials, they were happy to participate. We have six returning this year." Assinewe Jewelry is one of those returning vendors.
"I think they sold out of our items within the first few days!" Edie says. "It really made us happy to hear that."
What you can look forward to April 8-12
"We’ve got accessible price points, starting at $5.29, unique products that are made with love, and aren't things you can necessarily just get every day at your local boutique," Stephanie says about The Shop. "You can also support Indigenous creators and artists. And also, just supporting your fellow classmates, working and doing their best. And have a great shopping experience, too." What’s equally important is helping Centennial students learn the ropes of their careers, and empowering Indigenous creators.
"Our goal is to give our students as hands on learning experience, and to promote Indigenous artists, so we want to be as successful as we can be," Stephanie says. "We're trying to empower them as much as possible, because all the profits from The Shop go to a charity of the choice of the creator."
The Shop runs on the bridge at Progress Campus from April 8 - 12, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Remember to come by and support this meaningful initiative for our community!