Braidings! Jean-Claude Poitras meets with Indigenous People
This unique project revisits four archival garments from world-renowned Quebec fashion designer Jean-Claude Poitras, C.M., O.Q., ChoM, in collaboration with multidisciplinary artists from the 11 Indigenous Nations of Quebec.
Each piece—reinterpreted and inspired by the lived experience, culture, and identity of the 11 First Nations and Inuit creators—invents a fusion between their artistic vision and the timeless elegance of Poitras’ world.
Through this meeting and cultural exchange, the creations tell meaningful stories, honoring both the deep roots of the Nations and the legacy of Jean-Claude Poitras. A celebration of art through respect and connection.
The project began with a meeting between Jean-Claude Poitras and Ghislain Picard, then Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador and Chair of the KWE Board of Directors. Moved by Mr. Poitras’ genuine desire to collaborate with Indigenous Peoples, Ghislain Picard saw a powerful opportunity and opened the first doors, making this artistic and human journey possible.
A unique creative process
For six (6) months, the creators worked closely with Jean-Claude Poitras and his assistant Frédéric Limoges in a collaborative process. Together, they explored each participant’s background, culture, and artistic style to design unique and meaningful pieces.
The final creations were made with the technical support of the Techno-Espace at LaSalle College, a leading fashion facility known for its high-quality training and strong presence in the industry.
Christian Nabinacaboo
Naskapi
Christian Nabinacaboo is one half of the hip-hop duo Violent Ground, alongside his brother Allan. Hailing from the Naskapi Nation, the brothers are composers and performers who aim to inspire through powerful lyrics.
Christine Sioui Wawanoloath
W8banaki
Christine Sioui Wawanoloath is an Abenaki-Wendat painter, illustrator, writer, and storyteller. Her work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions.
Craig Commanda
Anishinabe
Craig Commanda is a multidisciplinary artist from Kitigan Zibi. A graduate of Concordia University’s film program, he works in beading, filmmaking, music, hide tanning, sculpture, and Anishinaabe arts.
Dave Jenniss
Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk
He is the Artistic Director of Productions Ondinnok, a French-language Indigenous theatre company. Passionate about the performing arts, he works as an actor, director, playwright, screenwriter, and acting coach.
Nathan Jenniss
Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk
Nathan is a young designer and emerging artist from the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation. A graduate of the fashion design program at Collège Marie-Victorin, he uses clothing as a canvas, adding bold and distinctive elements to create unique pieces. His work is inspired by the cultural heritage of his Nation and the natural environment of his community.
Deborah Ratt
Eeyou-Cri
Deborah Ratt is an artist from the Eeyou Nation who designs jewelry and more using glass beads, semi-precious stones, leather, and bone. She is also the founder of Cree-ations.
Eruoma Awashish
Atikamekw
Eruoma Awashish is a multidisciplinary visual artist and curator from the Atikamekw Nehirowisiw Nation in Opitciwan. The decolonization of the sacred is central to her artistic practice.
Julie Grenier
Inuk
Julie Grenier is a multidisciplinary artist from Kuujjuaq. She specializes in beading and traditional sewing, creating a wide variety of beadwork, jewelry, fashion accessories, clothing, and other art forms that blend contemporary and traditional techniques.
Leilani Shaw
Kanien'kehá:ka
Leilani Shaw is a Kanien’kehá:ka visual artist from Kahnawá:ke. A multimedia creator and tattoo artist, her work explores the contemporary transmission of Indigenous stories and legends.
Marjolaine McKenzie
Innu
Marjolaine McKenzie is an Innu-Naskapi actress and storyteller. She writes and contributes to co-created artistic projects.
Marilou Bastien
Wendat
Marilou Bastien is a multidisciplinary Wendat artist who specializes in tattooing. She also practices beading and traditional dance.
Quentin Condo
Mi’gmaq
Quentin Condo is a Mi’gmaq singer-songwriter, screenwriter, author, and activist. He was awarded Best Male Hip Hop Artist of the Year at the International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards Festival.
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