Arts and Industries
Fashion Designers

Shannon Kilroy
Nlha7kápmx
Lower Nicola, British Columbia

Shannon Kilroy was named New Designer of the Year by the Interior Indian Friendship Society in 1993 and was chosen by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to tour Germany. She draws her inspiration from the traditional clothing and images of the Nlha7kápmx Nation. The colours of the silks and linens she uses reflect the landscape of the Plateau, and the beads, feathers and buckskin decorations recall traditional ornaments. Her newest themes are drawn from the legends of her people.

Cathy Sparvier
Nehiyaw
Bragg Creek, Alberta

Cathy Sparvier learned to bead in Grade 4. While still in elementary school, she began designing and making her own clothes. When she was in high school, her friends liked her creations and often asked her to make them beaded western-style clothes. Cathy has become a well-known designer of western leather clothing in the Calgary, Alberta, area. She makes fringed pullover shirts, jackets, gun cases, shirts, dresses, chaps, western-style clothes and horse gear.

Risa Fritz
Métis (Nehiyaw/German)
Lethbridge, Alberta

Risa Fritz began designing western clothes about ten years ago. For three years, she and her father ran a shoe repair, saddle and western clothing shop in Fort Macleod, Alberta. Today, she runs Pure Country Antique Portraits and sells some of her western-style clothing in Lethbridge.

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