How Dorothy Grant became a matriarch of Indigenous fashion

In this episode of Q with Tom Power, host Tom Power speaks with Dorothy Grant, the internationally celebrated Haida artist and fashion designer known as the matriarch of Indigenous fashion in Canada. Dorothy shares her journey from learning traditional Haida crafts like spruce root basketry and button blanket making in her youth, to answering a call from fellow Haida artist Bill Reed in 1983 to bring Haida art into contemporary fashion. She launched her first collection in 1988, blending ancestral form line designs with modern silhouettes, and quickly gained acclaim for her work, which has appeared on runways in Paris and Tokyo, at the Oscars, in courtrooms, and in major museums including the Smithsonian. Her designs, rooted in the Haida concept of 'Yagudang'—self-respect and respect for others—embody cultural pride and personal empowerment. Dorothy reflects on pivotal moments, including creating a wedding dress inspired by a dream from her late mother, designing a capelet for Governor General Mary Simon during Pope Francis’s historic visit, and crafting a ceremonial tuxedo for actor Dwayne Howard. She also addresses the complex issue of cultural appropriation, emphasizing that her work is not ceremonial and that the wearer’s connection and respect for the art are what matter most. With over 40 years in the industry, Dorothy remains driven by her culture, her clients, and her belief in the transformative power of fashion. The episode concludes with Dorothy offering wisdom to emerging Indigenous designers: know your core values, seek mentors, honor your heritage, and move thoughtfully. Her legacy is not just in her garments but in her role as a cultural steward and trailblazer. The conversation underscores the deep significance of Indigenous art in fashion—not as spectacle, but as living tradition, identity, and empowerment. Dorothy Grant is set to receive the inaugural Indigenous Fashion Award at the 2026 Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards, a fitting recognition of her groundbreaking impact.