From Expo 86 to the 2016 Oscars red carpet, internationally renowned fashion designer and traditional Haida artist Dorothy Grant continues to inspire young entrepreneurs around British Columbia.

Grant is the first Indigenous designer to combine traditional Haida ceremonial dress with contemporary fashion. Her work has reached worldwide audiences, is studied in universities around North America, and is featured in 15 museum collections across Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.

In 2009, Grant was voted “One of the 100 Most Influential Women in British Columbia” by the Vancouver Sun and received the British Columbia Aboriginal Business Award for Individual Achievement. Amongst other accolades, Grant was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2015 for outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to Canada. Only 6,000 people have been invested in the Order of Canada.

“For over 30 years, I’ve received great pleasure in designing clothing that makes people feel proud of themselves,” Grant said. “I know my place in this world is about ‘Yaagudaang’, a Haida word for ‘respect one’s self’.”

October is Women’s History Month in Canada, a time set aside to recognize the contributions of women, past and present, from all walks of life. Women, such as Grant, help shape British Columbia.

When women and girls bring their passion, energy and talents to everything they do, there is no stopping them.

Learn More:

The Dorothy Grant Art Gallery: https://dorothygrant.com/