Weaving Indigenous Narratives into Global Business

Written By: Ben Borne

What do Fashion Designer Lesley Hampton and Indigenous Box Founder and CEO Mallory Yawnghwe have in common? They’re both powerhouse Indigenous women with a strong spirit of resilience and innovation. However, their work goes beyond mere business or fashion — it’s a powerful form of cultural storytelling and preservation.

Both women were at a TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators meet up in Winnipeg, Manitoba in November 2023. Hampton is a participant in the program, and Yawngwhe moderated a panel discussion on the power of Indigenous storytelling and how TikTok helps break down barriers in media for Indigenous people.

The stories of Hampton and Yawnghwe are emblematic of a broader movement among Indigenous entrepreneurs and artists who are reclaiming their narratives and redefining success on their own terms. They challenge stereotypes, create new opportunities, and most importantly, inspire others in their communities to dream big and break boundaries.

For Hampton, her approach to design is deeply personal and reflective of her journey to reconnect with her Indigenous roots. After spending most of her youth living abroad, she began to reconnect with her culture coming back to Canada at the age of 18. Her work is a vibrant blend of her Anishinaabe and Mohawk heritage with contemporary aesthetics.

“I really wanted to bring a positive message to media through fashion,” Hampton reflects. “I do that through my brand which is focused on mental health awareness, body positivity, and authentic representation in fashion from an Indigenous worldview.”

This commitment extends to her choice of models, showcasing diversity and challenging conventional norms in the fashion industry — and her commitment is paying off. Her designs turned heads on the Golden Globes Red Carpet, made an appearance at Indigenous Fashion Week in Toronto and London Fashion Week. Most recently she styled the Toronto Raptors for their Indigenous Heritage Month Campaign in collaboration with other Indigenous artists and designers.

Mallory Yawnghwe’s Indigenous Box is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Indigenous communities. It’s not just about commerce; it’s about community upliftment. With its location near the Edmonton International Airport, Mallory is committed to making it the national hub for Indigenous businesses and supply chain — supporting the expansion of the Indigenous economy.

According to Statistics Canada the gross domestic product (GDP) attributed to Indigenous peoples was nearing $50 billion in 2020. Indigenous Box is part of this story. Indigenous Box connects a growing list of 300+ Indigenous suppliers to clients in over 27 different countries.

“We’re shipping around the world... people making soaps in their kitchen or beading at the kokums house are getting their products in boutiques in Paris and New Zealand,” Mallory notes — highlighting the global reach and impact of Indigenous craftsmanship.

The impact of their work extends beyond the immediate success of their businesses. They are helping to forge a path for future generations of Indigenous women, showing that it is possible to honour one’s heritage while making significant strides in the modern world. Their success is a beacon of hope and a source of immense pride for Indigenous communities, demonstrating the power of resilience, creativity, and a deep connection to one’s roots.

In a world where the stories of Indigenous people have often been overlooked or misrepresented, the achievements of Lesley Hampton and Mallory Yawnghwe remind us that when business is infused with the values of community, heritage, and inclusivity, they have the power to change narratives and shape a more equitable future.

Ben Borne is a Co-Founder, Communicator and Leader at Symmetry Public Relations – an Indigenous owned and led Communications Agency. He is from Yellow Quill First Nation, and resides in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.