Inuit models take to the runways

DENISE RIDEOUT

IQALUIT — Alongside some of Montreal’s top models, three young Inuit women strutted their stuff on the catwalk this week to display some of Nunavut’s finest seal-skin clothing.

The women — Sarah Dunford, Kendra Tagoona and Jean Simpson — were part of a contingent of models gathered in Montreal May 7-9 for the North American Fur and Fashion Exposition.

But Nunavut’s models aren’t exactly models.

They’re a university student, a waitress and an office clerk.

Nunavut is the only participant in the gala that’s allowed to use local, amateur models. The special permission was given because of the strong Inuit tradition of making clothing from seal skins.

All other countries are required to use trained, professional Montreal-based models.

That sometimes makes things nerve-wrecking for Nunavut’s fresh-faced fashion-plates, said Jacqueline Shouldice, a former model who helped chose this year’s Inuit models.

“There’s a lot of pressure from the other models looking at them and saying ‘Why do they get to be here? They didn’t go through the training,’” Shouldice said.

But even if they’re not high-priced professionals, Dunford, Tagoona and Simpson aren’t new to modeling and performing.

The three were selected from about 10 applicants for their modeling experience, their artistic performances and how comfortable they are with being in the spotlight.

“This is going to be a big show for me. I’m nervous.”

— Sarah Dunford,

Nunavut model

“We looked for people with the most experience because they are representing Nunavut in quite a big fashion show,” Shouldice said.

She said the selection committee also looked for working and educated Inuit who could be seen as role models for other youth.

This is the third appearance at the Montreal fur gala for Simpson, a biochemistry and physiology student at the University of Saskatchewan.

Dunford, a 20-year-old Iqaluit resident, has modeled fur clothing in local trade shows, fashion shows and cultural events. She was also been part of a dance group that put on shows in Greenland.

Tagoona is a trained dancer who has little modeling experience but a wealth of public performances under her belt.

A 22-year-old, Tagoona has danced in Inuit shows at the Spirit of the Arctic Pavilion and alongside Inuk singer Susan Aglukark at the 1997 Aboriginal Achievement Awards. She even choreographed a dance performance for the April 1, 1999 celebrations in Ottawa.

“I’m not a model. I don’t look like a model. I’m more of a performer,” said Tagoona, who works as an office clerk at the Inuit Art Foundation in Ottawa.

“I like to perform and be on stage.”

Before heading off for Montreal the three were filled with a mix of anxiety and excitement.

“This is going to be a big show for me. I’m nervous,” Dunford said while taking a break from her job at the Fantasy Palace café in Iqaluit.

The women say their excitement isn’t so much about the modeling but rather the chance to showcase Inuit clothing.

“I think it’s a good industry. They’re trying to make more people aware of the sealskin industry,” Tagoona said, admitting she’s pleased to be part of that effort.

“They’re doing it because they’re proud of what Inuit women can sew and make, the Inuit style and the Inuit clothing,” Shouldice pointed out.

None of the girls are heading to Montreal to jump into the modeling business.

For now, it’s just about having a good time.

“I like playing dress-up,” Dunford said, a smile breaking out on her face. “It’s fun.”