The Roseau Valley School (RVS) gymnasium filled with over 200 people last Wednesday afternoon to celebrate personal fashion, all in support of authenticity, community, and embracing reduce-reuse-recycle in daily life.
A seed that sprouted after students attended a Borderland School Division youth conference about “generating momentum,” students pondered on how to reduce waste.
“Only about one per cent of clothing is recycled,” shared principal Jennifer Collette. “A huge amount of clothing is thrown into the landfill.”
What came of this idea was My Cousin’s Closet, an in-school thrift store that opens to students during the school day and to the community at parent-teacher conferences and special events.
“The store is free and barrier-free, allowing students a buying experience,” explained RVS community coordinator Lil Fisher.
Last year, the idea grew a bit more.
“A fashion show sounded like a fun idea [to showcase some of the clothing available]. We wanted to build community in the school and highlight community partners and help people put faces to names,” said Collette. “So many people are actively involved in our school.”
The “First Ever Fashion Show” saw students, community members, and culture walking down the runway, all in partnership with Manitobah Mukluks; a pair of mukluks was gifted to each model to highlight and take home.
“My cousin is executive secretary with the company and hearing the idea of the show, she said, ‘We’re in and will partner with you,’” noted Fisher.
Daman Morissette, vice-president of Manitobah Mukluks, was MC at event, which fell on Pink Shirt Day, a day reminding of the importance of standing up against bullying and promoting kindness, inclusion, and respect.
“Daman has been a part of fashion shows around the world and Manitobah Mukluks is a very good new partner for our school,” said Fisher.
Some formal wear and grad gowns worn by students in the show highlighted what was donated and is available free-of-charge for students. However, not all clothing in the show was from My Cousin’s Closet.
“Many people made cultural pieces for the show,” noted Collette.
Some students hosted a workshop to make belts to wear, members of Ginew Wellness Centre and several students wore traditional regalia, People in our Neighbourhood wore their unique clothing, and school staff highlighted clothing supporting various sports programs offered in the school, including hockey and curling.
“Students are already asking about the next fashion show and our ‘sound man extraordinaire’ and caretaker have already started planning,” said Fisher.
“It was a neat thing they got be a part of, supporting other students. There was a distinct feeling that students in our school can be their authentic self and they will be accepted for who they are,” said Collette. “One of the student models is hard of hearing and students were waving their hands in the air, ASL for cheering.”
The Golden Eagle drumming group comprising of adult Ginew community members and Gr. 8-12 RVS students performed alongside the models. An artisan market was also held before the show featuring local vendors selling handmade items.
“We made 300 pieces of fry bread with Joanne ‘the Kitchen Queen,’ and The Prairie Alchemist made traditional teas for us,” explained Fisher, adding that Julie Snarr Photography captured the models on the runway. “She captured the heart of the event. The look on people’s faces – how they looked at each other, the crowd, or just coming down the runway. It is magic.”
“It was a powerful event,” said Collette. “And emotional. People often think of school as a building with people in it, but at RVS we want schools to be open spaces where community is welcome. When kids can look at people in community and see them as leaders, or as someone to count on them to support them, they have learned well. We want students to identify with other adults, not just their teachers.”
A formal grad evening courtesy of My Cousin’s Closet is being planned for grads from other area schools, with a seamstress on-site to alter dresses before they go to their new homes.
Additionally, an RVS Family Gathering is taking place March 25 with free hot dogs, horse and wagon rides, ice skating and street hockey, and a movie starting at 6 p.m. The community is welcome to attend.
