Regina fashion show puts spotlight on missing and murdered indigenous women

A Regina fashion show is putting the subject of missing and murdered indigenous women in the spotlight.

Fashion Speaks Saskatchewan is not only highlighting indigenous designers but also the subject of aboriginal women who have been killed or who have disappeared.

Among the designers is Becki Bitternose, who's from Gordon First Nation and who started making high-end jackets out of Pendleton blankets in 2012.

'Beautiful, extravagant'

"They've got a lot of the First Nations design in them," Bitternose told Morning Edition host Sheila Coles. "They're just beautiful, extravagant blankets."

One of the models who'll be displaying the creations is Katie Cleveland, whose mother Melanie Dawn Geddes disappeared in August 2005.  

The remains of Geddes were found north of Regina in December 2005. No charges have been laid in the case.

Bitternose said she approached other family members first to see if it would be OK for Cleveland to participate in the show.

Honoured by MMIW daughter's participation

"I'm just honoured to have her walk for me,"  Bitternose said. "It's exciting."

Chelsa Reil, the organizer of the show, said she hopes Saturday's event gives the audience something to think about.
"I want them to be more aware that this is an issue for us," she said. "It's amazing to be part of it."

2 shows on Saturday

Fashion Speaks Saskatchewan has two shows on Saturday — the first at 3 p.m. CST and the second at 7 p.m.    

They will take place at the Shubox theatre at the University of Regina.    

Proceeds will go to South Saskatchewan Sisters in Spirit.