People from all over the world call Calgary, Alberta home. Today, the city’s vibrancy is enriched through the influence of over 300 cultures and 165 spoken languages in our business sector, art scene and local communities.
Prior to settlers building Calgary, Indigenous communities have lived in the Treaty 7 region and stewarded this land at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers since time immemorial. These communities include the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney Nations of the Îethka Nakoda, and the Tsuut’ina Nation.
Today, the Indigenous economy is resilient and foundational to the economic prosperity and growth of the Calgary and Treaty 7 region. In Calgary, many Indigenous-owned businesses operate in the arts and recreation sector — creating jobs, generating revenue and developing our communities in a meaningful way.
Stephanie Eagletail is one of the local leaders building a business rooted in culture and creativity. A Calgary-based luxury Indigenous fashion designer, she’s been operating Stephanie Eagletail Designs since 2022, creating intricate traditional pieces to pay homage to her culture and ancestry.
We spoke to Stephanie on why the Blue Sky City offers the perfect blend of cultures, as she delves into the intersection between luxury fashion and Indigenous advocacy.
Why was Calgary the ideal city for you to build a life and career in luxury Indigenous fashion? 
I grew up in Tsuut’ina nation, the Indigenous community across from Calgary, where I went to school on the reserve and supported businesses in the city regularly.
My business began in March 2022 when a friend asked me to teach sewing lessons in her community, where I then taught 10 ladies how to make a Pendleton coat. That first class sparked a journey where I’ve been able to travel and have taught over 400 people across Canada how to sew, which has been fulfilling as a designer. Being able to share my teachings is important to me as an Indigenous woman.
Calgary has always influenced my style, especially with the strong Western aesthetic of the Stampede — the blend of Indigenous and Western cultures is beautiful to me. Being featured in Cowboys and Indians magazine highlighted Calgary’s significance in Western culture, similar to Texas.
What does your brand represent?
I adore the hides, fringe, leather and traditional materials that connect me to my ancestors. My designs are deeply rooted in my heritage, influenced by my great-great-grandmother, Maggie. I blend traditional elements with modern fashion to represent my culture today.
Calgary is a prime spot for any designer passionate about Western wear, and I'm proud to be here. It's a beautiful way of life in a beautiful city, and we are truly blessed.
What is the fashion scene like in Calgary?
There are many opportunities in Calgary for designers with unique styles — whether it's Western, high-end fashion or something else. Designers both with and without formal education have the opportunity to succeed — I'm self-taught and didn’t go to design school but have found success with my brand and enjoy teaching others. Some designers in Calgary have even used my teachings to create their own clothing brands, which is amazing.
I think there’s an opportunity for the city to benefit from more resources, like dedicated spaces for designers to teach, showcase or retail. That would really help grow the creative community.
How have your personal life experiences and identity as an Indigenous woman guided you in advocating for the Indigenous community?
Currently, my advocacy work involves attending political events, often as the only Indigenous person in the room, which has been a new experience for me. I feel my purpose is to listen to leaders and understand the current issues and discourse of provincial and federal political systems, especially from an Indigenous perspective.
Through my teaching experiences, I've learned of recurring social and health inequities in various First Nations across Canada, and I advocate for change in these spaces.
I also took part in New York Fashion Week as an Indigenous designer which was a pivotal moment for me, and very encouraging and motivating for other Indigenous designers to go out into the world and showcase their art and design.
This process is all about collaboration and communication. We need to work together to create better lives for ourselves and future generations.
In what ways is Calgary a welcoming city?
Growing up in Calgary, I always felt safe — but as an Indigenous woman, I’m constantly aware of the need for safety, especially given the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). As the city grows, it's important to continue to create safe spaces and improve access to resources that make life easier like transportation, especially for Indigenous people who often lack access.
How can allies of the Indigenous community do their part in making this city more inclusive?
Allies can support Indigenous communities by attending events, supporting Indigenous vendors or engaging with Indigenous nonprofit organizations. Learning about the Treaty territory they’re on and understanding our history is important. Politically, it’s also key to back leaders who genuinely care about Indigenous initiatives and collective growth.
Learn more about the economic contributions of Indigenous businesses and households in Calgary and discover what it's like to live in Calgary.
