Scenes from the runway at last year’s Native fashion show, which returns to Northern Quest this weekend.
Porcupine quills, buckskin and glistening dentalium shells — each material carries a story, a memory. These spectacular elements shimmer to life on the runway at Northern Quest Resort & Casino’s upcoming tribal fashion show, where cultural traditions and contemporary artistry walk hand in hand.
The name of this year’s event, “es kʷtis xʷistm” (pronounced ehs-kw-teess-kweess-tum), means “Walk with Pride” in the Kalispel-Salish dialect. The evening features eight designers representing diverse tribes, styles and approaches to Native fashion and will celebrate an ever-growing push for cultural creativity and visibility in the Northwest.
At the helm of this vibrant event is Thea Garcia, supervisor of Northern Quest’s cultural projects and part of the resort’s large guest experience team. Back in 2023, Garcia traveled to North Dakota to attend a tribal fashion show that would ultimately plant the seeds for “Walk with Pride.”
“We did have a couple events back in 2023 for Native American Heritage Month, such as the dance championships,” she says, “but we didn’t have any fashion shows in the area, so we thought it would be cool to highlight [Native] designers.”
Three years later, that inspiration has blossomed into an annual showcase that’s as much about empowerment as strutting looks down the runway. Preparation begins in early summer, with Garcia and her team coordinating designers, models, vendors and performers.
One of the featured designers is Markalene Madera, who’s participated in all three shows.
“Markalene was saying that she didn’t consider herself a fashion designer before, but I’ve known her for a long time, and she’s been sewing and beading since she was young,” Garcia says. “We encourage a lot of artists, whoever they are, to showcase what they’ve already been doing, giving them the space to showcase their designs, their talents.”
The designs featured in the show range from everyday wearable garments to showstopping one-of-a-kind pieces. Madera’s work reflects this balance.Photo courtesy Northern Quest Resort & Casino
“You could just wear slacks and a shirt and you feel good, but if you put on a ribbon skirt or a beautiful purse or earrings, it elevates you as a Native American,” Madera says. “That’s my goal.”
Each designer brings a piece of their own heritage to the runway, weaving tribal symbols and stories into their creations. Some designs, for example, feature colors from the medicine wheel, a symbol in Indigenous culture that represents the connectedness of physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life and nature.
For Madera, the creative process is also deeply intertwined with her family. Originally from Montana and a member of two Montana tribes, she grew up surrounded by Native song and dance.
“I grew up with my grandparents, who are Blackfeet, and they were both dancers and singers,” she says. “That was just the way I grew up, traveling around to powwows and participating in celebrations all over the U.S. and Canada, making friends with all different tribes.”
Those experiences shaped Madera’s sense of identity and artistry — and even her love story. “That’s actually how my husband and I met,” she adds with a smile.
Now their kids and grandkids dance alongside them, too. That intergenerational artistry carries on to Madera’s work as a designer.
“It’s kind of a family thing that we do together. Most of the time I’m by myself, but you’ll see animals in some of my creations. I don’t draw animals; my husband does. So I’ll ask him, ‘Can you draw me a buffalo, or a horse, or an eagle?’”
Intentionally held in November as part of Native American Heritage Month, “Walk with Pride” brings a powerful moment to the monthlong celebration. It’s not simply an event — it’s culture in motion, alive in the rhythm of music and in the fabric of every garment.
“It brings awareness to daily fashion that you can wear, not just specifically at powwows or ceremonies,” Garcia says. “Different tribes have their own historical designs that have been passed down [through] generations. Incorporating those designs into modern day fashion is really the goal.”
In addition to the runway looks, the evening features intermission performances and appearances by tribal royalty, including past and present princesses. The models themselves are chosen through a casting process and matched with designers based on fit, personality and performance.
“A lot of models start [in the show], and then they’ll realize that they really do like modeling and then try to be involved in other shows,” Garcia says.
After the show, designers can sell their pieces during a weekend vendor fair set up in Northern Quest’s indoor pavilion. Some of them continue promoting their work through online platforms.
Looking ahead, Garcia and Madera both hope the fashion show continues to grow. Future goals include expanding media coverage and marketing to reach a broader audience, showcasing the richness of Native fashion to diverse communities across the region.
When asked about the importance of this event, Madera recalled words her grandpa often said to her as a young girl: “‘There’s a stereotype of us out there, and we need to change it. You need to make friends with non-Natives and let them know who you are, who we are.’ We have a culture that’s far greater and wider than what people typically see. We’re beautiful, we are creative, and we’re proud.”
“It’s just great to be part of this era where we can be encouraged to show our talents in all these different areas,” she continues. “We were not always allowed to be proud of being Native American. Now it’s encouraged and supported. Without Northern Quest doing this, I wouldn’t have that opportunity.”
