Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Wabano.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Fashion has always been an important aspect of my life. Raised up on following our ceremonial and traditional ways as Indigenous Cree people, fashion has always been used as a form of storytelling for a lot of us. Especially within my family, creating arts and crafts was a way for not only my family to continue traditions but to also make a living for themselves. Growing up, I was introduced to the mainstream fashion industry and fashion giants such as Dior, Givenchy, Gucci, Chanel, and more brand names. I was introduced to tons of fashion magazines and would always beg my mother to buy me my favorite ones. Through this, I gained a deeper appreciation for fashion. But also made me think, why didn’t I see people like myself (Indigenous) folk within these magazines? It created a drive within me to help change that.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Intergenerational trauma and breaking those cycles have been one of the greatest struggles. Both of my parents are survivors of the Indian Residential School System, and so have my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and so many other relatives. It has created a lot of disconnect within my family, coming also with a lot of mental health issues, substance and alcohol abuse, spiritual abuse, homelessness, poverty, etc.
I have also had my own share of problems, dealing with substance abuse issues within my past youth years and overcoming that through connecting more with my identity and culture as a 2Spirit Cree person. Throughout my life, I have battled a lot of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and recently, PTSD as I’ve recently personally dealt with domestic abuse and survived an abusive relationship back in 2018.
Along with that, being an Indigenous and visibly Gay/Queer/2Spirit person, I continue to deal with discrimination and racism. There are many prejudices and opinions of people trying to deny or diminish my identity as a 2Spirit individual.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work as a Fashion Stylist & Creative Director for my own brand Wabano. Which I use to educate society about 2SLGBTQ+ identities within Indigenous communities and the importance of sustainability within fashion. I recently showcased and made my debut at NYFW in February 2023, and was considered one of the first 2Spirit Indigenous designers to showcase on such a broad and high-scale event within fashion. Working alongside major outlets such as The National Post, FASHION Magazine, and more, I’ve provided education on 2Spirit identities as well as fashion trends to look out for. I’ve been the lead stylist on many sets, including the National Indigenous History Month campaigns for brands such as Sephora and Lululemon Canada. Recently, I have been inducted into the Forbes 30 under 30 Local List for Toronto and attended the Under 30 Forum in Ohio this past October. While doing this, it is not important for me to become the first 2Spirit Cree person to enter spaces like this; it’s important for me to enter doors so other 2SLGBTQ+ Indigenous community members within any industry can walk into rooms and feel represented, valued, respected and heard.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My open heart and open mind. I am always down to learn and educate myself on many topics and aspects of the industry. I am always down to listen as well, which many people are not really down to do. Listening and ensuring people are heard is very important to me. I do not like to exclude people, I love to meet new individuals and ensure that everyone feels accepted and valued within spaces. I think having an open mind and heart is what’s needed in spaces like that.
Contact Info:
- Website: scottwabano.com
- Instagram: @scottwabano
- Twitter: @scottwabano
Image Credits
Jamie Stevenson, Catherine Orr, Denita Gladeau, Gerry J. Diaz, Paul Bolasco
