A small-town aboriginal teenager will be one of a select few indigenous models to embark on a New York fashion experience in the new year.
Sixteen-year-old Amelia Boissoneau of Blaine Lake was personally invited by Native American designer Jolonzo Goldtooth to participate in New York Fashion Week in February after she successfully mastered the runway at the Global Indigenous Runway show.
Amelia joined a group of models to participate in the Global Indigenous Runway event held at Wanuskewin Heritage Park near Saskatoon on Sept. 24.
She was fitted to wear six designs, one from each of the following designers: Adrianna Dent of Albertini Designs; Colleen Tighe Johnson of Buluug Mirrii; Heather Bouchier of Heather Bouchier Design; Tishynah Buffalo of Tishynah Buffalo Designs; Nicholas Donlen of Nicholas Donlen Designs; and Jolonzo Goldtooth of JG Indie.
Although relatively new to the runway circuit and modelling industry, Amelia’s natural beauty emanated as she captivated the audience and designers with her professionalism, grace and confidence. Photographs captured the true essence of this young, healthy-living model’s physique.
Amelia’s positive attitude radiates, as she encourages youth of all ages seeking a modelling career, by commenting that, “models come in all shapes and sizes, so don’t worry if you feel like you don’t have the ‘look,’ everyone is beautiful.”
Amelia completed professional modelling and acting classes at Masala Model and Talent in Saskatoon. Her agent, Paula Collins, has encouraged and mentored her since her arrival at the school in April 2016. Her first modelling assignment was as hostess for an SPCA fundraiser, the Great Catspy, and since then, she has completed five photo shoots. One was for a Saskatoon clothing business.
When asked about how she became a participant in the event, Amelia replied, “I saw a Global Indigenous Runway poster on the Internet and knew instantly I wanted to be a part of it. There was a model call for the show, so I attended the open call but did not receive a response.”
Not to be defeated, Amelia applied again online and, after what she recalls as a “long and rewarding wait,” she received an acceptance email. “I squealed in excitement at the news,” exclaimed Amelia.
The Global Indigenous Runway is described as “paving the way for young aspiring indigenous models to make a significant impact on the runway.” It is also a unique opportunity to bring indigenous designers and models together to get a foothold into the mainstream fashion world.
To have the honour of advancing onto a New York runway is a prestigious accomplishment for the young aspiring model. Amelia expressed her gratitude for the experience because it provided an opportunity for her to positively influence how indigenous models and designers are recognized and acknowledged in the industry.
“Modelling drives me forward positively to do more and be a good role model for not only our First Nations people but for everyone,” commented Amelia. She also said she loves the creativity designers put into their designs.
She credits the entire industry, as well as local and famous models, for inspiring her and also indigenous people and their contribution to the fashion industry.
Amelia resides in rural Blaine Lake with her parents Cynthia Reban and Christian Boissoneau and siblings,13-year-old Mulaina and 11-year-old Iyana. She was born and raised in the community and is enrolled in Grade 12 at Blaine Lake Composite School. Although she would honour the opportunity to model as a full-time career, she values a quality education and plans to attend university and model when time permits.
Amelia offers words of wisdom for youth aspiring to follow a career in modelling and in setting goals.
“Hard work is what it takes,” she said. “It isn’t always easy, so you must work hard because it always leads to big rewards. Make sure to take care of yourself including your mind, body, health and skin. Always maintain a positive attitude, because perseverance and determination is key to success. Refrain from giving up, good things take time. Don’t be afraid to reach out of your comfort zone. Stand out and be unique.”
The modelling world will be watching this young, beautiful soul as she represents not only her culture, but also her country, in New York.
