Jason Baerg’s name carries weight across the worlds of Indigenous fine art, curation, and education, but in recent years, he has emerged as a powerful voice in Indigenous fashion as well. Métis and Cree, Baerg draws deeply from his cultural roots and his background in new media and installation art to create collections that are both conceptual and wearable. His work brings ancestral teachings forward through design, while embracing sustainability, digital innovation, and storytelling. We sat down with Baerg to talk about his evolution into fashion, the lessons embedded in his Medicine Wheel collections, and how he envisions fashion as a tool for empowerment and Indigenous futures.
As a Cree and Métis artist, educator, and curator, how have your cultural roots influenced your evolution into fashion design?
As a Métis artist, educator, and curator, my cultural roots have profoundly shaped my journey into fashion design. Born into a heritage rich with Red River history and resilience, my Indigeneity serves as a constant source of inspiration that influences my artistic expression. My mother’s strong community values and her role as a Métis Senator have instilled in me a sense of responsibility to give back, motivating me to mentor emerging talents in the creative field.
In my fashion design, I aim to blend traditional Métis elements with contemporary techniques, fostering a unique aesthetic that honours my heritage while pushing boundaries. The themes of Native Relationality and Survivance resonate deeply within me, guiding my artistic practice towards inclusivity and diversity. I believe that through fashion, much like other art forms, we can cultivate discussions that challenge perceptions and encourage a greater understanding of Indigenous experiences.
Ultimately, my work is a reflection of practices that unite us as a community, and fashion is an extension of this. Each piece I create is not just a garment but a conversation starter, an opportunity for change and growth within and beyond the artistic community. My goal is to leave viewers and wearers with new perspectives that highlight the importance of Indigenized narratives in shaping our collective future.
Your work spans fine arts, education, and community leadership. How does fashion fit into your broader creative and cultural expression?
In the creative design industries, there’s this idea that fashion is often the first to surface trends, acting as a canvas for expressing our values and identity. What we choose to wear communicates who we are at any given moment, reflecting our personal journeys and societal shifts. The aesthetic choices we make, whether bold or subtle, signify our evolving relationship with the world around us.
Fashion serves as a powerful medium for individual and collective storytelling. It provides a unique intersection where personal expression meets cultural heritage, allowing us to showcase our roots while engaging with contemporary dialogues. For me, this connection is profound, especially regarding Indigenous identities and futures. The essence of the land, a fundamental element of our cultural expression, resonates with the idea that our clothing can embody not just style but also a legacy of sustainability and a deep connection to the earth.
As our society becomes increasingly aware of environmental issues, fashion has the potential to lead the conversation on sustainable practices. By choosing materials and methods that respect both the environment and our heritage, we can reimagine what it means to create. My goal is to incorporate this ethic into every aspect of my work, promoting healthy visions of Indigenous Futures. Each piece of clothing can serve as a statement, advocating for a harmonious balance with nature.
Ultimately, fashion is not merely about aesthetics; it’s a means of influencing cultural conversations and promoting sustainable practices. It can serve as a vehicle for educating communities about the importance of preserving our heritage while embracing innovative solutions for the future. Through fashion, I strive to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, creating a dialogue that honours where we come from while paving the way for future generations.
You presented a collection at Native Fashion Week Santa Fe that “honors the North, white air, our elders, and ancestral knowledges.” Can you expand on how these elements translated into the garments themselves?
It has been a great honor to produce and present Indigenous fashion! The first collection was made during COVID with my family and presented online for Indigenous Fashion Week in Toronto. After a successful presentation, I engaged with fashion as a way to honour protocol and embark on a deep dive, drawing inspiration from the Cree Medicine Wheel. As a Cree Métis person, this experience provided me with a focused opportunity to consider and apply our cultural values through a conceptual approach to making.
As noted, white is associated with the North, representing our Knowledges and Elders. We animated the runway with garments that encapsulated the spirit of the North. Oversized medicine bag pockets found their place on the torsos of the garments, symbolizing the space that holds our breath and our knowledge. The colour white was prioritized throughout the collection, and we also incorporated white flowers as gifts, reflecting the teachings of our Elders and the kindness and care they bestow upon us. Each element of the collection was thoughtfully created to honour our culture and convey the importance of these ancestral connections.
You mentioned this collection completes your journey through the medicine wheel. How did you approach embodying the northern quadrant through design, material, and symbolism?
In approaching the northern quadrant of the Medicine Wheel, I focused on embodying its themes of spirit, introspection, and resilience through thoughtful design, material choices, and symbolism.
We utilized all-natural fibres or recycled materials for everything in this collection, emphasizing a connection to nature and sustainability. When I think of the Spirit of the North, winter comes to mind, a time of reflection, renewal, and the beauty of the fresh, untouched landscape. This season’s stillness inspired me to create pieces that evoke a sense of calm and tranquillity.
In terms of design, I prioritized light colours and organic shapes that resonate with the serene and subtle beauty of northern landscapes. The use of textures that mimic the feel of winter elements, such as soft, fluffy cottons or smooth, icy silks, enhances the sensory experience, inviting wearers to connect with the essence of the North.
Symbolically, I considered the aspects of strength and stability often associated with this quadrant. Elements such as geometric patterns representing the mountains or the frost were woven into the designs, serving as reminders of the enduring spirit of the northern terrain. By grounding my creative process in these principles, I aimed to create a collection that is not only visually captivating but also deeply infused with the meaning and reverence for the northern quadrant of the Medicine Wheel.
Also, can you explain the other collections from the medicine wheel?
The concept of the medicine wheel is deeply rooted in various Indigenous cultures, symbolizing the interconnectedness of life and representing spiritual cycles. Each direction of the medicine wheel—East, South, West, and North—has its significance, emotional associations, and elemental connections.
We began in the East, where the Sun rises, and new beginnings take place. In 2022, our collection reflected this idea with vibrant yellows, inspired by spring and childhood, symbolizing renewal and potential. The East represents enlightenment, inspiration, and the spirit of morning.
Moving to the South in 2023, we embraced the colour red and incorporated earth metals into our designs. The South is often associated with warmth, growth, and the energy of youth. It symbolizes passion, vitality, and the nurturing aspects of life, drawing from elements that ground us.
In 2024, we honoured the West and the element of Water with a collection that showcased the serene and calming tones of blue. The West is traditionally linked to introspection, reflection, and the setting sun, embodying emotions such as grief and healing. Water signifies adaptability and the flow of life, emphasizing the importance of emotional depth in our experiences.
Finally, completing the cycle in 2025, we focused on the North, celebrating Air with our creative offerings. The North is often seen as a place of wisdom, clarity, and knowledge, representing the quiet strength and guidance that comes with age and experience. By highlighting the element of Air, we aim to convey themes of communication, thought, and the expansive nature of our aspirations.
Each collection not only reflects the seasonal changes and natural elements but also serves to connect us with the broader themes of life’s journey, our emotional landscapes, and the cyclical nature of existence. Through this process, we acknowledge the wisdom embedded in these directions and the profound stories they tell.
Do you begin designing with a spiritual or cultural framework in mind, or does the concept emerge from material experimentation?
The transmission of relevant concepts is prioritized, which is the reason I make. I make everything to advance conditions and opportunities for the growth and well-being of our Indigenous communities.
What are the materials and techniques you gravitate toward when blending digital interventions with traditional Indigenous values?
I love natural fabrics! I want garments to not only look great but also empower those who wear them. When creating original digital prints, I prefer using silk due to its quality and the beautiful appearance and feel of the final garment on the body.
How has your background in new media, painting, and installation art influenced the way you think about and design fashion collections?
My background in new media, painting, and installation art profoundly influences my approach to designing fashion collections. This training in visual arts deeply informs my understanding of colour, shape, and form, enabling me to create pieces that are not only visually captivating but also rich in intentionality and narrative.
In new media, the experimental nature of engaging with technology inspires me to embrace innovation in my designs. The rapid evolution of tools and platforms invites me to push boundaries and redefine what fashion can be. Technology is a gateway to creativity, and I strive to incorporate multimedia elements into my collections, bridging the gap between traditional fashion design and contemporary digital art.
Additionally, my interest in performance art inspires me to view fashion as a dynamic experience rather than a static one. I strive to create presentations that are immersive and engaging, transforming the runway or display into a space where the garments come alive. This holistic approach not only celebrates the garments themselves but also invites the audience to become part of a broader dialogue about art, fashion, and identity.
By integrating these diverse influences, I aim to create collections that are not only visually captivating but also stimulate thought and emotion, fostering a deeper connection between the wearer and the artwork. Ultimately, my goal is to produce fashion that resonates on multiple levels, encouraging exploration and interaction within an ever-evolving cultural landscape.
Was presenting a fashion collection different from showcasing a gallery exhibition? How did you approach storytelling in a runway format?
Presenting a fashion collection differs significantly from showcasing a gallery exhibition, though both require a deep understanding of audience engagement and storytelling. In both formats, our primary goal is to provide the audience with an opportunity for growth, change, or participation. Whether guests sit under the dim lights of a gallery or watch models glide down a runway, the responsibility of creatives is to inspire and provoke thought.
In my runway shows, storytelling is approached through a dynamic narrative that weaves together visual and emotional elements. Each collection becomes a chapter, exploring themes that resonate with my Indigenous ancestry while promoting values of inclusivity, tolerance, and diversity. The runway serves as a platform not only to display garments but to express rich stories that speak to broader cultural narratives.
I draw on the formal aspects of art and fashion to inspire new ideas and perspectives. For example, the choice of materials, colours, and silhouettes can communicate various messages and emotions. Additionally, incorporating movement, how models interact with the space, adds an immersive dimension to storytelling that static exhibitions may not achieve.
Art has always originated from rituals, and my runway shows aim to cultivate a sense of community, fostering connections among viewers. By blending traditional motifs with contemporary design, I create a dialogue between the past and the present, inviting the audience to reflect on their own identities and experiences.
By focusing on these core principles, I encourage viewers not only to appreciate the aesthetics but also to engage with the deeper conceptual impact of the work. Ultimately, both the runway and the gallery serve as essential spaces for fostering collective understanding and dialogue, which are crucial in a rapidly changing world.
How do you balance pushing aesthetic boundaries with honouring ancestral knowledge and community responsibility?
Balancing the push of aesthetic boundaries with honouring ancestral knowledge and community responsibility is a complex yet essential endeavour in the world of fashion and production. I view production as a continuum of tradition, a means through which we can advance and reinterpret cultural heritage. Fashion, as an art form, is a sacred bundle, and it is my responsibility to honour this while innovating in relevant ways.
In approaching my work, I strive to contribute meaningfully to the collective knowledge held and owned by the community. This involves actively engaging with those whose histories and experiences inform the aesthetic I explore. Fashion should not exist in a vacuum; it must reflect the realities, aspirations, and values of the community it originates from.
Moreover, the incorporation of ancestral techniques and materials into contemporary designs demonstrates respect and promotes sustainability, bridging generations and fostering appreciation for what has come before. Utilizing locally sourced materials and traditional craftsmanship not only honours our ancestors but also ensures the community’s economic and social prosperity.
As I move forward, I do so with passion and honour, tasked with the privilege of advancing culture. Embracing innovation while deeply anchoring my work in the teachings of the past enables me to push the boundaries of aesthetics in a way that enriches rather than appropriates. Through this approach, I aim to create fashion that is not only visually captivating but also a celebration of cultural stories, community resilience, and collective progress.
What message or feeling do you hope audiences and wearers take away from your work?
Empowered. Held. Seen.
You’ve played a vital role in shaping Indigenous art through curation and education. How do you see fashion as a tool for education or empowerment for the next generation of Indigenous creators?
Fashion serves as a powerful tool for education and empowerment within the Indigenous community, especially for the next generation of creators. Indigenous Art and Fashion are inherently interconnected, forming vibrant communities that support and uplift one another. Through these creative expressions, we not only celebrate our identities but also share our stories, fostering a deeper understanding of our culture and heritage.
As we advance, we must harness the power of fashion to promote healthy and beneficial opportunities within our community. Designers and artists can use this platform to reclaim narratives and challenge stereotypes, thereby creating pathways for dialogue and education. By combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary influences, we empower young creators to innovate while remaining connected to their cultural roots.
Moreover, fashion can function as an educational platform. Workshops, exhibitions, and collaborative projects can teach practical skills while also transmitting cultural knowledge and values. This form of active engagement fosters pride in heritage and prepares the next generation for sustainable practices within the fashion industry.
The sense of community within Indigenous art and fashion emphasizes the importance of mentorship and collaboration. Aspiring designers have the opportunity to learn from established artists, creating a support network that not only nurtures talent but also fosters resilience and solidarity. By sharing resources, knowledge, and experiences, we can build a future where Indigenous voices are recognized and celebrated within the broader cultural landscape.
Ultimately, as we share our stories through fashion, we strengthen our connections with one another, educating ourselves and others about our rich history and diverse experiences. Fashion becomes more than just a means of self-expression; it transforms into a vehicle for empowerment, resilience, and cultural pride. In this way, we can ensure that future generations of Indigenous creators flourish, fostering positive change within our communities and beyond.
What themes or directions are you excited to explore next, either in fashion, fine art, or other realms?
I’m excited further to explore themes of culture and empowerment in fashion, particularly drawing inspiration from the stories of my Mother and her generation.
As our elders age and life becomes more demanding, spending time with them through storytelling can be inspiring and fulfilling. I know that my mom and her generation have a passion for fashion and are excited about the opportunity to be involved and included.
Additionally, as we support sustainability in this narrative, reflecting on the craftsmanship and resourcefulness of previous generations offers a valuable opportunity to combine traditional techniques with modern sustainable practices. Methods such as upcycling, hand embroidery, or artisanal techniques can honour the stories of the past while also shaping the future of fashion.
Baerg’s vision for fashion transcends the runway. For him, garments are conversation starters, extensions of knowledge, cultural responsibility, and the resilience of Indigenous communities. As he looks ahead, his commitment to sustainability, mentorship, and honoring his mother’s generation ensures his work remains grounded in kinship while pushing into new creative frontiers. In his hands, fashion becomes not only an art form but also a movement, one that uplifts, educates, and empowers the next generation of Indigenous creators.
