Jontay Kahm shines at Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards

Plains Cree couture designer Jontay Kahm shines bright at Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards 2024.
Jontay Kahm; photo by George Pimental Photography

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The 10th annual Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards had Indigenous representation from presenters, to nominees, and one winner – Jontay Kahm.

The Plains Cree designer from the Mosquito, Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man First Nation in Saskatchewan, took home the Emerging Talent Fashion Design award, which comes with a cash prize of $10,000 (CAD) as well as one-year of mentorship to assist in marketing, finance, PR and branding.

“It takes 10 years to become an overnight success,” Jontay said, taking a moment away from the CAFA after party to reflect on his win, wearing black pants and a black jacket, with cascading red ribbons and fabric, his own design. Jontay also dressed his friend Victoria San Gabriel, and curator and art historian, Amber-Dawn Bear Robe (Siksika Nation), who is also a past CAFA Changemaker Honoree in 2022, and this year’s Changemaker Award recipient, Parsons School of Design Dean of Fashion, Dr. Ben Barry.

Jontay with friends Victoria San Gabriel and curator and art historian, Amber-Dawn Bear Robe (Siksika Nation); photo by George Pimental Photography

He reflected on his wild past few years, which included receiving his BFA in Studio Arts at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), launching his second collection, called Ethereal Realms, at this year’s Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) Fashion Show, and is currently in the middle of a Master of Fine Arts program at Parsons. “I can’t do this by myself. It’s not a one-man band, because the labor and the pain that goes into making that type of collection that I produce every year, I can’t do it by myself,” said Jontay. “Victoria San Gabriel, Emily Schuyler and Savannah Meechance, they’re all my best friends, and they came in two weeks before the fashion show to help me during the Santa Fe Indian Market the fashion show. If they didn’t, I would have dropped out, so winning this award, it gives me validation, because this is my very first award that I have ever received in fashion.”

Jontay wearing his own design – black pants and a black jacket with cascading red ribbons and fabric; photo by George Pimental Photography

While Jontay was the only Indigenous creative who won an award, there were plenty of nominations. Anne Mulaire (Metis) was up for the Sustainability Award, Indi City, designed by Angel Aubichon (Cree/Metis), for the Award for Emerging Talent, Accessories, Ashley Callingbull (Plains Cree) and Heather Diamond Strongarm (Salteaux/Cree) were up for The Model of the Year award, Rashelle Campbell (Nêhiyaw) and Shane Kejick (Anishnaabe Ojibway) from Neechi by Nature were part of the New Gen List, and Justin Jacob Louis’ (Nehiyaw) streetwear brand Section 35 up for the Menswear of the Year Award.

Designer Justin Jacob Louis’ (Nehiyaw), founder of streetwear brand Section 35; photo by George Pimental Photography

Vogue’s Fashion and Style Writer Christian Allaire (Ojibwe) also took to the stage to deliver a surprising announcement, the launching of a new Indigenous-focused award. The inaugural Indigenous Fashion Award will be handed out during 2025’s CAFA ceremony. “As we launch this award, we are excited to engage with Indigenous designers, brands, creators, and various other Indigenous fashion platforms and groups,” said CAFA Co-Founder and President Vicky Milner, in a statement. “Our goal is to create opportunities for mentorship and collaboration, fostering a vibrant ecosystem that honours tradition while embracing innovation and business development opportunities.”

Ashley Callingbull (Plains Cree) attends CAFA 2024; photo by George Pimental Photography

Past Indigenous winners include 2021’s Fashion Impact award winner Lesley Hampton (Anishinaabe), 2022’s Change Maker award recipient Sage Paul (Denesuliné) and Fresh Face of the Year winner Willow Allen (Inuit). Last year’s CAFA had three Indigenous winners, Heather Diamond Strongarm (Saulteaux/Cree) for Fresh Face of the Year, Manitobah for Fashion Impact Award, and Amber-Dawn Bear Robe (Siksika) for Changemaker.

Fashion model Heather Diamond Strongarm (Salteaux/Cree) attends CAFA 2024; photo by George Pimental Photography

The event also had plenty of other Indigenous talent in the house, including designers Kayla Lookinghorse (Hunkpapa/Itazipco Lakota/Dakota), Wabanoonkwe Irick (Ojibwe), Angela DeMontigney (Cree/Metis), artist/designer Jason Baerg (Metis), Stephanie Peltier (Ojibway) from Delia Estelle Designs and director Razelle Benally (Oglala Lakota/Diné).

The spotlight on Indigenous designers is about to become even brighter.

Watch Native Max TV: Q&A with Tantoo Cardinal