Canyon's Dress - Wiya Northern Style Indigenous Outfit for 18-Inch Dolls

In creation of this dress, Maplelea is honoured to have had the assistance of traditional knowledge-keeper and Indigenous educator, Teresa Snow.

Made of very soft faux suede and decorated with detailed embroidery, front and back, this regalia is based on traditional Indigenous design.

The sleeveless dress is cinched at the waist with a thick belt to which a decorated flint pouch is attached at the back. Gracing her shoulders is a fringed cape with embroidery replicating beadwork in a tipi design.  Two hair decorations and moccasins complete the regalia. 

Journal pages include information about the designer, Teresa Snow, and the significance of the dress.

TERESA SNOW is a member of the Goodstoney First Nation of the Stoney Nakoda People.  She resides in Morley, AB.  The land is also called Mini Thni, meaning Cold Water.  Teresa holds two traditional names that tie her to her family and the land--Pretty Eagle Woman and Cold Water Woman.  Her lineage is Stoney Nakoda and Yuma Quechan.

Her inspiration for designing the dress was influenced by her love of being a parent and educator, and her passion for beadwork.  This, in turn, led to the opportunity to educate, inspire, and create clothing that is centered on authenticity and is culturally appreciative of Indigenous peoples.

Teresa says: "As Indigenous people, we see our children as gifts sent to us by the Creator.  We honour and value them. We adorn them with the best clothing and other adornments, all made by hand, sheltered by love, trust and encouragement. The dress tells a story of our people.  The tipi is the home of the woman where she creates a safe and loving space for her family."  This outfit is based on regalia she made for her daughter, Canyon.

This outfit is shown on Maplelea&ME! doll KMF32, sold separately.