Kwakwaka’Wakw fashion show wows crowd at Port Hardy’s Civic Centre
Published 9:30 am Thursday, April 16, 2026
The third annual Kwakwaka’Wakw Fashion Show is a wrap, but it has left behind more than just memories of a great show. It has become a legacy project that grows reputations, shares cultural values and spirit and sets new directions for First Nation fashion entrepreneurs.
Hosted by Aurellia Nelson, owner and head designer of Premium Culture Club, the April 11 fashion show drew nearly 300 people to Port Hardy’s Civic Centre. The event showcased what can best be described as a seamless fusion of culture and fashion in unique and captivating ways. A rare, refreshingly honest and welcomed demonstration of art and skills being driven by values.
Prior to the show, Nelson spoke of this and how the show is not solely about clothing.
In her view, it is about identity, confidence and storytelling as, “culture continues to evolve and fashion is one way we carry it forward.” It is also, she feels, “about honouring where we come from, while making space for where we are going.”
And if the audience’s reaction to Nelson and fellow designers, Tina and Johnny Sr. Henderson, Rebecca Baker-Grenier and Corrine Hunt was any indication, there better be ample fashion space ahead, as these designers and their fashions are going places.
Post show, comments from the audience and later online, were unanimous in their acclaim.
“Great show with so many stunning creations!”
And “The dress! Stunning. Unique. It will be a massive hit.”
“Who made this dress?” asked an online viewer and, “Great show with so many stunning creations!” said another who had attended the show.
This is the third show organized by Nelson, who began putting it together early in the new year. “Our modelling callout closed in February and we ended up with 30 by show night,” she said.
From there, the show comes together with the help of about 12 core individuals.
In addition to organizing the show, and completing her degree, Nelson also had to turn her designs into the creations everyone got to see on the runway last weekend. She told the Gazette that it took her about three months to prepare the clothing and by the end of the process, she had 28 creations ready for the show.
Asked about next year and a fourth show, Nelson was non-committal, saying it was too soon to say. As the education part of her life concludes this month, there is a full-time fashion career to consider.
However, with a bit of a wink and some laughter, Nelson concluded the interview saying, “But I will say what the people want, the people seem to get.”
