‘So much potential in the community’: Inuvik youth learn to design and print clothing | CBC News
Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
A group of Inuvik youth are learning how to design and print their own apparel.
It’s part of a seven-week program called “Designs to Dollars.” The workshop is supported by the Inuvik Native Band and is facilitated by local business Dome Homes Inc.
Seven people ages 13-20 participated in the program for seven weeks. The group met once a week on Tuesday nights for a few hours to learn skills and discuss business plans.
Autumn Thrasher, who works for the Inuvik Native Band, was at the workshop on its second last week to get photos of the event and to talk with the participants.
“I hope they build community with each other, looking around this space, they’re all independent but they’re bonding, they’re creating, they’re learning new things,” said Thrasher.
The participants developed skills in making their own digital graphics and logos, and putting them on clothing like sweaters and T-shirts.
Juan Bildegain is a local business owner who got started at the INNOVATE centre in Inuvik, making apparel and printing items. Now he rents a warehouse of his own and operates his business on a bigger level.
He worked with the youth to show them how to use the equipment and how to start marketing their own businesses.
“The creative part for some is easier than others,” he said. “It’s also trying to be unique and add their own spin, is what they are now focusing on, which is the fun part for me to watch them use the tools they are given and make their own things I never would have thought about creating,” said Bildegain.
The program is being held at the INNOVATE centre. This is the last month the centre will be open, so Bildegain is hoping more people will come out and use the space while it is available.
The Inuvik Native Band says it’s hoping to host more workshops like these to encourage local artists.
“We were hoping, because I don’t think a lot of people know about the resources here, and we see so much potential in the community, so much inspiration and imagination, we wanted to bring something supportive with so many different resources to life,” said Thrasher.
The final workshop takes place next Tuesday.
A group of Inuvik youth are learning how to design and print their own apparel. The program is offered through the Inuvik Native Band. It’s a seven-week course that aims to build skills and new businesses. CBC’s Dez Loreen has more.