Dec. 23, 2025

In 2023, the Healthy Horizons Foundation (HHF) was proud to support the Sewing Skills Lab program facilitated by I Love First Peoples (ILFP), with a $15,000 grant. The program empowers Indigenous youth across Canada by connecting them with cultural heritage, career skills, and sustainability through creative upcycling.

Since 2019, the program has continued to grow and now operates in more than 20 locations. Through in-class coaching and hands-on workshops, interactive lab sessions introduce youth to careers in the fashion industry, help bridge gaps in cultural knowledge, and inspire innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.

Students at participating schools gain access to industry-standard sewing equipment and materials, along with guidance from trained mentors. In addition to upskilling youth, the labs help carry forward traditional sewing practices such as sewing canvas for tent-making and creating ribbon skirts and accessories.

Pictured above: Participants at a Sewing Skills Lab.

With support from HHF and other funding partners, the program reached 5,000 students, delivered 200 hours of coaching to teachers, held two community workshops, organized six lab visits, and culminated in a community fashion show. The labs also supported the upcycling of used fabric and achieved a major milestone with the first ribbon skirt competition in Saskatchewan, held in collaboration with Skills Canada SK, providing students with an opportunity to showcase their skills.

Through this program, HHF is pleased to have supported many Indigenous youth in building confidence, strengthening intergenerational connections, exploring new career pathways, and enhancing their mental and emotional well-being.

The Healthy Horizons Foundation, established by The North West Company, is proud to empower youth in northern and Indigenous communities to build strong, healthy lifestyles through grants that support community-led programs focused on Health &Well-being, Culture & Education, and Nutrition & Food Security.