Stitching tradition: Yukon teen honours her Kaska Dena culture with traditional clothing designs

At her school in Ross River, Yukon, 13-year-old Jael Johnnie sat quietly at her Singer sewing machine, hemming the edge of a bright purple fabric as the machine hums rhythmically.

She was making a ribbon skirt, one of dozens of handmade items she's created in her home economics class. 

The teenager has found inspiration in traditional Kaska Dena clothing and designs, and she's in turn inspiring others in her community with her creations. 

This summer, Johnnie will host two fashion shows: one at the end of the school year, and another in Carcross in July. She's already custom-made pieces for family and friends, including a tiny embroidered vest for her younger brother. 

Though shy, Johnnie lights up when describing her favourite creation so far: a black and purple parka, trimmed with a fox fur collar. 

"It makes me feel calm," Johnnie said, describing the process of bringing each piece to life. "And happy," she added.  

She says her fashion journey began by watching her older sisters make pieces for their graduation. Every June, Indigenous students from across the Yukon gather at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse to celebrate graduation together, proudly dressed in traditional regalia.

Inspired by her sisters Dawn and Tracy, Jael began beading and sewing — over time crafting more and more intricate pieces. Now she's created dozens of vests, backpacks, earrings and slippers. 

Dawn beams with pride while describing her little sister. 

"I think it's very inspiring. She works every day, seven days a week," Dawn said. 

Jael credits many community members with helping her along the way, including elder Florence Etzel who sees Johnnie's work as both beautiful and deeply meaningful. 

"It's a privilege to work with this young person," says Etzel. "I feel quite happy and proud of her." 

Etzel, who learned to make clothing for herself and her family when she was young, believes making traditional clothing is vital. 

"I'd like to encourage other young women to learn to sew, because it's an important part of preserving our [Kaska Dena] culture."

In a community hard-hit by the toxic drug crisis, Etzel says Jael's dedication offers a glimmer of hope. 

"We've lost a lot of our young people," Etzel says, "but by doing this, it might make things better. I know it will make things better." 

For Jael, the work has brought both pride and purpose.

Along with the upcoming fashion shows, one of Jael's designs will also be on display on one of this year's Truth and Reconciliation t-shirts. The shirts are sold in September in Whitehorse to mark Orange Shirt Day and honour the path toward reconciliation.

Jael also hopes one day to be part of Vancouver's Indigenous Fashion Week.