How a Kamloops model is using her First Nations roots on the runway

KAMLOOPS – Brandy Dumont will appear in Toronto’s first Indigenous fashion week at the end of the month.

The Kamloops woman was recently selected to walk the runway at the spring fashion show, which will showcase Indigenous models and designers from across the country.

Dumont is currently signed to the Kamloops modelling agency, Fashion Speaks International.

“I’m really happy to be a part of this,” Dumont says, adding this will be the second fashion show she has been in.

Dumont was selected from a panel of six designers and says she couldn’t be more thrilled to showcase her culture in the fashion show.

The 24-year-old says incorporating her modelling career with her culture is something that's important to her.

“I jump at the chance to be in anything Indigenous,” Dumont says, who is originally from the Swan River First Nation just outside of Slave Lake, Alta. Toronto will be the furthest she has ever travelled.

Dumont says she is pleased to see her hard work recognized.

“When I first found out, I was really excited but not just for the publicity,” she says. “I was just happy to be invited.”

Dumont says she tries to teach her daughter the value of hard work, especially as a First Nations woman.

“I definitely try and show my daughter how hard and tough things can be, but eventually it’s going to pay off,” she says.

Dumont had her daughter when she was 16 and it prevented her from finishing her high school diploma in time. She has spent many restless nights finishing homework, taking care of her daughter all while working on her modelling career.

“I should be graduating in about two months,” Dumont says. “It’s been a long process, but I’m almost at the finish line.”

The fashion show runs from May 31 to June 3.

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