When Metis actress Tantoo Cardinal crosses the stage tonight to accept her ACTRA Award she will be bringing a little bit of Nuu-chah-nulth with her in the form of a dark velvet evening gown.
In the acting business for more than 40 years, Cardinal, 64, is being honoured with an Award of Excellence by the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA). This is the union of professional performers working in English language recorded media in Canada.
Cardinal, born in Fort McMurray, Alta., is being honored not only for excellence in her performances, but also for advancing wider awareness of aboriginal culture with her realistic portrayal of several Indigenous characters.
Most remember her in “Dances with Wolves” when she played Black Shawl, or as Arlene in the movie Smoke Signals, but she’s been in many movies and has worked in television. She’s won Genies for her work in North of 60. Cardinal is also a Member of the Order of Canada.
Cardinal will receive her award in Toronto on Feb. 20 at a gala event. She set out to find the perfect gown that would reflect her Indigenous ideals and was put in contact with designer J’net AyAy Qwa Yak Sheelth, an Ahousaht woman now living in Toronto.
AyAy Qwa Yak Sheelth was thrilled when Tantoo selected one of her evening gowns to wear on her big night.
“We tried a few outfits on and this one just seemed to fit the occasion…velvet, maroon; kind of a winter flavour and very glamorous,” said the actress in a message to Ha-Shilth-Sa.
“What a thrill to do a fitting with this Indigenous icon, trail-blazer and role model,” said AyAy Qwa Yak Sheelth.
“She has selected a wonderful fitted wolf-appliqued evening gown I adorned with my distinct Nuu-chah-nulth West Coast art,” said AyAy Qwa Yak Sheelth, who is from the August family.
AyAy Qwa Yak Sheelth's interest in fashion began in the mid-90s when she organized a fundraising event for the Nanaimo District School Board. It was a fashion show for which AyAy Qwa Yak Sheelth rallied several textile artists and models. From there she was bitten by the fashion bug.
She calls her work living art that she can wear on her body.
“I am not a fashion designer, but I like to have these playful opportunities to bring out the best in our communities,” said AyAy Qwa Yak Sheelth.
After moving to Toronto in 2007, J’net continued to keep her clothing line called Wild Wear – Indigenous Fusion, showing at community events and fashion shows.
With her knack for proposal-writing, AyAy Qwa Yak Sheelth has applied for and received grants to continue her work. She also won an NEDC Business Plan competition that allowed her to grow her fashion blog.
“Thanks Tantoo Cardinal for making my wish come true to have a famous Indigenous person wear my living art creations,” said a thrilled AyAy Qwa Yak Sheelth.
