The University of Guyana’s Multi-Purpose Auditorium will on Saturday host “Visions of Identity,” an Indigenous fashion show aimed at showcasing Indigenous culture, fashion and creativity while bringing together designers from Guyana, Venezuela and Mexico.
The event, organised by Indigenous youth-led organisation The Nine Nations, is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. on August 8, with patrons encouraged to be seated by 5:30 p.m. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sample Indigenous cuisine and browse handcrafted items from local vendors before the show begins. Tickets cost $5,000.
According to the organisation, the fashion show forms part of its “Indigenous Imaginations IV” initiative and is intended to celebrate Indigenous identity while providing a platform for Indigenous designers, models and creatives to display their work.
The Nine Nations describes itself as an Indigenous youth-led organisation committed to revalorising Indigenous culture through cultural development, creative expression, community-building, innovation and advocacy grounded in Indigenous values and principles. Its vision is to create safe spaces where Indigenous youth can learn, develop and express their culture while nurturing future leaders and creatives.
The organisation’s objectives include cultural revitalisation, education, creative expression, leadership development, entrepreneurship, advocacy, digital connectivity, community engagement and cultural exchange.
The upcoming event follows three previous Indigenous fashion shows staged by the organisation in 2023, 2024 and 2025, which it says were among the first events of their kind in Guyana. Apart from fashion, The Nine Nations says it has worked to increase the use of Indigenous languages in its themes and presentations, create markets for Indigenous food vendors and crafters, and expand the visibility of Indigenous culture through social media and community outreach.
The group says it currently has more than 120 registered volunteers and has partnered with organisations including the University of Guyana Indigenous Students Society (UGISS), the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission (IPC) and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs on workshops, mentorship programmes and leadership initiatives. It has also trained Indigenous models and supported local designers who have gone on to participate in other fashion shows and cultural events.
According to the organisation, the initiative has helped increase youth participation in heritage promotion, improve awareness of Indigenous traditions and create economic opportunities for Indigenous artisans and food vendors.
Discussion