David Colburn
TOWER — The Woodlands Ballroom at Fortune Bay Resort Casino was packed Friday afternoon, with the room’s attention fixed on what was about to begin.
Their focus was on the students, elementary through high school, who would soon step onto the runway in a fashion show centered on Indigenous culture and expression.
One by one, and sometimes in pairs, they stepped onto the runway wearing powwow regalia, some of it handmade in their classrooms. A few walked with quiet confidence. Others hesitated for just a moment before finding their stride. And as they did, the room responded with steady applause, encouragement that lifted them forward with each step.
By the time the show reached its finale, with all of the students returning to the runway together, the atmosphere had shifted from nervous anticipation to a joyful celebration.
The show featured more than 30 students from all five ISD 2142 schools, with many modeling regalia they had created themselves through school-based cultural programming.
For ISD 2142 American Indian coordinator DeDe Drift, the moment was as much about confidence as it was about culture.
“For some of the students, walking the runway was a big step,” Drift said. “Some wanted to walk with their friends because they’re shy, and we’re like, that’s fine. But I was so proud of the kids, especially the shy ones, to be cheered and clapped for, and instilling pride in their culture.”
Patty Stensland, a consultant from Biwabik and a member of the Spirit Lake Nation in North Dakota who helped organize the event, said those moments stood out.
“I’m super proud of the ones that went by themselves that were scared too. There are a few little ones that were like, whoa. And they really stepped up. I’m proud of them,” she said.
That pride was reflected not just in the students’ presence on the runway, but in the work behind it.
In the weeks leading up to the show, students across the district created regalia as part of classroom cultural programming.
“And so, then some of them have crafted moccasins, ribbon skirts at school, and some had beadwork earrings,” Drift said. “We do cultural incentives for our students, like beading kits or ribbon skirt kits, and then we bring someone in to show them how to make them.”
The idea for the fashion show grew out of a similar event Drift and Stensland attended at Black Bear Casino.
“We saw a fashion show at Black Bear, and we thought that would be a great thing to do with students,” Stensland said. “And I had previous experience working at a tribal school in North Dakota where we used to have a fashion show with students. So it just kind of came from that.”
Drift said the concept immediately resonated.
“Yes, it was amazing. We went to that fashion show and I was like, wouldn’t that be great to highlight our kids and all the crafts that they’re making at the schools?” she said.
Turning that idea into a district-wide event required coordination across all five ISD 2142 schools. Drift, who visits each school regularly in her role, worked with Stensland to introduce the project to students and guide their participation.
“I’m the American Indian coordinator for ISD 2142, so I visit the schools every week. I try to visit all five,” Drift said. “Then Patty came along with me and we introduced her to the kids and then she started working from there on. What are you making? What do you want to wear? Who do you want to walk with?”
Students practiced their runway walks at their individual schools, timing their steps to music selected for the show. When the day arrived, they brought those preparations to a setting that blended cultural celebration with community gathering.
In addition to the fashion show, the event featured Indigenous vendors set up throughout the ballroom, along with food and refreshments for attendees.
Families, school staff, and community members filled the space, many coming to support the students who would take the stage.
The event was organized in collaboration with the Bois Forte 477 Program, which works to coordinate education, training, and employment services for Bois Forte Band members. ISD 2142 provided shirts for attendees, and the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe supported participation by providing gas cards to families who attended.
For organizers, the turnout and student participation offered a strong start for what they hope will become an annual event.
“There was enough. This is the first time. I think it’ll get bigger every year,” Stensland said.