Scott Wabano

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Scott Wabano (Born February 3rd 1995), Born and raised in Moose Factory, ON, is a First Nations Canadian fashion stylist, designer, and content creator from the Mushkegowuk and Eeyou Istchee Territories. [1] He is the CEO and Designer of his Genderless and sustainable brand “Wabano”. Wabano is known for his work on projects such as his lead stylist role with the Lesley Hampton brand, Manitobah Mukluks, IKEA’S Pride Love Seat Campaign, and Sephora Canada. Wabano also runs workshops giving teachings on Self Love. [2]

Early Life & Education

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Scott Wabano grew up in the small island community of Moose Factory, ON, An isolated community along the coast of James Bay, where exposure to the fashion industry and progressive views were lacking (Indigenous fashion arts). [3] Once Wabano grew up he knew that becoming a Fashion Designer, Stylist and Consultant would be a very natural transition for him. Wabano believes that fashion is a huge part of the Indigenous culture and can be seen in cultural events such as ceremonies and Powwows. [3] Wabano has always believed that fashion was a way for one to express and show the extent on one’s true identity and that Indigenous culture has always used their fashion and artwork to tell their stories, ones identity, and family histories which is why it was such a natural transition for the Indigenous fashion icon. [3] Wabano attended primary school back home in Moose Factory, ON at Ministik Public School, Wabano then moved from the small community to the city North Bay, ON where he would attend high school and later graduate with his high school diploma. Once graduated Wabano would then begin his search for a Post-Secondary school to attend. [4] Wabano attended Humber College in the city of Toronto, ON furthering his studies in the program of Fashion Arts & Business. [5] Wabano would later find himself taking a break from his studies in 2018 taking the time to refocus on his true passion and goals while taking care of himself. [4] One year later, Wabano would be back in school and earned the 2020 Indigenous student award for community leadership, as well as the award for IE&E Honours student for his academic success, personal growth and his dedication to the community while attending Humber College. [4]

Career

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Scott Wabano‘s career in the fashion world earned him the title of being an Indigenous icon in the industry after working on many major projects in the fashion industry early on his career. Wabano has worked with brands such as Vitaly Design, Manitobah Mukluks, and Lesley Hampton. [2] Through these collaborations Wabano would expand his career in the fashion world tremendously by becoming an Indigenous Freelance fashion stylist. Wabano joined the Lesley Hampton team and became the brands lead stylist during Indigenous Fashion Week in Toronto, ON for the 2022 campaign. [2] Wabano also worked with Sephora Canada during their National Indigenous History Month 2021 campaign, The National Indigenous History Month & International Day Of Yoga 2022 campaign lead by Lululemon as well as the US OPEN 2022 campaign by Lululemon. [2] Wabano would later also go on to collaborate with IKEA, starring as one the faces for their iconic IKEA Love Seats Pride campaign. [2] Since then, Wabano has also gone on to start his own bookings for workshops focusing on topics such as Self Love: Hope, Culture, & Strength. [2] During these workshops, Wabano speaks and educates his audiences, aiming to help those find their own self-love while speaking on challenges and hardships of his own and how people can use their challenges and hardships they’ve faced to help them find their inner power once again. [2] Wabano also educates his audience on generational trauma, mental health, residential schools and why it is so important to embrace who you are. [2]

Political

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Wabano has co-founded ‘2Spirits of Eeyou Istchee’, a non-profit organization to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community for the Quebec James Bay Crees. [6]

Wabano served as a National Ambassador of the Hope For We Matter, an organization created to support Indigenous youth through hope and life promotion. [5]

Awards

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Forbes 30 Under 30 List for Toronto, ON [7]

Globe & Mails Best Dressed of 2022 [3]

Inspiring Youth Of The Year Award by Cree National Youth Council [5]

Indigenous Community Leadership Award 2020 Indigenous Student Awards [4]

IE&E Honours Student Award for Academic Success, Personal Growth And Dedication To Community  [4]

References

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  1. ^ nativemax (2021-09-26). "Fashion Full Circle: Scott Wabano". Native Max. Retrieved 2024-04-16.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "Scott Wabano – Communication, Creativity". Talent Bureau. Retrieved 2024-04-16.
  3. ^ a b c d Unknown, Unknown (April 11, 2022). "'Best dressed' northern Ontario designer brings indigenous fashion to the forefront". CBC.ca.
  4. ^ a b c d e Yard, Bridget (2020-06-30). "Taking it to the next level". Humber Today. Retrieved 2024-04-16.
  5. ^ a b c "Scott Wabano - Indigenous Fashion Arts". indigenousfashionarts.com. 2022-01-10. Retrieved 2024-04-16.
  6. ^ Blacksmith, Vanna (December 16, 2022). "Making space for young, two-spirit Quebec Cree focus of new non-profit group". CBC.ca. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
  7. ^ Team, Forbes Under 30. "30 Under 30 Local 2023: Toronto". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-04-16.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)