Program – Sewcase

Sewcase connects youth to culture through the textile arts, provides a pathway to employment and entrepreneurship, and helps address some of the challenges faced by teachers in remote communities, such as a lack of resources and high costs for supplies.

The program offers different levels of support, including full sewing lab setups, equipment upgrades and/or material supplies, and educational resources. In addition, Sewcase provides practical support for participating schools in using and maintaining their Janome sewing equipment and tools.

Sewcase is a program by Soaring Circle (formerly I Love First Peoples) and sponsored by Janome Canada, Evolugen, PVH, American Eagle Outfitters and Manitoulin Transport.

“Our people have experienced so much, but we continue to thrive everyday. I chose courage because we had courage to continue. I myself feel that I displayed courage because I never thought I could sew but I kept trying my best and if I can do it so can other boys!”

"I liked when I was making my bag! I love sewing, it's awesome!"

"I can feel the material, it's talking to me, and I can visualize what I will be making!"

"Are we doing sewing today?... It's so much fun!"

When a new lab opens, it creates a real buzz within the community. Having the resources needed to include more cultural teachings to the curriculum also allows for more elder and community engagement in the classroom. Intergenerational creates a positive experience for everyone!

Our program comes to life thanks to the dedicated teachers and community members who work tirelessly to keep bringing new opportunities to their students.

Many factors are involved in selecting a qualifying school for the installation of a Sewcase lab. Namely, we look at school infrastructure, existing sewing programs and teaching resources, prior collaboration with the school or community, as well as our ability to create longterm partnerships with transporters for the recipient community.

“Niya oma Marcy Whitefish, Ahtahkakoop ohci niya. I am Marcy Whitefish and I am from Ahtahkakoop First Nation. I have been running our sewing program for two years. I enjoy working with our youth, elders and parents in our beautiful culture room. The students really love sewing and are always curious to know when our next session will be. Our sewing lab is dedicated to our late Elder Fred Sasakamoose which brought us together with Soaring Circle. Our community is growing with 35 participants this year! Hiy Hiy ninaskimon (Thank you I am grateful)”.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO JOIN THE SEWCASE PROGRAM?

All Indigenous high schools with active sewing programs or centres with programs for Indigenous youth in Canada can apply!

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out using the contact form below. Let us know what part of our program you are most interested in learning about. Our program coordinator will reach out to set up a meeting.

Educational resources
Access to materials
Sharing knowledge
Peer to peer learning
Improving equipment
Setting up a new sewing lab

CURRENT RECIPIENT COMMUNITIES

Ahtahkakoop, SK
Black Lake, SK
Buffalo Narrows, SK
Ermineskin, AB
Exshaw School, AB
Fond-du-Lac, SK
Garden Hill, MB
Igloolik, NU
Kitigan Zibi, QC

M’Chigeeng, ON
Mistawasis Nêhiyawak, SK
Nain, NL
Natuashish, NL
Pond Inlet, NU
Shamattawa, MB
SnPink’tn (Penticton Indian Band), BC
Witchekan Lake, SK
Wollaston Lake, SK x 2

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO JOIN THE SEWCASE PROGRAM?

CURRENT RECIPIENT COMMUNITIES

Learning content is exclusive to Sewcase users.To respect the artists who contribute their knowledge and skills, sharing outside of this platform is prohibited.

Learning content is exclusive to Sewcase users.
To respect the artists who contribute their knowledge and skills, sharing outside of this platform is prohibited.