Photo: Algonquin College 2026 Sewcase Skills Lab Group © Courtesy of Soaring Circle
A new initiative at Algonquin College is bringing together culture, creativity, and opportunity for Indigenous students. The Sewcase Skills Lab has opened inside the college’s Mamidosewin Centre, launched by national non-profit Soaring Circle to create a dedicated space where more than 1,000 Indigenous students can build skills in an environment rooted in identity, belonging, and possibility.
Despite deep traditions of craftsmanship and design, Indigenous representation remains limited in fashion and creative industries. Soaring Circle aims to change that by providing a space where cultural learning shines. The lab, stocked with state-of-the-art Janome sewing machines, specialized tools, textiles, and curriculum resources, brings everything together with hands-on technical training mentored by Indigenous creators and global brand experts.
“Indigenous people remain greatly underrepresented in the fashion industry, even though the sector draws on a rich diversity of skills, from design and production to marketing, logistics, accounting, human resources management, business leadership, and much more,” said Josée Lusignan, president and founder of Soaring Circle.
“With this new lab at Algonquin College, we’re providing a familiar, culturally safe space in the post-secondary environment. We want Indigenous students who have grown with our labs in their community high schools to feel at home and to see that the doors to college and to careers in fashion are open to them, because they belong in those spaces.”
Located within the Mamidosewin Centre, the Sewcase Skills Lab strengthens an already flourishing hub of Indigenous student life. The Centre brings together Elders, counsellors, and culturally grounded programming to support academic success and emotional wellness. Sewing now becomes another pathway for connection, supporting creativity, confidence, and community.
“Màmòyawagenindam. We are grateful. Màmòyàwamà Soaring Circle (we thank Soaring Circle),” said Anita Tenasco, Director of Indigenous Services at Algonquin College. “Sincere thanks for introducing the Sewcase Lab within the Mamidosewin Centre, as we are expanding a space where Indigenous students can build skills, further grounding themselves in who they are. The new sewing machines, the beautiful fabrics, and craft supplies are a tremendous gift and a welcome, wonderful addition to the programming available to Indigenous students who attend Algonquin College.”
Related to the Sewcase Skills Lab
- THREADS OF HOPE: Every Stitch a Step Toward Opportunity
- Weaving New Traditions: How Sewing Labs Are Revitalizing Indigenous Culture
Besides technical instruction in garment construction, design, and production, the lab also offers a therapeutic outlet. The rhythm of stitching and the focus required to create something by hand can be calming and restorative, supporting students’ mental and emotional well-being. In a post-secondary environment that can feel overwhelming, the space offers both creative freedom and cultural grounding.
The Algonquin College lab builds on Soaring Circle’s growing national impact. Over the past year, the organization opened four new labs, bringing its total to 22 across Canada and reaching approximately 5,000 students and educators. These labs create a continuum, from community high schools to post-secondary institutions, encouraging Indigenous youth to pursue further education and explore careers in fashion, business, and entrepreneurship.
Sewing is one thing, but the Sewcase Skills Lab is also about creating a space where Indigenous students can see their culture reflected and their talents nurtured. By investing in creative skills and culturally safe environments, Soaring Circle and Algonquin College are helping to stitch together education, identity, and opportunity one student at a time.
