At only 10-years-old, Derrick Packer has already made a mark as a top designer at the inaugural Indigenous Fashion Week in Vancouver on July 22-29.
Wearing his design was his 15-year-old sister, Guadelupe, who proudly walked down the runway hand in hand with her brother.
It was a dream come true for the youngest designer at the show, originally from Takla Lake First Nation.
"I made the dress for my sister," Packer said. "I designed and sewed it myself," Packer said.
"My sister loved it. She got to model the dress at the show and she's a natural."
And as for his design, Packer could not be more happy with the result.
"I was a little nervous at first, but then I got the hang of it and was really easy," Packer said.
According to Packer's mother, Cindy, it was a challenge but one that her son, who has a passion for fashion, could not pass up.
"He started volunteering and Indigenous Fashion Week producer, Joleen Mitton asked if he has ever designed a dress. He had never done anything like that before except making Barbie dresses," Cindy said.
"She asked if he could make one and so we just jumped right in," Cindy said.
Mitton continues to raise awareness for local indigenous fashion by producing fashion shows.
She also works with a number of nonprofit organizations and is currently involved with the Aboriginal Urban Butterflies Day Camp for children in foster care and also for the Mentor Me Program which is for indigenous young women in care.
"There were about 40 girls modelling at the show who were from the program," Cindy said.
"It was really beautiful."
The first Indigenous Fashion Week was aimed at bringing global recognition to local indigenous fashion designers and artisans showcasing the power and beauty of authentic Indigenous art and design by creating safe havens for talent development according to the Indigenous Fashion Week website.
Today's Indigenous Fashion was expressed at the show and delivered identity, stories and creativity in many forms and textures using: leather, bone, feathers, skin, denim, silk, weave, brocade, wool, beads, graffiti, chain, stone and colour.
Indigenous Fashion Week was inspired by history, politics, the environment and the economy, reclaiming stories of strength from a past rekindled through energy and vibrant colour.
Indigenous Fashion Week also paid tribute to the missing and murdered First Nations women at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Atrium.
The "Red Dress Showcase" invited guests to wear a red piece of clothing to honour the missing and murdered women.
This tradition began in 2011, when Metis artist, Jaimie Black had red dresses hang from trees at the University of Manitoba in an effort to bring attention to the issue. The show had it's somber moments but Packer definitely brought new hope and excitement into the room as he made his way onto the runway.
"The whole place erupted when he came out with his design. This was invitation only and there he was along with some top designers like Bill Reid. It was such a big deal and a huge event for Derrick," Cindy said.
The master of ceremonies also said that it was so nice to see young indigenous men honouring their sisters.
"I'm so proud of Derrick. He worked so hard. To know that his dress made the mark along with the big designers, it's so amazing," Cindy said.
Packer now lives in Surrey with his family and he is gearing up for Grade 6 in September.
Originally from Takla Lake, Packer certainly knows where his roots are.
"That's where I am from. That's where my ancestors are from," Packer said.
Takla Lake Nation is a First Nation located around Takla lake, 400 km north of Prince George.
For Packer, the entire experience is only the beginning.
"This is what I want to do," Packer said. "I want to be a fashion designer and I'm going to keep doing it."
