Yesterday, Rachel Tobias spoke to students in the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Cultural Awareness, Design Responsibility, and the Law course about her Indigenous Fashion and Design practice. Highlighting the dual role of lawyers as both advocate and advisor, Rachel engaged with students on tools they can use to protect the unique characteristics of Indigenous designers.
Amongst growing demand for contemporary Indigenous fashion, there is a burgeoning opportunity for more equitable and sustainable partnerships than have been historically available. In turn, Indigenous designers – and their communities – are in a position to leverage “conscious” capitalism and consumer advocacy into personal and tribal economic growth.
“I’d say essentially every Indigenous designer I speak to is committed to giving back to their community, whether it be through financial support, employing tribal members or as an ambassador in the corporate space,” Rachel explained to the students. “As future decision makers in this field, it is important to work collaboratively with Indigenous designers and involve them in the product development process.”
The class was engaged in the presentation, with at least one student reporting she was inspired to pursue career opportunities working with Indigenous designers in the future.
Rachel is of counsel at Galanda Broadman and, in addition to supporting the firm’s tribal law and Indigenous rights practice, she represents and advises Indigenous designers on an array of matters.
