Angela DeMontigny — [ windspeaker confidential ]

Windspeaker: What one quality do you most value in a friend?
Angela DeMontigny: Trustworthiness.
W: What is it that really makes you mad?
A.D.: People being unkind, disrespectful or harmful to each other.
W: When are you at your happiest?
A.D.: When I’m surrounded by people I love, helping others, when I’m creating and when I’m at one with spirit and the universe in ceremony.
W: What one word best describes you when you are at your worst?
A.D.: Frustrated.
W: What one person do you most admire and why?
A.D.: My spiritual teacher Diane Longboat. She has taught me what true unconditional love is through her work, the life she leads and the example she sets. I have the utmost respect for her and she has always been there for me as a support.
W: What is the most difficult thing you’ve ever had to do?
A.D.: Being a single mom while running a business
W: What is your greatest accomplishment?
A.D.: Hopefully, being an example to young Native designers, that you can realize your dreams no matter what challenges you face in life.
W: What one goal remains out of reach?
A.D.: Having more time to spend with my kids...I am still learning how to balance work with time for fun - starting with taking them to Disneyworld in Florida for March Break!
W: If you couldn’t do what you’re doing today, what would you be doing?
A.D.: Something that was in the creative arts or music. I would be unhappy and unfulfilled if I couldn’t be creative in some way.
W: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A.D.: To never give up on your dreams and that everyone has their ‘time.’
W: Did you take it?
A.D.: Absolutely!
W: How do you hope to be remembered?
A.D.: As someone who generally cared about others and inspired them to live the life they dreamed, who enjoyed life and laughed a lot.

Designer Angela DeMontigny made headlines recently as the designer of a silver and diamond gorget debuting at the Aboriginal Fashion Showcase at the Vancouver Winter Olympics, and then during Montreal Fashion Week. The neckpiece was crafted from Canadian diamonds and the silver was etched in spiritual symbols that represented the four races and cardinal directions. Seven inscribed hanging medals represented the Seven Sacred Fires or Grandfathers - Love, Wisdom, Courage, Respect, Truth, Honesty and Humility – the aspirations of all who wish to live a good life.

Demontigny said her success is partly due to the fact she advocates for other Aboriginal artists and designers and has regular speaking engagements across the country. She has become one of the leading, elite Aboriginal designers in Canada and her appeal is seen most often in the entertainment world, as she attracts accomplished singers, performers and celebrities to her work.

DeMontigny produces contemporary, ready-to-wear collections and one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art that express her zeal for her heritage. Street smart and style savvy when it comes to delivering marketable merchandise, she combines edginess and elegance with cultural Chippewa-Cree-Metis elements in her designs. Her pieces show up everywhere from nationally televised award shows and programs to international mainstream publications and Aboriginal magazines throughout Canada and the U.S.