Ep. 26: Fashion as Medicine: A Conversation with Lindsay King

In this episode, Dr. Candace Linklater sits with Lindsay King, an Indigenous fashion designer from the Salto Ojibwe and Mohawk Nations, whose journey from social work to fashion is rooted in healing, advocacy, and community care. After working as a social worker and foster parent for 20 years, Lindsay began designing in 2014—without any sewing experience—and went on to study fashion in Toronto and Florence before launching her brand in 2022.Their conversation explores how Lindsay’s work is inspired by her grandchildren, the strength of Indigenous entrepreneurship, and her commitment to sustainable, ethical fashion. Lindsay shares how creativity became part of her healing journey, leading to powerful work like her Red Collection showcased at Toronto Fashion Week, which raises awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and relatives. She opens up about her philosophy of visualization, her dedication to protecting children, and the importance of creating space for Indigenous representation in the fashion world.From designing a Cher-inspired leather pant and vest for Tia Wood at the Junos to being named an Indigenous designer to watch by OWL Magazine, Lindsay’s story is one of courage, transformation, and staying rooted in love and purpose.BioMeet Lindsay King is a Saulteaux, Ojibway, and Mohawk fashion designer and registered member of Little Grand Rapids First Nation in Treaty 5 territory. Born in Winnipeg and raised between her parents’ communities in Manitoba and Ontario—with time spent in Texas and Nevada—Lindsay is a proud Mother, Grandmother, Social Worker, and creative force in Indigenous fashion. For over 20 years, she dedicated her life to serving Indigenous children and families as a Social Worker and foster parent, all while quietly holding on to a childhood dream: to one day own a store and design clothes.In 2014, she took a courageous leap, enrolling in fashion programs in Toronto and Florence with no prior sewing experience. Since launching her brand in 2022, Lindsay has grown a line of timeless, luxury garments and curated accessories that reflect care, community, and cultural pride. Her recent Red Collection, shown at Toronto Fashion Week, honours and brings awareness to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people—centering the power of visibility and truth on the runway. Working with artisans and suppliers across North America, her designs are stories of resilience, representation, and reclaiming space in an industry that once felt out of reach.IG: @lindsayking.coWebsite: lindsayking.co-Relentless Reflection Where have I benefited from fashion systems that exclude or appropriate Indigenous cultures—and what can I do to change that?How can I shift my relationship with clothing from consumption to intentional care and cultural respect?Relentless ActionsBuy from Indigenous designers like Lindsay King whose work centres healing, visibility, and resistance. Don’t just admire—invest in the movement.Share, fund, and uplift campaigns, art, and clothing collections that address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people. Use your platform, no matter how big or small, to break the silence.Relentless ResourcesLinsday King’s site Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions!Join the RIW Patreon Community RIW WebsiteMusic Produced by Award-Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat