New Indigenous store brings fabrics, regalia supplies and local art to Winnipeg

A new Winnipeg store is giving people a one-stop shop for Indigenous fabrics, sewing supplies and locally made goods. 

Jessica Lavallee, owner of Trail Creations, was inspired to open her fabric store after moving to Winnipeg from Misipawistik Cree Nation in Grand Rapids, Manitoba.

"Two years ago, my family and I travelled 32,000 kilometres. We were gone for 11 months," said Lavalle. "During that time, we attended many pow wows all across the southern U.S., and we saw many Indigenous entrepreneurs who were making it work on the pow wow trail."

Filling a need in Winnipeg

Lavalle says she and her husband were impressed by what they saw and recognized a need for something similar in Winnipeg.

"My daughter was switching dance styles and needed some new pieces for her regalia. We had to go to many places to find them, and we had to order online," said Lavallee.

That experience got Lavallee thinking about creating a one-stop shop for people looking for pow wow supplies.

"We're hoping that we can be that for many people. 

More than a store

But Trail Creations is about more than simply providing supplies.

Lavallee says she wanted to create a welcoming space for people looking to reconnect with their culture, something she experienced herself after having children.

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"When I had kids, I really wanted to immerse them in their culture. I wanted to learn alongside them and really reconnect for myself and for my kids," said Lavallee.

She hopes the store can be a safe place where people can ask questions, find what they need and learn along the way.

Supporting local artists

The store also carries locally made beadwork and other items, allowing Lavallee to support Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs.

She says she eventually hopes to expand the space to offer sewing and beading classes, along with community events and sewing nights

Trail Creations is located at 3096 Portage Avenue and is open 10 a.m. Monday through Friday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.