ALGONQUIN COLLEGE OF APPLIED ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY
New Sewing Lab at Algonquin College Ignites Culture, Creativity, and Opportunity

A powerful new initiative is taking shape at Algonquin College. Soaring Circle, a national Outaouais-based non-profit, is proud to announce the launch of its Sewcase Skills Lab within Algonquin College's Mamidosewin Centre to empower and support over 1,000 Indigenous students at Algonquin College in a way that is respectful and reflective of Indigenous cultures.  

Soaring Circle is equipping the Mamidosewin Centre with state-of-the-art Janome sewing machines, specialized equipment, textiles, curriculum support, and mentorship from Indigenous creators and global brand experts, bridging cultural learning with industry exposure.  

"Indigenous people remain greatly underrepresented in the fashion industry, even though the sector draws on a rich diversity of skills from design and production to marketing, logistics, accounting, human resources management, business leadership and much more," said Josée Lusignan, president and founder of Soaring Circle. "With this new lab at Algonquin College, we're providing a familiar, culturally safe space in the post-secondary environment. We want Indigenous students who have grown with our labs in their community high school to feel at home and to see that the doors to college and to careers in fashion are open to them, because they belong in those spaces."  

"Màmòyawagenindam. We are grateful. Màmòyàwamà Soaring Circle (we thank Soaring Circle)," said Anita Tenasco, Director of Indigenous Services, Algonquin College. "Sincere thanks for introducing the Sewcase Lab within the Mamidosewin Centre, as we are expanding a space where Indigenous students can build skills, further grounding themselves in who they are. The new sewing machines, the beautiful fabrics and craft supplies are a tremendous gift and a welcome, wonderful addition to the programming available to Indigenous students who attend Algonquin College." 

Last year alone, Soaring Circle opened four new labs, bringing the total to 22 across Canada and reaching 5,000 students and their teachers. Students develop practical skills in garment construction, design, and production, while being encouraged to explore post-secondary studies in business and other fashion-related fields.  

The lab also deepens the Centre's role as a place of belonging. The rhythm of stitching, the focus of creating, and the pride of constructing offer students a calming, therapeutic experience that supports mental wellness and emotional balance. The Mamidosewin Centre, which already brings together Elders and counsellors to support culturally rooted practices for emotional wellness, will now be able to expand those opportunities through sewing, with increased access to the highly sought-after skill.