18-Year-Old Heather Strongarm Is Dominating the Runway From New York to Paris
Indigenous model, Heather Diamond Strongarm, just had a huge breakthrough season at only 18 years old. She walked in New York Fashion Week and was asked to go to Europe to walk for more labels during the different fashion weeks.
Photo: Marian Sell via mariansell.com
Strongarm is from Saskatchewan, Canada as a part of the Saulteaux-Cree from Fishing Lake First Nation. While at home she performs different healing rituals and dances that are a part of her culture. She is also one of the few people worldwide who can speak the traditional Nakawe language.
Currently, Strongarm is splitting her time between Saskatchewan and New York. Originally, she wanted to grow up to be a social worker, but during her years in high school, she developed an interest in fashion by watching different runway shows. This interest started growing, leading her to pursue modeling and eventually being scouted at 16 through an Indigenous modeling workshop.
Photo: Jonas Gustavsson via Vogue
Although she is putting her desire to be a social worker on hold for modeling, she has said she would like to return to it at some point. She is excited about pursuing modeling because she wants to be a role model for Indigenous children and prove they can break into any industry they want, even if there is little representation.
Photo: Marian Sell via mariansell.com
She has talked about the underrepresentation of Indigenous models in the fashion industry. It can sometimes be difficult for her because not many people can understand her culture. However, she has been able to meet other Indigenous models that made her feel more comfortable and they have welcomed her with open arms into the modeling industry.
This past season was her first season on the runway and she got to walk for some really big labels such as Christian Dior, Schiaparelli, Hermes, and Proenza Schouler. The Proenza Schouler show was almost impossible to get tickets for because of its status. This show ended up being the first show she ever walked in. She also had the honor of opening the show for Christian Dior at Paris Fashion Week.
Photo: Versace via Vogue
Strongarm is heavily involved in her community when she is not walking the catwalk. She loves volunteering at different non-profits and is passionate about supporting the LGBTQ+ community. The annual Saskatoon Pride Parade in her hometown, Saskatchewan, is something she takes part in every year to help show her support. And of course, she is always representing her culture in the world and trying to make a stronger force in the fashion industry for Indigenous people.
