DOMINION began with a consideration of the concept as used to justify the settler colonial project of “Canada'', the expansion of the British Empire, and the Catholic indoctrination of Indigenous Peoples.

From this a method of rebuking the settler imaginary is established, in which Ducharme examines how these processes have interfered with and subsequently informed the Michif concepts of land, body, and spirituality in their ancestral homelands.

Throwing off the restraints imposed by the narrow settler imaginary, DOMINION is a declaration of the inherent sovereignty we carry in our bodies, communities, and nations and the ancestral power that has carried us through these eras of colonial time.

DEBUT: Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival 2022

IMAGES: Nadya Kwandibens/Red Works Photography

Moving forward with the profound sense of connection to the unnamed, unknown, queer Indigenous ancestors that have always permeated his work, Ducharme brings these figures to the center of PROGENY.

This work aims to reignite their place of reverence and respect within the Indigenous family unit, which has endured severe erasure as a result of continued violence from Catholic indoctrination and the settler colonial project working in tandem.

PROGENY is a vigorous observation of transgenerational love from both sides of the spiritual divide; at once from the Ancestors to the present, and again from the present generations of Indigenous queers onto our unborn, future kin.

DEBUT: Otahpiaaki Fashion Week, November 2019

IMAGES: Kelly Hofer and Peter Jensen

Further exploring the idea of clothing as a form of protection, whether it be from the elements of the natural world or the social landscape, Ducharme continues his exploration of incorporating Metis concepts with signature pieces and classic workwear staples.

This season marks the debut of a new embroidery technique which appears in the form of 3 mesh tops, and in embroidered panels on Ducharme's signature Matriarch Dress. Applying similar stitch patterns used in the weaving of Metis sashes, the embroidery is a modern interpretation of Metis handwork. 

A celebration of the resiliency and strength of Indigenous peoples, ATAVISM is a sartorial ode to the ancestors who have granted us the tools to continue the resistance and fight for the rights of Indigenous peoples worldwide.

DEBUT: Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, July 28th 2017

IMAGES: Peter Jensen