Justin Naytowhow is the man responsible for Kiyam clothing. (Submitted photo/Justin Naytowhow)

By Nigel Maxwell

Local success stories

Sturgeon Lake clothing designer sets sights on Prince Albert location

Mar 23, 2021 | 2:00 PM

A clothing designer from Sturgeon Lake First Nation says he is absolutely surprised by the response he’s had over the past two months.

Justin Naytowhow, 35, launched the Kiyam label back in January and has already sold between 400 and 500 sweaters.

“I am ordering a 100 or more at a time and they go really fast,” he told paNOW. “I shipped out one of our sweaters to the United Kingdom, Nova Scotia, Alberta…just all over the place.”

(Facebook/Kiyam Clothing Wear)

The term “Kiyam” can be literally translated as not to let things bother you, or to be at peace with yourself. For Naytowhow, the launch of the clothing line represents the fulfillment of a nearly 20-year-old dream.

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“I always wanted to be in the clothing business. I think I made my first sweater when I was 17 and I never got the chance to continue on it because I had so many other things going on,” he said.

The sweaters can be ordered online in kids and adult sizes. Naytowhow, who has both a website, and a Facebook business page, explained his biggest supporters have been his friends and family, but added Sturgeon Lake Chief and Council have also helped with his launch. He has also received a big order from Sturgeon Lake School.

“I am planning on opening up a store in [Prince Albert]. The sweaters are just the beginning,” he explained.

Sturgeon Lake Chief and Council wearing the Kiyam sweaters. (Facebook/PAGC)

Prince Albert Ward 3 Councilor Tony Head has also been credited by Naytowhow as a key support. Head told paNOW he’s excited to see the store open up one day in Prince Albert.

“It’s inspiring to hear that our Indigenous people are making impacts within our society and I hope he has a great amount of success,” he said.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell