In Canada, cultural incentives take on a new meaning
Stephanie Crowchild
Founder & Owner, Stephanie Eagletail Designs
When it comes to celebrating their successes, today’s incentive earners are increasingly looking for experiences that are authentic, enriching and unique. One powerful way to deliver on these shifting expectations is with a hands-on workshop that gives top performers the chance to be immersed in local cultures.
That’s exactly what Stephanie Crowchild, founder and owner of Stephanie Eagletail Designs, has set out to offer. After seeing the immense impact that her Indigenous coat-making workshop has had on participants across the country, she is now preparing to offer the experience to international corporate groups.
“One of the reasons why I love what I do is that I get to meet new people and empower them through sewing,” Stephanie said. “It’s so rewarding to see their confidence, pride and joy as they put on their own custom-made coats. It becomes an heirloom that they’ll have for generations.”
Credit @Devin Featherstone
Sharing knowledge passed through generations
Stephanie, who is from the Tsuut'ina First Nation near Calgary, Alberta, started her journey as a fashion designer at the age of 17. After being inspired by the jackets worn at a Pow Wow, a celebration of Indigenous cultures through music and dance, she asked her mom if she could get one. Instead of buying a new jacket (which can cost up to $2,000), they went to the store to pick up a blanket, lining and buttons to make one from scratch. Under the guidance of her mom and aunt, Stephanie began to sew.
Over the past year, she’s taken those very learnings to empower Indigenous Peoples in communities across the country to create their own custom-made coats. The idea for the workshop came in March of 2022, after a friend encouraged her to teach a women’s group in Alberta to sew. That first class turned into a second, then a third, to what has now become over 250 people taught. In addition to these classes, Stephanie also has her own line of coats, which she debuted at New York Fashion Week in 2022.
During each workshop, Stephanie shares the traditional techniques of creating coats out of recycled wool blankets, a skill that’s been passed down from generation to generation in her family. That includes everything from measurement taking to pattern making and garment construction. Each piece is made using high-quality wool materials, including the Hudson’s Bay Company multistripe point blankets and Pendleton blankets.
Along with sharing her knowledge of coat-making, Stephanie also incorporates cultural practices into workshops — including a traditional smudge ceremony with medicines that she chooses with her family.
“I’m Dene and half-Cree, and one thing I’ve been taught is that we always share — from our traditions to our language to our ceremonies,” Stephanie said. “For me, sharing the practice of coat-making is a powerful way to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of our cultures.”
Often, that also means sharing her own personal journey with healing during her workshops.
“I’m on my own intergenerational healing journey,” Stephanie added. “My parents went to residential school and my grandparents did as well. I’m a third-generation survivor. In my classes, I touch a lot on how I’ve overcome this intergenerational trauma. My story resonates with people who are Indigenous and non-Indigenous.”
Credit @Devin Featherstone
An enriching way to motivate teams
When organisations host their meetings and incentives in Canada, they’ll find natural beauty, cosmopolitan cities and exhilarating adventures. What really sets the country apart are open-hearted community members — like Stephanie — who are eager to share their knowledge and skills with the world. It’s this very openness that leaves a lasting imprint on top performers, from broadening their perspectives to igniting their curiosity.
“Experiences like these are entirely authentic to a destination, which is what makes it so special and meaningful to incentive winners,” said Jennifer Attersall, Director of Incentive Travel at Destination Canada. “In addition to learning sewing methods, it gives them a deeper understanding of the traditions and practices of those who have called the land home for thousands of years. They can learn from and connect with local cultures in ways that few other travellers have.”
Across Canada, organisations will find a diverse range of transformative experiences that give high achievers the chance to see the country through the lens of its first inhabitants — from guided medicine walks to visits to cultural centres. With over 250 unique legendary incentive experiences available, Canada is a top choice for recognising and rewarding teams. Destination Canada’s Business Events team can help design a program that’s specifically tailored to your group’s interests and needs.
For more information, connect with Jennifer Attersall, Director of Incentive Travel, Destination Canada Business Events at attersall.jennifer@destinationcanada.com or +1 403-923-5972.