500 sewing machines headed to Indigenous youth across New Mexico
By Alyssa Munoz
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ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (KOAT) — A New Mexico nonprofit is distributing 500 sewing machines to Indigenous youth and communities across the state to encourage creativity, entrepreneurship and careers in fashion.
The initiative began with a goal of raising money for 150 machines. Community support and a partnership with Singer, which donated some machines and offered others at a reduced cost, helped increase that number to 500.
Of those, 150 machines will go to Indigenous youth who attended a Fashion Institute of Technology summit in Santa Fe in August. The remaining machines will be distributed through schools, pueblos and communities across New Mexico.
Amy Denet Deal, founder of 4Kinship and Indigenous Futures 4EVER, said access to a machine gives young people the freedom to create at home, develop practical skills and explore careers throughout the fashion industry.
She said those opportunities extend beyond fashion design to fields such as marketing, merchandising and production. She also hopes the initiative will increase Indigenous representation in the industry and help combat cultural appropriation.
“That’s how we’re going to end appropriation, by having more Native youth in all jobs, not just at the design level, but in all jobs in the industry,” she said.
The machines can also help students earn money by making and selling their own products at local markets, she said.
Starting in November, the organization will offer free sewing and mentorship classes at the Santa Fe Art Institute during Native American Heritage Month. Sessions will be limited to about 20 to 25 students, with weekend workshops for students outside Santa Fe and after-school opportunities for local students.
The programming will also include “Auntie Hours,” when students can ask questions and receive guidance from Deal and other local professionals with experience in fashion.
Deal said the distribution is not intended to be a one-time project. The organization plans to continue raising money and providing sewing machines as long as there is a need.
Workshop schedules and registration information will be posted on 4Kinship’s website and social media pages.
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