TORONTO – Canadian fashion design team DSquared2 issued an open letter apologizing to all indigenous people for using a derogatory term to promote a women’s collection they said had an “indigenous flair”.
The apology was sent to a Globe and Mail editor by DSquared2 design brothers Dan and Dean Caten.
The apology comes in response to backlash following the Hudson’s Bay Company announcement that Dquared2 would be designing official Canadian Olympic team wear for the 2016 summer games opening ceremonies in Rio de Janiero.
The Caten brothers said although their intentions were in good faith they now understand the terminology used was offensive and apologized for any disrespect it may have caused.
See full letter below:
“We would like to officially apologize to the indigenous peoples of Canada.
Our Dsquared2 women’s fall-winter 2015 collection paid homage to the beauty and strength of the indigenous peoples of Canada, who have shaped our country’s cultural identity.
We are sad that our collection, which was meant to be a celebration of cultures, might have caused hurt through our inappropriate use of words. Our intentions were in good faith but we now understand how this terminology is offensive. We are truly sorry, and apologize for the disrespect this may have caused.
We can only hope that by making this mistake we have brought attention to this issue, and learn together more about our country’s history.
We will continue this journey, learning and educating ourselves about the diversity of the indigenous cultures of Canada: First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
We are proud Canadians and our birthplace is the driving force of the DNA of our brand, Dsquared2. We are pleased and honoured to speak about Canada and carry its flag with us around the world.
Dan and Dean Catan, founders, Dsquared2”
