2026 CapU Alumni Awards: Pamela Baker

Growing up surrounded by strong Indigenous women, ceremony and visual storytelling, Pamela Baker was captivated by how clothing could carry identity, memory and power.

Her passion for fashion and storytelling began long before she understood it as a career.

“My designs are rooted in stories, land, water, ceremony and teachings passed down through my family,” Pamela says. “I don’t replicate tradition—I translate it with respect. Fashion became my language to honour our ancestors while building something sustainable for future generations.”

A foundation at Capilano University

A graduate of CapU’s Textile Arts Diploma program, Pamela credits her time there with shaping both her creativity and technical skills.

“CapU gave me the space to explore ideas, experiment and trust my instincts,” she says. “The hands-on learning and guidance from instructors helped me understand that fashion could be both art and industry.”

Touch of Culture

After graduation, Pamela founded Touch of Culture, a design studio that has grown into Touch of Culture Legends House of Design. What began as a small, independent venture has evolved into a platform for couture, ready-to-wear, collaborations and international recognition.

“What started as a way to create and survive in an industry that wasn’t built for us became a purposeful platform for storytelling, cultural preservation and Indigenous excellence,” she says.

Balancing art and business

Pamela’s days are carefully structured to balance creativity with entrepreneurship. Mornings are reserved for sketching, refining concepts and letting ideas take shape, while afternoons are dedicated to production, logistics and team collaboration.

“The quiet morning creative time is my favourite part of the process,” she says. “The structure I build around creativity allows our art to grow sustainably and reach more people without compromise.”

Global recognition and milestones

One of Pamela’s career-defining moments came in 2010 when she designed regalia for the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Vancouver, placing Indigenous culture on a global stage.

“It was an emotional and transformative experience,” she says. “It reminded me why this work matters. Our art belongs everywhere.”

Mentorship and legacy

Beyond her own design work, Pamela is committed to supporting the next generation of Indigenous creatives.

“Know who you are before you enter the industry,” she says. “Protect your stories, your energy and your designs. Learn the business side, seek guidance and trust your own voice. There’s no single path to success. You belong in these spaces exactly as you are.”

Looking ahead, she hopes to expand opportunities for Indigenous designers, models, and creatives globally while maintaining cultural integrity.

“For me, success is measured by impact, not just recognition. I want to build something that supports future generations long after I step back.”

On March 4, 2026, Capilano University will honour Pamela Baker with the Dedicated Award at the Alumni Awards of Excellence – recognizing her dedication to advancing Indigenous culture, creativity and community empowerment.

Thank you to Neptune Terminals, the Dedicated Award Sponsor for the 2026 Alumni Awards of Excellence.