Page 50 - 05_June-2025

Fashion
Regalia, Resistance & Rhinestones
Two-spirit drag queen Cedar T weaves in a powerful expression of art and identity
Drag queen Cedar T moves
methodically to Bonnie Tyler’s
“Holding Out for a Hero” on the
Evolution Wonderlounge stage. As
the beat quickens, Cedar drops into
a split, thrilling the screaming
crowd. Just when they think it’s
over, the track transitions to a
more obscure yet personal song,
“Two-Spirit Anthem” by Bobby
Sanchez. Cedar lip-syncs the lyrics,
“Yes, I’mma stick to tradition,
Indigenous wisdom and knowl-
edge,” and somehow the crowd
screams even louder — helping
her secure a spot as a finalist in
Alberta’s Next Drag Superstar.
A year later, Cedar — real
name Kisik Whiskeyjack (of
Saddle Lake Cree Nation) — is
poised to take her act glob-
al with a United Kingdom tour
alongside experimental Cree
musician ASKO.
While Cedar has made a name
for herself in Canada’s flamboy-
ant drag scene, the two-spirit
performer views her art as more
than just “throwing on a little
two-piece and doing some splits
and dips.” Through conceptual
playlists, choreography and
fashion, she weaves Indigenous
cultures into her artistry. This
influence is most evident in her
elaborate costumes, each of
which can take up to a month
to design and sew — and has a
story of its own.
We asked Cedar to share
inspirations behind each outfit.
-Caroline Barlott
The captions were edited
for clarity and brevity.
photography AARON PEDERSEN
I love using symbolism; the
satin-like snakeskin on this dress
and the touch of rhinestones
mimic the reflection of waves.
I first wore it at Saskatoon
Pride, and since the venue was
by the river, I wanted to honour
the water. It also honours Grand-
mother Moon, who represents
femininity and where we come
from — how we spent nine
months in our mother’s womb.
The jewellery is from Helen Oro
Designs, a well-known Indigenous
designer from Pelican Lake
First Nations.”
50 EDify. JUNE.25