Model Shares What It Was Like Growing Up in the Arctic, Explains How They Navigate -40°C Days and Live Off the Land (Exclusive)

Willow Allen, a 27-year-old model originally from Inuvik in the Northwest Territories, is on a mission to celebrate and preserve her Indigenous culture while navigating her career in the fashion industry. Raised in a community that values deep connections to the land and each other, Allen’s upbringing has equipped her with practical survival skills that resonate beyond her years in the spotlight.

Inuvik, where temperatures can plummet to an astonishing -40°C, is a place where survival skills are vital. Allen recalls that learning to respect the land was an integral part of her childhood. From an early age, she acquired knowledge about hunting, fishing, and identifying local flora, skills that many southerners might never encounter. “In Inuvik, winter preparation is second nature,” she explained. “It means dressing appropriately for the conditions and knowing when it’s safe to travel.”

Being raised in a family steeped in Inuvialuit traditions fostered in her a sense of community that remains distinct from the individualistic mindset often found in urban areas. Allen vividly remembers how her family would open their cabin to wandering travellers in need, demonstrating a profound commitment to generosity and cooperation. “Life wasn’t so individual the way it can be in the south,” she reflected, pointing out the cultural values instilled in her by the elders and families around her.

Even after leaving Inuvik at the age of 16 to pursue higher education, Allen carried the lessons of her childhood into her new life. While attending school away from home, she remained deeply connected to her roots, returning each year to see family and convey the significance of her Inuvialuit heritage to her two-year-old son, August. The family still owns a house in Inuvik, as well as a cabin on the land, continuing the traditions important to her upbringing. Her husband, who hails from southern Canada, has also developed a love for the northern way of life.

The survival techniques she learned as a child have not only held personal significance but have also shaped her perspective on resilience. “I think about how growing up that way has shaped my perspective on what is important, and what a beautiful life looks like,” she said. For Allen, embracing the harsh conditions of the Arctic is as much about physical survival as it is about fostering a strong community spirit and a cultural identity.

As she ventures into the world of fashion, Allen is committed to increasing Indigenous representation in an industry that has historically underrepresented diverse voices. Her modelling career, which began after she left school, has given her newfound confidence and a platform to share her culture. As she creates content, Allen aims to challenge colonial ideals while highlighting the beauty and wisdom of her heritage. She believes it is essential to infuse the spaces she occupies in her career with her identity and cultural stories.

Although Allen is excelling in her professional life, her most cherished legacy lies in the teachings she imparts to her son. She hopes to ensure that August grows up surrounded by the stories and experiences that enriched her own childhood. “I feel like the stories I was told I can continue to pass down, and I was able to have so many experiences on the land that I can share as well with my child,” she shared.

In a world where Indigenous voices often struggle to be heard, Willow Allen is a beacon, determined to put her community and heritage at the forefront. Through her journey as a model, she not only affirms her identity but also paves a path for future generations to reconnect with their roots and embrace their identity proudly. Allen exemplifies the strength of her people as she works to ensure that the rich traditions of her Arctic upbringing endure.