As National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) approaches on September 30, we’d like to share our
Every Child Matters collection.
The Brown Bear has a long history of partnering with ethical distributors like Native Northwest to ensure Indigenous artists are fairly compensated and receive royalties for their beautiful and authentic products.
By ordering from us, not only do you honour the memory of Indigenous children and families so tragically impacted by the Canadian Residential School System, your purchase also supports Indigenous artists and communities today.
For a long time, stories of Indigenous experience were brutally suppressed, or hidden and unheard. Today, we acknowledge this difficult history, and the inequities that continue to challenge Indigenous communities in this country and around the world. Our Every Child Matters products serve as a visual reminder of the strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples, inspiring all of us to work toward reconciliation together.
Every Child Matters Orange T-Shirt
This vibrant orange t-shirt by Native Northwest features a compelling Every Child Matters design with a powerful mantra: “Protected by our Ancestors”. Created by Coast Salish artist, Simone Diamond, it fits generously and is made with 100% cotton. Available in Unisex Sizes SM - XXXL.
Proceeds from this Every Child Matters shirt are directed via Native Northwest to their Reconciliation Fund in support of people and families who continue to be impacted by residential schools and intergenerational trauma.
https://www.thebrownbear.ca/products/every-child-matters-orange-t-shirt
Shopping Bag
A sturdy but soft reusable bag that folds up, pocket-size, for your shopping convenience. This eco-friendly bag is printed with the image of an eagle swooping protectively over two children in a tepee, with “Every Child Matters” printed in the bottom right corner.
Size: 15” x 18” with 7” handles. Folds up to less than 5” square. Holds up to 18 lbs. Made with recycled plastic.
Multiple designs available.
https://www.thebrownbear.ca/products/accessories-indigenous-art-shopping-bag
Indigenous Art Journal
This hardback, lined journal is distinguished by its poignant cover, depicting Indigenous children holding hands, walking towards the sunset of an 8-pointed star. Entitled, “Always In Our Hearts”, it was designed by Cree-Ojibway artist Shawna Boulette Grapentine, who was raised in the Métis community of Manigotogan on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. Let this journal inspire you to share your innermost thoughts, dreams, and writings. Size: 5’ x 7” with 80 lined pages.
Multiple designs available.
https://www.thebrownbear.ca/products/gifts-indigenous-art-journal
Indigenous Art Mug
A strikingly beautiful mug featuring the vibrant portrait of a mother and two children, “All Children Matter”. This design was created by Cree artist Betty Albert, co-founder (wth her Native American father) of Wabimeguil Art Studio. The mug is individually crafted with fine bone china and bears the studio’s signature motif. Holds 18 oz. Dishwasher and microwave safe. Comes in a custom gift box.
https://www.thebrownbear.ca/products/gifts-indigenous-kitchen-mugs
Wristband
An Every Child Matters wristband by Native Northwest is a statement and a tribute to the importance of accountability and reconciliation. Designed by Ts’msyen (Tsimshian) artist Morgan Asoyuf, the vivid outer band is enhanced with the Indigenous depiction of an eagle while the words “Every Child Matters” encircle the interior, a striking symbol of ancestral connection and protection.
Made from recycled plastic bottles. 1” wide. Available in sizes Medium and Large. Please see sizing chart for optimal fit.
Proceeds from this Every Child Matters wristband are directed via Native Northwest to their Reconciliation Fund in support of people and families who continue to be impacted by residential schools and intergenerational trauma.
https://www.thebrownbear.ca/products/jewellery-indigenous-art-wristbands
The Canadian Residential School System was active from 1831 to 1996 (165 years), impacting Indigenous peoples for multiple generations. It is a legacy we cannot and must not minimize or ignore.
Our Every Child Matters collection is a way of honouring and uplifting Indigenous communities through their stories and artistry, and celebrating their accomplishments.
“My people will sleep for one hundred years, but when they awake, it will be the artists who give them their spirit back.” - Louis Riel, Métis political and resistance leader
RESOURCES:
If you’d like to learn more about Indigenous Canadian history and current events, please consider enrolling in the University of Alberta’s FREE online Indigenous Canada course:
https:// www.ualberta.ca/.../indigenous-canada/index.html Anyone triggered by accounts, experiences, or memories of abuse at Indian Residential Schools may contact a 24-hour National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
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