3 Indigenous Brands That Give Back: Empowering Communities Through Ethical Products

Photo © Courtesy MINI TIPI

3 Indigenous Brands That Give Back: Empowering Communities Through Ethical Products

ALLIE MURRAY

In a world where conscious consumerism is on the rise, Indigenous brands are leading the way by offering products that are not only rooted in tradition, but also dedicated to giving back to their communities. These three Indigenous brands are making a difference by preserving cultural heritage, giving back to local initiatives, supporting causes near and dear to their heart, and so much more.

MINI TIPI

Operating out of Gatineau, Québec, MINI TIPI is on a mission to address the lack of authentic Indigenous-designed textiles. While celebrating Indigenous arts and culture, co-founders Trisha Pitura, a member of Nipissing First Nation, and Melanie Bernard, from Québec City of settler descent, are dedicated to lifting up Indigenous artisans, while giving back to Indigenous organizations and charities across Canada.

MINI TIPI not only donates products to Indigenous communities, but they raise money through a portion of their sales to provide monetary support to organizations like the Downie-Wenjack Foundation, the Minwwashin Lodge, the Aylmer Food Bank, and many more. Some of their products are even fundraisers in their own right—three of their blankets have a built-in give back, with proceeds of every sale going towards True North Aid, an Indigenous organization that supports northern and remote communities with humanitarian support.

KOKOM SCRUNCHIES

When Mya was nine years old, she founded Kokom Scrunchies, a family-run business selling handmade scrunchies. From Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, Mya began sewing scrunchies to make money so she could buy gifts for children in her community, which later became an online business selling her handmade goods. While Kokom Scrunchies initially began as a solo venture, Mya soon had to enlist the help of her mom, dad, and brother to help as demand grew.

Each scrunchie was named after an Indigenous role model in her life—even the brand name itself, Kokom, which means grandmother in Algonquin. Seeing the demand for her products, Mya expanded the company to offer scarves, t-shirts, bags, textiles, and much more. She later launched Canada’s first-ever Kokom Scrunchies vending machine, located in Ottawa’s Bayshore Shopping Centre, with a second one opening in the New Sudbury Shopping Centre in Sudbury, Ontario.

CHEEKBONE BEAUTY

In January 2015, Jenn Harper had a dream of young Indigenous girls covered in colourful lip glosses— this dream is what inspired her to launch one of the first Indigenousowned cosmetics companies: Cheekbone Beauty.

More than makeup, Cheekbone is dedicated to making the cosmetics industry a place where everyone can feel included, especially Indigenous peoples. Every shade of lipstick is named after an Indigenous woman working to make a difference in their community, some of which being Ashley Callingbull, the first Canadian and first Indigenous woman to win the Mrs. Universe title, and water activist and youth hero Autumn Peltier.

Similarly, Cheekbone Beauty gives back to Indigenous youth across Canada through the Cheekbone Beauty Scholarship Fund. The funds for the scholarship are raised through a limited-edition product, where 100 per cent of the sales are allocated towards funding next year’s scholarship.