Native Northwest
Native Northwest’s story began 40 years ago with a social worker, a rack of postcards, and the vision of building everyday connection to Indigenous cultures.
The values behind our brand originate with the founding reason for the company: Native arts and cultures, designed by Indigenous artists, built on a foundation of respect and authenticity. We tie authentic designs to bold, new concepts where artists can tell the stories of their communities and cultures through their distinct designs.
Native Northwest products are guided by the following principles:
- 100% of the art featured on Native Northwest products is designed by Indigenous artists
- All artists have provided consent and contractual permission for their art to be featured on Native Northwest products
- Artist names are acknowledged on all product packaging
- Cultural traditions are honoured by acknowledging cultural affiliation on product packaging
- Artists are paid in fees and royalties
Each of our exchanges, from the sourcing and compensation of Indigenous artists, to our staff and merchants, are part of a lifelong relationship between Indigenous cultures and the communities we pledge to honour and respect.
Native Northwest operates on Musqueam, Coast Salish territory in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Every year Native Northwest partners with dozens of community organizations that support Indigenous families and communities. Your partnership with Native Northwest helps make this all possible.
In 2021, Native Northwest established the Native Northwest Reconciliation Fund as a way to work with our customers and community partners to advance Reconciliation.
The Native Northwest Reconciliation Fund was given life through the proceeds from orange shirt sales. Its purpose is to support people and families who have been impacted by Residential Schools and intergenerational trauma. It aims is to advance Reconciliation by funding initiatives that support Indigenous wellness, learning, and culture.
In its first year, orange shirt and orange sticker proceeds will be funding new multi-year scholarships for Indigenous students at post-secondary institutions.
The Native Northwest Reconciliation Fund has already funded 5 years of student scholarships and bursaries at 20 colleges and universities. Approximately 250 Indigenous students will be supported by these awards at the following colleges and universities: BC Institute of Technology, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langara College, Native Education College, North Island College, University of British Columbia, University of Fraser Valley, University of Northern BC, University of Victoria Indigenous Law, Vancouver Community College, Vancouver Island University, Yukon University, and the YVR Art Foundation.
We are excited to see the Native Northwest Reconciliation Fund grow fast and make a real impact in people’s lives. In addition to student scholarships and awards, proceeds from Every Child Matters T- Shirts have also gone to Orange Shirt Society and BC Aboriginal Child Care Society, in addition to the contributions below.
- 20,000 temporary tattoos were donated in 2021 to support National Indigenous People’s Day
- More than 12,000 kids reusable face masks to Indigenous childcare centres and classrooms to keep kids safe.
- 500 Learning My Rights with Mousewoman board books donated to the BC Aboriginal Child Care Society.
- Supplying more than 125 youth in the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Backpack Program
- A two-year partnership with U'mista Cultural Centre to sponsor 15 student-carvers to attend the Marcus Alfred Memorial Art Workshop and learn traditional Kwakwaka'wakw carving
- Donation to the Urban Native and Youth Association and the Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society
Native Northwest is located and operates on the unceded traditional territory of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam First Nation). We recognize the Musqueam People’s right to this land by committing to a respectful relationship, to hiring Musqueam staff, and to prioritizing community partnership opportunities, including the recent establishment of distinctive Musqueam scholarships and awards.