Organizing a Collaboration with Native Northwest

If you’re not familiar with Native Northwest, they’re a Vancouver-based company that works directly with Indigenous artists. All of the artwork on their products is designed by Indigenous creators, and the company focuses on authenticity, fair compensation, and collaboration. Their catalogue includes everything from blankets to drinkware, books, home items, and stationery, with each artist credited clearly.

In May 2025, I reached out to their team to see if they might be open to contributing an item that I could offer to the community through a draw in the Iskut newsletter. They were interested right away in supporting the community.

They sent the Woven Blanket – Matriarch Bear, designed by talented artist Morgan Asoyuf (Tsimshian, Ts’msyen). Here's a quote from her:

“Art is an intimate connection to our history, identity and our community. I am honoured to continue our traditions and to share them.”

Everyone had the chance to enter, and the Hawkins family ended up winning the draw.

It was a small collaboration, but it added something special to that issue. It highlighted an Indigenous artist, shared a piece of their work with the community, and gave one family something special to bring home. Native Northwest was supportive throughout the whole process, and it was great to work with a team that genuinely cares about how Indigenous artwork is shared.

If more opportunities like this come up, I’d be happy to keep organizing them for future newsletters.

Happy winner of the blanket draw!