#5: Purchase an item from an Indigenous Artist.

We are greeted every morning by "Messengers of Renewal" by Christi Belcourt. It reminds us that every day is new and it's possibilities are endless.

After our walk on the Aboriginal Interpretive Trail, we reflected on the art that we surround ourselves with in our home. Ralph and I are extremely fortunate to have had the chance to meet and purchase art from some of Canada's most prestigious and some completely unknown but phenomenal Indigenous artists.

One of my favourite artists is one I haven't had the chance to meet but Ralph did when they were teenagers and their parents were   heavily involved in the Métis Nation of Ontario. Christi Belcourt is a Michif (Métis) visual artist whose ancestry originates from the Metis historic community of Manitou Sakhigan (Lac Ste. Anne) Alberta, Canada. Raised in Ontario, her deep respect for Mother Earth, the traditions and the knowledge of her people is evident in her works of art.

Every year, since I was 28, I have been blessed to be able to purchase a piece of artwork for my birthday. "Messengers of Renewal" was purchased for last year's birthday, and as this year's birthday is quickly approaching I've considered several options and made my choice . This new piece of Indigenous art pairs my love for purses with my love for Christi Belcourt's impeccably detailed painted beadwork. 

The ela X Editor's Pouch by Holt Renfrew (H Project) and Christi Belcourt, when released on September 5th will be my 32nd birthday gift to myself. The proceeds of this beautiful pouch goes towards building a permanent Onaman Collective camp in Northern Ontario where elders can connect with Indigenous youth year round.

*note: There are amazing Indigenous artists in Wood Buffalo, I'll make sure to feature them in the future. :) 

ela X Editor's Pouch - H project & Christi Belcourt