At Caribou Gifts, we believe that every product tells a story, and few stories are as rich and meaningful as those shared through Indigenous art. This week, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Native Northwest, a long-standing partner based in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Artistry Rooted in Community
Native Northwest occupies a unique space in the Canadian retail landscape. While the brand itself is not Indigenous-owned, it is built upon a foundation of deep respect and ethical collaboration. The company was founded by a former social worker whose background in community service heavily influences the brand's mission to support and elevate Indigenous voices.
Every single piece of artwork featured on their products—from vibrant tea towels to intricately designed porcelain bowls—is created by an Indigenous artist. Native Northwest ensures a fair and sustainable relationship by paying these artists upfront fees for their designs, followed by ongoing royalties as their products are sold. This model ensures that artists are compensated fairly for their intellectual property and creative labour.
Values That Align
We carefully select our suppliers to ensure our values are perfectly aligned. Native Northwest is a perfect fit for Caribou Gifts for several key reasons:
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Canadian Pride: Based in British Columbia, they are a proudly Canadian brand that reflects the diverse cultural landscape of our country.
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Direct Community Impact: They work directly with Indigenous communities and artists, acknowledging the traditional and unceded territories of the Musqueam and Coast Salish peoples where they live and work.
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Ethical Sourcing: Their commitment to transparent compensation models—upfront fees plus royalties—supports the long-term economic well-being of the artists they partner with.
Featured Native Northwest Products
You can find a wide variety of Native Northwest items at both our Junction and Mount Pleasant locations. Some of our customer favourites include:
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Product Category |
Featured Artist Designs |
|---|---|
|
Kitchen & Dining |
Hummingbird by Francis Dick, Octopus by Ernest Swanson, and Soaring Eagle by Corey Bulpitt. |
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Home & Textiles |
Eco-friendly cloths, printed tea towels, and oven mitts featuring contemporary Indigenous artwork. |
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Apparel & Stationery |
T-shirts (Raven Moon and Whale designs), hardcover journals, and ceramic mugs. |
We invite you to visit us at 590 Mount Pleasant Road or at our Junction location to explore the latest arrivals from Native Northwest. Your purchase not only supports a Canadian business but also directly contributes to the livelihood of Indigenous artists across the country.