National Indigenous Peoples Day
Art: Pitaloosie Saila (Cape Dorset), Tattooed Sun, 1988, Stonecut.
National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21st, 2021)
On this During National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21st, 2021), during National Indigenous Peoples Month (June), and at all times throughout the year, ITSUMO recognizes our shared responsibility to not only reflect on the incredible cultures, histories & traditions of the many resilient peoples, nations & communities that have endured and persevered through centuries of colonial hegemony, apartheid & spiritual decimation; but also to embrace an ongoing opportunity to continue our own introspective reckoning of the many ways that we are each personally complicit with the systems & institutions that continue to marginalize and oppress indigenous communities around the globe today.
We recognize that we are guests on unceded land, known in our local region as the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) Nations.
At ITSUMO, what started as a pure enthusiasm and deep respect for indigenous arts and craftsmanship has resulted in an evolving awakening of learning and unlearning; a burgeoning awareness of the continuing oppression and devastation of indigenous communities whose people & cultures have been stifled & suppressed by our systemic institutions of post colonial power.
As we continue to discover connections between the textiles and crafts of global indigenous artists and those of ancient Japanese communities and craftspeople, we recognize the tremendous value we place on the connection ITSUMO shares with indigenous cultures, and also with the natural world and all of its precious resources.
In an effort to try to contribute to positive change in our local communities, ITSUMO continues to support indigenous-led organizations whose mandate it is to help promote education, healing and reconciliation. A few of these groups are listed below. Each of these, and many more, can be supported through the Canadahelps charitable organization website.
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society
• Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
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2020 has forced many of us to take time to slow down, reflect and to always be thankful.
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Summer Pop-Up – Sukui on Bowen Island
Miki Tanaka Jewelry and ITSUMO will come together once more for a pop-up event on Bowen Island. This year’s theme is Sukui すくい , a Japanese expression which means “to scoop”.
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