PRAIRIE PRIDE FLOWER

The homeland of the "Flower Beadwork People" is the Red River Métis Nation. Andréanne’s Métis ancestor, Catherine Mulaire, left samples of her embroidery in a style made of tiny sinuous flowers, long leaves, and tendrils. The flowers were often rosettes, layered in shades of red and pink. Métis artist David Albert transformed these tiny sinuous flowers into a very bold design symbolizing the new-found pride that theRed River Métis boldly display.

CATHERINE'S VINE

The Grey Nuns first introduced silk embroidery to the Red River Métis in 1844. Métis women used silk embroidery to decorate their clothing. They established a mission school in Ile-à-La Crosse where Catherine was born. Andréanne’s Métis ancestor Catherine, embroidered in the « Lake Winnipeg small flower style ». This style was generally made up of tiny sinuous flowers, long leaves, and tendrils. The flowers were often rosettes, layered in shades of reds and pinks. From samples of Catherine’s embroidery, still owned by her family, Andréanne was inspired to create the design she calls Catherine’s Vine.

LA FLÈCHE

The Métis people helped shape the Canada of today, mainly in terms of the expansion of the west. The Métis became the link between the First Nations and their European allies, assisted by their wives who translated the native languages and helped resolve any cultural issues that arose. Métis Artist David Albert created this arrow (Flèche) to pay tribute to the trading activities between the Métis and First Nations people . The Métis were, in fact, astute business people. The flower represents the Métis, also known as the "flower beadwork people," and the arrow represents the First Nations and the connection between them.

CATHERINE’S VINE Embroidery

The Grey Nuns first introduced silk embroidery to the Red River Métis in 1844. Métis women used silk embroidery to decorate their clothing. They established a mission school in Ile-à-La Crosse where Catherine was born. Andréanne’s Métis ancestor Catherine, embroidered in the « Lake Winnipeg small flower style ». This style was generally made up of tiny sinuous flowers, long leaves, and tendrils. The flowers were often rosettes, layered in shades of reds and pinks. From samples of Catherine’s embroidery, still owned by her family, Andréanne was inspired to create the design she calls Catherine’s Vine.

NORTHERN WILLOW

The Aboriginal people used the bark of the willow to relieve pain and fever. They chewed or boiled a tea from the willow's leaves or inner bark to relieve fever or other minor pain like toothaches, headaches, or arthritis. The willow is often given the nickname "toothache tree".

Modern medicine has discovered that willow bark contains the medicinal extract, salicin, or salicylic acid (salix is Latin for willow). This chemical is the active ingredient in common aspirin. David Albert, a Métis artist, selected this important element of nature to create this design.

RED RIVER FLORAL Embroidery

Representing harmony and pride, The Red River Floral embroidery was derived from traditional floral beadwork which is distinctively ‘Métis’. The Métis were known as the ‘Flower Beadwork People’. This print was created by David Albert, a Métis artist from Winnipeg who merged European floral designs with The Red River traditional flower (center one) which creates a connection between culture and earth.

RAVEN OF LIFE

The Raven holds the power to transform into any form. This particular artwork, created by Métis artist David Albert, depicts the Raven's transformation into a branch of life. According to tradition, the Raven bestowed upon the West Coast Indigenous the gifts of fire and water, placed trees and grass over the land, and set the sun and moon in the sky. The Raven is a symbol of transformation, creation, and the eternal cycle of life.

SPIRIT OF THE NORTH

Celebrating First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM) Indigenous peoples in Canada, David Albert created The Spirit of The North to create unity with all our people.

The Aboriginal Plains people used Eagle feathers in ceremonies as a symbol of respect and healing.  In the Indigenous culture, the Eagle is the symbol of Love in the Seven Sacred Teachings.⁠ 

To the Inuit people, the Polar Bear is regarded as the embodiment of the spirit of the North, an animal that possesses ancient wisdom.⁠

In true Métis fashion, David Albert captured the beauty and essence of both, using the bold Haida style in his design to pay homage to his Indigenous West Coast cousins.⁠ We are proud to walk tall with our cousin nations and want to keep sharing all our people's beautiful story with you. ⁠

THE PRAIRIE RABBIT

"The Prairie Rabbit" Indigenous Print embraces the harmonious relationship between nature and Indigenous traditions.

This captivating design captures the essence of the grasslands and pays homage to the playful spirit of the indigenous rabbit, an iconic creature of these vast plains. The Prairie Rabbit embodies the resilience and adaptability of Indigenous peoples and communities.  Let it be a reflection of your connection to the natural world and the enduring spirit of indigenous cultures.

MÉTIS BLOOMS

In this captivating Indigenous floral print, the spirit of the Métis people intertwines with the natural wonders of the grasslands and wildflowers found around the Red River. Every brushstroke tells a story, depicting the vibrant hues of the prairie wildflowers that dot the landscape, symbolizing the resilience and strength of the Métis community.  This Indigenous floral print not only celebrates the natural beauty of the Red River Nation but also serves as a reminder of the incredible strength and resilience of the Métis people and their cousin nations.