David Albert, the Métis Elder artist at Anne Mulaire, expresses the stories of indigenous culture in his singular artwork. His design compositions offer a captivating, creative vision to the viewer.

Originating from Penetanguishene, Treaty 61 and growing up in Fisher Branch Manitoba, David pursued his passion for art by teaching it and exploring nature. Subsequently, he acted as an art consultant for the Manitoba Department of Education and supported the establishment of the Métis Student Association at Université de Saint-Boniface. He is also a co-founder of Elzéar-Goulet Local, the only French-speaking Métis group governed by the MMF.

David have also been involved in many community organizations such as, member of the Board of Heritage Winnipeg, Chair of the Youville Diabetes Centre, founder & President of Héritage Saint-Boniface, was actively involved in the Festival du Voyageur as past Official Voyageur and was proud to serve Board of Governors for the Manito Ahbee Festival Inc.

His contributions and commitment to his community and artwork have made him an integral part of Anne Mulaire’s strong heritage-inspired and eco-conscious brand.

Ramon Shiloh is a renowned author, illustrator, and activist for Native youth. As a multicultural chef of Black, Filipino, Creek, and Cherokee descent, he has received numerous awards for his contributions to the arts. 

Together with Anne Mulaire, Ramon Shiloh has created the Indigenous Legacy Feathers, which use symbolism to convey powerful stories. In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, these feathers remind us to appreciate the diverse richness of our cultures and to respect one another.

www.ramonshiloh.com

On our left, we are flanked by the vast Pacific Ocean, where the Western Feather symbolizes the complex issues surrounding our waterways. As the sun sets, we remain committed to building a better future for ourselves and generations to come, and the West awakens the East.

At the center, the Feather showcases the collaborative spirit and blossoming patterns inspired by the traditional floral beadwork of the Métis, known as the 'Flower Beadwork People'. The rabbit symbolizes resourcefulness and adaptability, serving as a reminder of the importance of using available resources wisely and being adaptable. This design was created in collaboration with Métis Elder David Albert, a talented artist from Winnipeg. 

On our right, the third Feather represents Indigenous people's sacred life and enduring hardships. Our ceremonies are complex and demanding, and walking the "Red Road" requires resilience. Despite the genocidal traumas suffered by many generations, the Great Spirit gifts us with rituals to find peace, ensuring that our expressions continue to contribute to the next generation. We carry the wisdom of our elders and remain here, stronger than ever.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Representing harmony and pride, The Red River Floral 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.

"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.

A Tapestry of Strength and Resilience.

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.