September marks the leadup to Truth and Reconciliation Day, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This isn't a "holdiay", but is meant to draw awareness to the haunting legacy of residential schools #IRSSSThis month also tends to mark an uptick in performative product releases by non-indigenous companies (like walmart, amazon, and hudson's bay), often bought to be used in performative ways.This leaves Indigenous people in a tough situation. We can either say nothing about it and be seen as complacent, or we can put ourselves into the position of the token.I had a good discussion with someone recently, trying to explain how impossible it feels. They seemed surprised, one quote being "that seems like a massive mental load". And y'know what? It REALLY is.I initially wasn't going to post any orange collections, trying not to be seen as capitalizing on a "trend". But then I was asked by my job to find and vet Indigenous creators to promote. And I found a grand total of ONE. Which is... disheartening. So, here we go. There might be more pieces or collections coming, I'm honestly not sure yet.$10 from EVERY purchase made in September is being donated to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.*Transparency: So far, with my engagement being in the dirt from the algorithm, I haven't gotten any sales this month. I will be posting updates whenever this changes*These pieces are made from an ombre of 11/0 silverlined miykui beads, and range from less than an inch in beaded length, to just over 3 inches. Hooks can be chosen by the customer, as always.
