T-shirt supports OTC's Youth In Service Program
- Published - 04/03/2021
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- Posted By - OTC
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The Office of the Treaty Commissioner is partnering with Awasis Boutique to support youth programming.
For every Human-Kind t-shirt sold by Awasis Boutique, $5 will be donated to the OTC’s Youth in Service program.
Youth in Service is a collective of youth from across the province with the goal of implementing Treaty through reconciliation efforts. They meet every two weeks to learn from each other and guest speakers and work towards a for a better future for all.
Awasis Boutique is the first Indigenous owned and inspired kids fashion design label in Western Canada. Owner and founder Christine Marie, says she believes a simple way to work on the calls to action for reconciliation is through partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
The t-shirt design came to be that way, she said by joining forces with Kathleen Germs, a non-Indigenous teacher, and creating a design that together represents unity, reconciliation and kindness. She is thrilled to support Youth in Service.
“This program was designed to engage Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth in reconciliation. Amazing program, right? Lines right up with our message behind the tee, so that is why we felt that OTC would be a good fit,” she said.
“Yes, we still have a way to go when it comes to dismantling racism and acting on the calls to reconciliation, but one step at a time is a step in the right direction.”
The t-shirt features three raised fists (with different skin tones) in solidarity and the words human-kind.
“It’s a great representation of unity. Despite the colour of our skin, we are all human beings, and we all deserve kindness. Respecting diversity and providing all humans with equal rights is what reconciliation is about, and I think this design speaks to that in a good way,” said Amy Seesequasis, the OTC’s director of public education.
“Christine is an Indigenous entrepreneur and I felt it was important to work with a business that values Treaties and reconciliation. Her designs are not only fashionable, but educational as the wording and designs spark conversation about Indigenous Treaty partners.”
Awasis Boutique began as Christine set out to provide a safe space for Indigenous peoples, right from infancy, to wear products that highlight their culture and language.
“Representation matters, so I set out to help fill this gap,” she said.
The business aims to foster healthy relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples through business collaborations and transactions, to educate non-Indigenous peoples about Indigenous culture and to give back.
To buy a human-kind t-shirt visit Awasis Boutique.