Appropriation vs Appreciation: A Chat With MINI TIPI

Imagine a room filled to the brim with cozy-looking blankets covered in Indigenous art. Now, imagine this small space is packed with the two founders of MINI TIPI,—Trisha Pitura, a member of Nipissing First Nation, and Melanie Bernard, from Quebec City of settler descent—a writer and a photographer. After a tour of the warehouse, and oohing and aahing at all the beautiful things in here, a question came up: “What is the difference between appropriation and appreciation?” Graciously, sitting amongst piles of Village blankets, they explained it to us.

“So many Indigenous people feel represented and seen when they see our designs out in urban places. It wasn’t so long ago that saying you were Indigenous out loud wasn’t accepted. We never know what representation can mean to someone. For Indigenous people to see Indigenous art made by Indigenous artists is so validating.”

The Difference Between the Appropriation and Appreciation of Culture

“There are a lot of non-Indigenous people who think the culture is beautiful, but often, they’re unsure about whether they are allowed to wear Indigenous fashion, productions or accessories,” Trisha tells us, standing next to Melanie, both proudly wearing intricate and incredible beaded earrings.

It’s no secret, authentic Indigenous art forms are breathtaking, so when people ask Trisha whether it is appropriate for them to own such art she says: “I think it’s a fair question. As long as it’s done the right way, I think they can enjoy it. Nevertheless, everyone should understand that inauthenticity and appropriation can have huge economic impacts on artists and communities. However, if people truly appreciate the art and purchase with intention, then they can understand the importance and impact of supporting Indigenous businesses.”

Community Economy

Passionate about the subject, Trisha goes on to help us understand how to appreciate rather than appropriate. “The key is to educate yourself. You have to know who you’re buying from. There’s so much art that is being copied or inspired by Indigenous art, you have to do your own research. You have to know for certain who the artist is. And once you know, you can talk about it and educate others as well. Who are you wearing? Which community is the artist from? There is so much knowledge and tradition passed down through authentic work. Who are you supporting? You have to be able to answer these questions to really appreciate it all.”

Transparently, Melanie explains that during MINI TIPI’s very beginnings, they used generic motifs. While the company was a success, when they realized that it was impossible to find the artists behind the textiles they sold and it was most likely inauthentic, they could no longer go on this way. It’s why MINI TIPI puts so much effort into creating a brand that offers authentic Indigenous designs and collaborates with incredible artists, giving them a platform and even royalties every time one of the pieces featuring their art is sold.

She goes on: “Economic reconciliation is also vital but often forgotten. Yes, education is essential, but the economic side of things is just as important. It’s livelihood. We try to encourage people to appreciate the art and help communities by educating our clients and showcasing diversity on our website so that people know that they can own Indigenous art, no matter where they’re from.” Trisha adds: “It all goes full circle, back into the community and the future generations. Supporting Indigenous businesses has much more impact than people realize.”

Accessible Appreciation

One of MINI TIPI’s missions is to make authentic Indigenous art accessible for everyone to appreciate. “By wearing an authentic piece, you can start a very important conversation,” explains Trisha.

Melanie tells us: “Before, people could say they didn’t know any Indigenous companies, but now, it’s not so easy to ignore them.” She recalls a time last year when she challenged people on LinkedIn to purchase at least one Indigenous gift when filling out their Christmas list. “You never know who is reading or listening to you, and after I made a post, people came up to me and told me how inspired they were by a simple little post, and how they had made the effort to buy something authentic for a loved one, whether it was from MINI TIPI or not.”

In Canada, there are over 65,000 Indigenous businesses. Maybe it’s a coffee shop, a hairdresser, a jewelry business or a screen-printing spot! “There are so many Indigenous organizations and so many different ways to support them.”

MINI TIPI’s community appreciated them and has continued to do so because they “walk the talk.” They write blogs, they put themselves out there (they were even on Dragon’s Den!), they speak from the heart, and they involve themselves in their community directly and tangibly, encouraging others to join them. “People respond to authenticity. Representation is important for Indigenous people, but it’s also important to lead non-Indigenous individuals to act with intention.”

Feeling Appreciated

When we last spoke with Melanie and Trisha, they were practically on their way to Montreal for Fashion Week. The excitement was palpable. With six other Indigenous brands, they created Collectif Autochtone. They told us about the conferences and the shows they would be attending and participating in, putting Indigenous fashion on a wider stage. “It’s the first time there will be an Indigenous show at Fashion Week.”

Weeks before the show even took place, it was fully booked. A full house of people ready to witness history, learn and appreciate. “There’s always going to be a first, but it doesn’t have to stop there.” And with the roaring success of the show, we’re certain this first won’t be the last. As CBC put it: First Nations designers owned the runway this year at Montreal Fashion Week.

About Nordik

“When we first started collaborating with Nordik, we did it because they genuinely wanted to build a community with an Indigenous, local and women-owned business. They saw what we were doing here at MINI TIPI and they reached out to create a relationship and make an impact,” reminisces Trisha about the beginning of the history between both companies. “It’s about setting an example and building bridges towards reconciliation. They’re leaders in their community and we hope they’ll inspire other businesses to lead by example too.” Melanie ends: “Nordik is a leader in so many ways, all throughout its existence, which is far from being over.”