Woman Of Ice - Giclee Print
Description:
Woman-of-Ice
Giclée
Edition 200
Released March 2019
Growing up, I absolutely LOVED playing with toys. In fact, I was thoroughly obsessed with them! They fueled my imagination and encouraged me to read and do research in the school library. My toys pushed me to become fascinated with historical wars, dinosaurs, castles and space exploration. One type of toy that I never found, however, was anything that had to do with my own Kwakwaka’wakw background. On the occasional instances where Indigenous people were represented in toys, they invariably fell under the “Cowboys and Indians” genre, not the “Totem poles and Potlatching” kind of Indian. I could never find toys that really mirrored who I was. As a result, I never really started researching my own people until I had put my toys away as a teenager. As a devout researcher now, however, I am more than happy to project some real Indigenous context onto the toys of my childhood.
As a young child, my partner Erin Brillon was bestowed with the Haida name Ḵalga Jaad, or “Woman-of-Ice”. This name is also currently held by Erin’s maternal grandmother, Evelyn. The name is an important ancestral prerogative that has been in the lineage since the time of the last glaciation. The very first Ḵalga Jaad lead her people to the south to escape the encroaching ice age. Passed down through the generations, this name follows the Haida matrilineal system in going to the first born females of the lineage. Before Evelyn the name was held by Erin’s 6x-great-grandmother Ḵalga Jaad, sometime around the time of first contact with Europeans.
“Woman-of-Ice” is a limited edition print using the giclée method of printmaking. This print was released in March of 2019 and printed by Andy Everson at the artist’s own studio in Comox B.C. A total of 241 prints bear the title “Woman-of-Ice” and are signed by Andy Everson: 200 in the primary edition bearing the numbers 1/200 through 200/200; 20 Artist’s Proofs; 20 Remarques and 1 Printer’s Proof. The acid-free 100% cotton rag paper measures about 8.5 x 11 inches. Image size measures about 5.2 x 8.3 inches.
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Are Totem Design House products authentically Indigenous-made?
Yes. Totem Design House is proudly 100% Indigenous-owned and operated. All of our designs are created by Indigenous artists, including award-winning Northwest Coast artist Andy Everson, and the majority of our products are made in-house at our studio on K’ómoks First Nation territory. By purchasing from us, you are directly supporting Indigenous artists, cultural revitalization, and sustainable business practices.
Are Totem Design House products sustainably made and eco-friendly?
Yes. At Totem Design House, we prioritize eco-friendly materials and sustainable production practices. Whenever possible, we source organic fabrics, recycled metals, and locally produced materials. Most of our products are designed and made in-house to reduce our environmental footprint and ensure exceptional quality. Supporting Totem Design House means supporting Indigenous artists and a business that values sustainability, cultural integrity, and ethical production.
About us
Indigenous Woman-Owned
Totem Design House is a proudly Indigenous-owned and operated lifestyle brand founded by Haida and Cree entrepreneur Erin Brillon. From our studio on K’ómoks First Nation territory, we create products that blend traditional stories with modern design. Every purchase directly supports Indigenous artists, cultural revitalization, and sustainable business practices.
Guided by Indigenous Values
Totem Design House is more than a lifestyle brand — we’re a social enterprise. A portion of every purchase supports Copper Legacy Indigenous Empowerment Society, funding initiatives that uplift Indigenous communities and cultural revitalization. Through our products, we share the stories, teachings, and traditions of our ancestors, creating opportunities for education while celebrating authentic Indigenous artistry. Our work is grounded in sustainability, reciprocity, and respect for the land and culture.
About Our Artists
Our designs are created by award-winning Indigenous artists, including Andy Everson of the K’ómoks First Nation & Jesse Brillon of the Haida & Cree Nations. Each piece carries a story — celebrating our connection to the land, the ocean, and our ancestors. When you shop Totem Design House, you’re supporting real artists and helping to keep Indigenous traditions alive.