Ancestral Essences Candle Collection - Rooted in Cree (Nîhiyaw) Teachings
Indigenous-owned. Artist-designed.
Description:
Before written word, our knowledge lived in story, in ceremony, and in the land itself. The Ancestral Essences collection was created to honour that living inheritance — each fragrance drawn from a teaching, a medicine, a being, or a memory woven into the fabric of Nîhiyaw life.
Made with clean-burning, non-toxic coco-apricot soy wax.
Scents & Teachings
🍓 Berry Bounty — Vitality: The wild strawberry — otêhimin, the heart berry — is more than a summer gift from the land. Celebrated during the Strawberry Moon, otêhimin has long been honoured in Nîhiyaw tradition as a purifier, a food, and a symbol of the heart's strength. This scent carries that vitality — the sweetness of what the earth freely gives, and the life it sustains within us. Fragrance notes: fresh strawberry and a hint of balsam.
🌿 Wîsahkêcâhk — Transformation: Wîsahkêcâhk is one of the most powerful figures in Nîhiyaw oral tradition — a trickster, a shapeshifter, a supernatural being whose stories are woven into our origin teachings. He reminds us that transformation is rarely straightforward, and that wisdom often arrives in unexpected forms. Fragrance notes: cedar, sage, and sweetgrass.
⚡ Storm Bringer (Piyesiwak) — Kinship: In Nîhiyaw ontology, the Thunderbirds are held with great reverence. They are the keepers of water — and through water, they are connected to all of life. Their presence is a reminder of wahkohtowin: our sacred kinship with all of creation. Fragrance notes: ozone and mountain air.
🌾 Sacred Tobacco — Ceremony: Cistemaw is one of the four sacred medicines of our people. It is offered in prayer, carried with intention, and given in gratitude when we ask something of the Creator or the land. This scent honours the weight and the beauty of that relationship. Fragrance notes: tobacco leaf and honeyed amber.
🧡 Kokum's Mocks — Memory: Maskisina — moccasins — were made to last, to protect, and to carry us across the land. Smoking hides was a skill passed down through generations of women — a meditative, exacting process that transformed raw material into something enduring. The moccasins Kokum made carry that knowledge in every stitch. This scent is an act of remembrance. Fragrance notes: [smoked hide word] smoked leather hides.
✨ Star Woman (Atchakos Iskwew) — Origin: She came from the sky world and brought life with her. Star Woman lives at the heart of our creation teachings — luminous, powerful, and full of beginning. This scent is for those who carry her light forward. Fragrance notes: airy florals, pear, blackcurrant, and soft musk.
FAQ
Where do you ship to?
We ship from Canada throughout North America and internationally. International customers are responsible for any import duties, tariffs, or customs fees charged by their country. Learn more in our full Shipping & Returns Policy
Who pays customs fees, duties, or tariffs on Totem Design House orders?
International customers may be required to pay import duties, tariffs, or customs fees based on their country’s regulations. These charges are not included in our product or shipping prices and are the customer’s responsibility upon delivery. If an order is refused due to unpaid customs fees, any refund will be issued only after the returned items are received in their original condition. Please note that return shipping costs and any loss or damage during return transit will be deducted from the refund.
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.