Journeys
Description:
Journeys
17"x22"
Edition of 99
For my ancestors, the dugout canoe was their primary means of transportation. It brought them to summer camps and favoured fishing grounds. It transported them to spectacular clam beaches and ancient sacred sites. It delivered them to other villages to visit, to forge alliances and to attend potlatches.
In the late 1800s, my K’omoks great-grandmother, Mary Frank, was to be initiated as a hamat̓sa dancer by her uncle Chief Na̱k̓apenḵa̱m in the village of Fort Rupert. A small group of individuals were tasked with making the journey from Fort Rupert to K’omoks and back to pick her up—a roundtrip distance in excess of 500 km. Incidentally, my Walas Kwag’uł great-grandfather, Charlie Wilson, was a member of that crew. Little did he know that over forty years later, his middle daughter would marry the youngest son of Mary Frank. The connection between the families began as a journey and continues with their descendants to this day. When I was 10 years old, I was given my great grandmother’s song and dance—always reflecting the journey that the dance took to get down here to my home in K’omoks.
Over 21 years ago, I started my artistic journey by releasing my very first limited edition print…based, of course, on a canoe. Earlier that summer, I had embarked on my first Tribal Journey, paddling south from K’omoks to Victoria. With every paddle stroke, I channeled the strength of my ancestors. Through searing heat, our muscles ached, but we persevered. The reward, however, wasn’t the destination. No, the reward was the journey: making friends along the way, embracing our traditional culture and touching the very waterways our ancestors paddled on many years earlier. Once in a while you may encounter a little rain on the journey. It may be brief or it may be torrential, but the journey continues….
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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.