Persistence
Description:
Print Method: Giclée
Edition: 199
Released: October 2021
Paper Size: 17" x 22"
You have to hand it to them: they tried. They tried everything in their power to wipe us out. They bombed our villages with cannon fire and bombarded our immune systems with disease. They outlawed our ceremonies and confiscated our regalia. They delivered priests into our communities to indoctrinate us. They sent the military and the militarized police in to intimidate us. They purloined our lands in the name of a foreign crown encrusted with stolen riches. They absconded our traditional rights. They removed many of our women from our villages and forcibly relocated many of our villages from our people. They yarded our children off to distant residential schools and culturally devoid foster homes. They shot, kicked, tortured, tricked, dragged, beat, raped, hanged, abused, imprisoned, and ridiculed us. You have to hand it to them: they were persistent. Yet, they failed.
They failed because today we are still here and each year our numbers grow. Yes, we continue to feel the hurt inflicted upon us so we still mourn and we still carry our wounds. In turn, lateral violence and addiction remains all too common in our communities. Each season, however, our people bravely traverse that intergenerational trauma to unveil the beauty that is their ancestral culture. Each day, more and more of our people are becoming healed. We are more persistent than they can ever imagine.
The truth of the matter is that for every child whose body is found, for every tap that is filled with polluted water, for every old growth tree being cut down, for every pipeline being shoved through our lands, for every salmon that fails to return, we become more and more unified. We build strength from one another.
We look around and see that’s it’s not just us that feel that way. We see allies stepping up and locking arms with our people. We see them willing to actually listen. In turn, we become allies ourselves because injustice is injustice no matter who you are. Together we will persistently fight it at all levels. Like the protectors of our bighouse, we are grizzly bears ready to defend what is right. Displaying the crest of my Tlingit ancestor Chief Andáa, we are akin to the brown bear waking from a long winter’s slumber. We are hungry for justice and will persist until it has been met….
FAQ
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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.