Knix is a born and raised Toronto company, and we work in a city with very literal Indigenous roots—the name itself originating from the Mohawk word “Tkaronto”. It means “the place in the water where the trees are standing”, referencing the fishing stakes that caught endless amounts of food in the sacred local lakes. You can read more about it here. It’s incredibly important to recognize that the land we work on at Knix every day isn’t ours— it’s the traditional territory of many nations. These include the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat people— and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.
This month is Indigenous History Month. It’s a time to show support and recognize the communities that were here first— the communities that have found ways to thrive despite lack of institutional advocacy. There are so many ways to show support that extend beyond the month of June, some of which include donating, investing in education, and supporting Indigenous creators and businesses in our neighbourhoods and across the country online.
We feel especially lucky to be collaborating this month with Lesley Hampton— an Anishinaabe artist and fashion designer, whose scarf print will be featured in the next Papaya Box on June 23rd.
We sat down with Lesley recently to chat about supporting Indigenous creators, and asked her to share some of her favorites right now.
Check out all the talent below to support these businesses all year round. And don’t forget about Lesley’s own clothing and accessory brand LESLEY HAMPTON!
Niio Perkins
Second Aurora
Indi City
Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics
Scott Wabano and WVBVNO
Tania Larsson
Warren Steven Scott
Check out all of the creators above, along with Glowing Igloo— the creators of Lesley's earrings in the lead photo. And make sure to follow along Lesley's journey here!