Our Artists


MINI TIPI connects with artists that are making an impact in Indigenous communities, who have a connection to the culture, and are sharing their knowledge through art. 
 
MINI TIPI values the talent of our artists and ensure they are paid for their time, creativity and knowledge.  We develop a long lasting relationship with our artists, continuously supporting their entrepreneurship with our royalty program to ensure they are equally benefiting from the design on a long term basis.  We believe art should be kept alive, out of museums and invested in to protect storytelling and the passing of traditions.
                                                                                                                                 
We are passionate about what we do, and when we do something we do it right and to the highest quality.  We ensure that all our actions follow our values as humans which always align with who we are as a business.                                                                                                                                                                   

HALF MOON WOMAN, BIRCH BARK ARTIST, PETER BALLANTYNE CREE NATION, SASKATCHEWAN

 

 

ABOUT THE DESIGNER


Pat Bruderer (Half Moon Woman) is one of the few knowledge keepers and
expert practitioners of this ancient Indigenous art. She was born and raised
in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada and is a member of the Peter Ballantyne
Cree Nation. Half Moon Woman, is self-taught in the art form but was
highly inspired by the work of Angelique Merasty of Flin Flon, Manitoba.
Pat's work can be found in museums, galleries, and private collections
around the world.



ABOUT THE DESIGN


A birch bark biting is a unique piece of Indigenous artwork. They are made
from biting an image, using only the teeth, into a thin, single layer of birch
bark harvested from the birch tree. Then, by carefully folding the bark, the
pattern imagined is pressed into the birch bark, using only the teeth. Because
each piece must be created individually, birch bark bitings are like people;
no two are exactly alike! "I honour the water and the bees. They are two
things that everything on Mother Earth depend on and therefore are
deserving of the utmost respect. Without them, nothing would exist."
—Pat Bruderer

 

 

 

MINI TIPI FOUNDERS, NIPISSING FIRST NATION AND GATINEAU UNCEDED ALGONQUIN TERRITORY


The Anishinaabe people believe the thunderbird to be one of the highest spiritual beings. It protects us from the serpents that live deep within the ground and ensures life for all living things.

The thunderbird is part of our natural law that teaches us that all living things must be treated with respect and integrity so that we can all survive.

This sacred bird comes here in the spring from the west bringing thunderstorms and rain.

Then they do the same in the fall before returning west before winter.

This spiritual symbol represents power, protection, strength and survival.

 

TRISHA PITURA, DESIGNER, NIPISSING FIRST NATION 

ABOUT THE STORM AND SAND BLANKET


The Indigenous peoples are guided by the sacred circle "medicine wheel". The circular direction shows how all things are connected. The 4 directions which guide ceremonies. The 4 seasons, and the 4 beings of life, Spiritual, Emotional, Physical and Mental wellbeing, all are used for health and healing.


We are all in charge of our own destiny. Stay connected to your true self and all things surrounding you. - Follow your direction.

 

 


ANNA HEFFERNAN, MULTIDISCIPLINARY ARTIST - CURVE LAKE


ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Anna Heffernan is a multidisciplinary artist of Michi Saagiig Nishnaabe, Irish, and French Canadian ancestry. She is a member of Curve Lake First Nation, and now lives in Ottawa, Ontario. Her art blends traditional and contemporary media, styles, and themes. More of her work can be found on Instagram @miskwaadesigns.

ABOUT THE PATTERN

The floral design of this fabric was inspired by traditional floral beadwork, a style that was developed by bead workers of the Woodlands nations after the introduction of glass beads during the fur trade. Floral beadwork and appliqué designs continue to be a fundamental part of regalia for Anishinaabeg and other Woodlands nations.


NIKKI SHAWWANA, MULTIDISCIPLINARY ARTIST, WIIKWEMKOONG UNCEDED TERRITORY ON MANITOULIN ISLAND


ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Nikki Shawana is a mother, wife, business woman, teacher, friend and loves to travel North America to dance and sing at Pow Wows. When it comes to making art, she follows in the footsteps of her grandparents who were talented craftspeople. Nikki enjoys making moccasins, mittens, beadwork, sweetgrass baskets and Star Quilts.

 

ABOUT THE PATTERN

Star Quilts have been used for many generations among various Nations as a gi­ft of honour and protection. The Star Quilt design symbolizes our connection to the Universe and beyond. Nikki has incorporated the Star Quilt design as a tribute to her Nancy-baa (grandmother), as well as Haudenosaunee

SkyDome designs to honour her husband Delbert who is Mohawk and florals to honour her own Anishinaabe ancestry.


TEHATSISTAHAWI KENNEDY, WOODLAND-STYLE ARTIST, ANISHNAABE AND ONYOTA'AKA NATIONS

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Tsista Kennedy is an Anishnaabe Onyota’aka woodland style artist from Beausoleil First Nation and Oneida Nation of the Thames. Tsista has been creating woodland style art, using his experiences as a young indigenous man to fuel his passion for creating art that speaks strongly to others.

ABOUT THE DESIGN

“I chose to include the subject of wild rice harvesting from my own culture as an Anishnaabe. The rice is an important historic food source for the Ojibwe people that feed their families over the winter months. Anishnaabe quiltwork was also a source of inspiration for the geometric patterns featured in my design. I hope that my blanket design serves to be an inspiration for others to begin looking towards the rich and meaningful artwork within their own nation.”

To see more of Tsista's work, please visit his Youtube channel @Tsista Kennedy and follow him on Instagram @tsista.kennedy.