Canoes are the oldest mode of transport in Ojibwe country, and these birchbark canoes have long been etched with beautiful floral, scallop, and pictograph designs. But they’re not just symbols of the past—canoes are just as important to modern Natives as they were to their ancestors. “Canoes continue to be an ever-present part of our modern traditional way of life and food systems,” says artist Sarah Agaton Howes (Anishinaabe/Ojibwe). “My family uses our canoe when we gather, fish, and just for fun.” In this striking enamel pin, Sarah shares both the historic significance and continued importance of canoes for Indigenous people around the globe.

About 1.2″ x 1″ (3.25 cm x 2.25 cm)

Two post closure

Sarah Agaton Howes is an Anishinaabe artist, teacher, and community organizer from the Fond du Lac Reservation in Minnesota. Widely known for her handmade regalia and moccasins featuring Ojibwe floral designs, Sarah owns and operates her own business, Heart Berry. She shares her knowledge by teaching beadwork in her community and beyond through classes and video tutorials. Eighth Generation is a Seattle-based lifestyle brand owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe. We provide a strong, ethical alternative to “Native-inspired” art and products through our artist-centric approach and 100% Native designed products, Our inspired Natives Project, anchored by the tagline “Inspired Natives, not Native-inspired,” builds business capacity among cultural artists while addressing the economic impact of cultural appropriation.