Have you noticed that fashion giants and malls associate winter with chunky sweaters, spring with floral patterns, summer with vibrant colors, and fall with earth tones? The company MINI TYPES likes to do things differently.
At MINI TIPI, each collection is timeless, independent of the seasons. Of course, fall is still the perfect season to wrap up in your blankets. But the collection we are presenting to you stands out for its sustainable side, which is also in tune with the times.
Dive into the creative process of the fall collection as the co-founders of MINI TIPI — Trisha Pitura, a member of the Nipissing First Nation, and Mélanie Bernard, a Quebec City native of French-Canadian descent — talk to us about their vision.
Once upon a time: the transmission of knowledge
The fall collection
“The season influences the collection a little, but the products are born from the artist and their colors,” explains Trisha. “It’s about creativity and what inspires the artist.” She speaks from experience, since she herself imagined patterns from the MINI TIPI brand, notably that of the Village blankets which we enjoy at the spa. Trisha draws inspiration from traditional indigenous art that she knows or explores in order to discover the teachings of other nations.
“The covers in this collection are unique. Aleen Sparrow et Tsista Kennedy are our featured artists this fall. »
Our visit to the MINI TIPI workshop
The Generations cover
Aleen Sparrow, from Musqueam territory, draws inspiration from traditional Salish weaving techniques. “Hand weaving is part of their culture,” says Trisha. The cover Generations tells a profound story: one of cultural resilience and timeless wisdom passed down through generations. Previously, the wool came from the woolly dog, as the breed is extinct, it is now with sheep’s wool that the tradition continues. “Everything is handwoven to create masterpieces that can be worn. »
On the MINI TIPI website, we can read: ““Generations” is a poignant reminder of the imperative to safeguard our cultural heritage, ensuring that the teachings, stories and values of our ancestors remain. Like the threads that bind it, this blanket weaves links between the past, present and future, forging a timeless connection between generations and preserving the essence of who we are. Through its warmth and symbolism, it invites us to assume our collective responsibility to nourish and protect our cultural tapestry for generations to come. »
Aleen was introduced to this traditional art by her mother in 2019, allowing her to reconnect with past generations and inspire those to come. “It was wonderful to materialize a hundreds of years old tradition into an authentic piece that can be shared. Textiles facilitate intergenerational transmission.”
Photo: Generations Indigenous Cover | MINI TEEPEE
Unity coverage
Trisha describes the brand new Unity cover as “a resonant collaboration with an incredible artist.” The artist, Tsista Kennedy, talks about her design on the website from MINI TIPI: “I was inspired by the Onyota’a: ka side of my identity, inherited from my father’s lineage. I wanted this cover to feature the Dust Fan wampum belt, domes, and iconographic depictions of people holding hands. »
Tsista continues: “I hope that this cover will serve to educate and transcend cultures, to provide a worldview where peace and unity are the foundation of our communities, our societies and our relationships around the world and where they are closely connected with nature and the spiritual, supported by the caring people with whom we share this world. »
Photo: Unity reversible indigenous blanket | MINI TEEPEE
Cultivating traditions through textiles
When MINI TIPI launches a collection, the patterns, designs and all the knowledge attached to it are meaningful to the people of the nation or village. “Art tells stories and serves to pass knowledge from generation to generation, to perpetuate tradition in a modern way,” explains Trisha. “Residential schools and colonization made a lot of knowledge disappear. By telling our stories and traditions to a wider audience, we bring art to life and revive community. We want to showcase exceptional artists and give them a platform to express themselves. We want to celebrate our culture with everyone. »
Oral transmission is very important to Indigenous people, but it won’t always be feasible, explains Trisha. “Putting our stories on paper, or better, on fabric, helps us keep traditions alive for future generations. Our elders are survivors and many young people are reconnecting with their culture. Young people are resilient, they want to learn. Even non-Natives want to learn. Canada is changing. »
“People want to know, they want to know the truth. We do this because it is important. Our goal has never really been to create to sell. » After a pause, Mélanie explains: “Before, we used generic fabrics and the company was healthy, we were successful. But the artist or the history of textiles remained in the shadows. We understood that it was cultural appropriation, and we didn’t want that. So in 2019, Trisha drew her first pattern, and we never looked back. »
Mélanie adds about their beginnings and their quest for authenticity: “we understood that there was not really an artist behind the fabrics, because often, the patterns were stolen, the artists were never paid . We wanted to change that, our artists receive royalties. It was essential for us to be committed. This is our way of measuring the success of the company, by the positive influence we have in the community. »
Seven generations
During the day we talked at length about sustainability and traditions, but it goes even further. Seven generations must be considered. Trisha explains to us: “When you make a decision, you have to think about the repercussions it will have for the next seven generations, while respecting the seven generations who preceded you. Every time you make a choice, you do so knowing that you are not alone. » By reviving diverse art forms, Trisha and Mélanie are helping to preserve culture for generations to come. “Reconciliation will not happen overnight,” says Mélanie, “every little step is important.”
No matter the season, there is always room for sustainability, creativity and community.
Read another blog about MINI TIPI
