The grand opening of a shop in downtown Charlottetown marks a significant opportunity for cultural celebrations, connections, and important conversations amongst locals and visitors alike. Located at 111 Grafton St, the new store will showcase the artwork of local Indigenous artisans, host workshops and events, and connect the public with the Island’s Indigenous communities. The shop’s official opening will take place July 24, 2023 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
The store’s launch has been made possible through a partnership between the Indigenous Tourism Association of PEI, the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI, Abegweit First Nation, and Lennox Island First Nation.
“The opening of this new space marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to improving employment outcomes, increasing training efforts, and promoting economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples living in PEI,” said Kateri Coade, Executive Director of the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI.
The light-filled, airy storefront showcases Indigenous artisans and celebrates the rich, enduring culture of the Island’s First Peoples. Operating as a social enterprise, the shop features artworks from over 20 Indigenous artisans and that number is only expected to grow.
“This new venture not only provides an opportunity for these brilliant artists to grow their businesses but also invites residents and tourists of Epekwitk (PEI) to appreciate and connect with Indigenous culture in an authentic way,” said Chief Junior Gould of Abegweit First Nation.
Artwork available for purchase includes wood-burned art, quill art, leather-crafted goods, beaded jewellery, handwoven baskets, and much more. To ensure authenticity and a local focus, all artisans showcased at the store are from PEI or a member of one of the Island’s First Nation communities.
“Each piece reflects the unique stories, traditions, and deep-rooted spirituality of Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq,” said Chief Darlene Bernard of Lennox Island First Nation.
The space has also been thoughtfully designed to foster connections and encourage dialogue. Large TV screens mounted to the shop’s walls highlight upcoming Indigenous events and experiences across the Island. The all-Indigenous staff are also well-versed in sharing connections to the community and answering questions from the visiting public. So far, staff have found that many shop visitors are interested in gaining a greater understanding of reconciliation and the Island’s Indigenous culture.
“This is such a meaningful opportunity for our community to engage with locals and visitors, share our culture, and have valuable conversations, ” said Jamie Thomas, Chairperson of the Indigenous Tourism Association of PEI.
The Indigenous PEI store is located at 111B Grafton Street across from the Confederation Centre of the Arts. It is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 7pm and Saturdays from 10am to 5pm.
For more information and to shop their online store visit: www.shop.indigenouspei.ca
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“The new Indigenous PEI storefront creates a visible space in a high traffic area that has long been needed for our talented local Indigenous artists to proudly share their culture and sell their work,” said Chief Junior Gould of Abegweit First Nation. “This new venture not only provides an opportunity for these brilliant artists to grow their businesses, but also invites residents and tourists of Epekwitk (PEI) to appreciate and connect with Indigenous culture in an authentic way.”
- Chief Junior Gould, Abegweit First Nation
“I would like to extend my gratitude to the artists from Lennox Island First Nation and beyond whose exceptional creations will grace the new Indigenous PEI storefront in the heart of Charlottetown,” said Chief Darlene Bernard of Lennox Island First Nation. “From handwoven baskets to captivating quillwork, each piece reflects the unique stories, traditions, and deep-rooted spirituality of Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq.”
- Chief Darlene Bernard, Lennox Island First Nation
“The opening of this new space marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to improving employment outcomes, increasing training efforts, and promoting economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples living in PEI. By establishing a dedicated space for Indigenous art, we hope to bridge communities, encourage dialogue, increase economic capacity, and foster appreciation for the extraordinary talent and resilience of Indigenous peoples.”
- Kateri Coade, Executive Director, Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI
“This is such a meaningful opportunity for our community to engage with locals and visitors, share our culture, and have valuable conversations, “The storefront also allows our staff to direct visitors to our communities of Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nation, as well as other areas across the Island that our people hold deep roots and connection to.”
- Jamie Thomas, Chairperson of the Indigenous Tourism Association of PEI
