b'RETAIL SPACEThree Indigenous products appearing on store shelves of major big box retailers include, from left, coffee from Birch Bark Coffee, cosmetic products from Cheekbone Beauty, and moccasins and other Indigenous footwear from Bastien Industriesstores across Canada. Then, in 2023,makes it a standout brand in main- actions today and how they impact JCPenney began to sell Cheekbonestream beauty aisles. Since its incep- the next generations. Beauty products as well, granting thetion in 2016, it has given 10 per cent of Indigenous company massive retailits profits to First Nations not-for-profitThere are other Indigenous brands reach in the U.S. One of Harpersgroups, and Harper makes sure thealso making inroads into major stores goals for the future is to increase herbrands value-based approach is clearand high-profile markets. Since 1972, revenues tenfold so they can makein her numerous media appearances.Bastien Industries in Wendake, Qubec an even more significant impact onIts not about this Western view of, Howhas been crafting high-quality mocca-Indigenous communities. much can I attain for myself? she says.sins using traditional techniques passed An Indigenous view of success is aboutdown through generations. For over Cheekbone Beautys commitment tohow much you can give back to your40 years, the company has shipped Indigenous values and sustainabilitycommunity and thinking about ourits products across Canada, the U.S.,STRIKING A POSE This past spring, Weeks was invited as part of a delegation of Indigenous Indigenous brands are beingdesigners to the prestigious annual recognized and featured not only onMilan fashion event in Italy. She was the store shelves of leading retailersalso featured in Vogue Italia, which but also on the runways of majorprovided her with a phenomenal fashion shows. To date, Indigenousopportunity to showcase her designers have shown their creationsIndigenous jewelry brand to a at fashion shows in Paris, Milan andEuropean audience. New York. MDW Jewelry is the most recentReflecting her Cree culture, childhood Photo Credit: Sewari Campillotestament to that. Founded bymemories, and aunty energy, Meghan Weeks, a Cree/EnglishWeeks says her brand embodies jewelry designer from the Suckerstorytelling through art as she Cree First Nation in Central Alberta,blends contemporary designs in her the brand gained attention at theexquisitely handcrafted silver and 2025 Milan Fashion Week.beadwork pieces. 32A CCIB PUBLICATIONSummer 2025'