Reclaim Indigenous Art was created by Jake Soule, an artist of various disciplines from Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, located close to London, Ontario. Jake’s goal is to stop the production and selling of Indigenous products by non Indigenous people. The website displays how one can support the cause. It provides letter templates that demand change that can be sent to the prime minister, your city councillors and even business owners who may be selling unauthentic merchandise.
As a shop teacher, I have been very cautious with hands-on-making with students. Incorporating Indigenous knowledge does not mean replicating Indigenous jewellery in the metal shop, or attempting Haida carving in the wood shop. The relationship between Indigenous people and the products they produce with their hands is strongly tied to who they are and their history. The website discusses what Jake believes the government should do, and why the changes would assist in reconciliation,