11 Beautiful Pieces of Indigenous Art and Decor to Shop For Your Home

Toronto-based home goods store Hopson Grace has recently launched a beautiful limited-edition collection of placemats inspired by the artistic legacy of Cape Dorset,  the centre of Inuit graphic arts. The placemat pictured above showcases the art of Ningiukulu Teevee, a Canadian Inuit writer and visual artist living on Baffin Island, Nunavut. Plus, a percentage of proceeds from the sale of this collection is directed to the artist or their estate.

Gliding Owl Square Placemat, Ningeokuluk Teevee, Hopson Grace, $30.

This silk screen print by Alvin Child, a member of the Tsawataineuk Band from Kingcome Inlet, depicts a raven, one of the most important creatures in Northwest Coast mythology and art. The raven is believed to be a powerful, guardian spirit, making it a symbolic choice to hang in your home.

Ganhada by Alvin Child, Cedar Hill Long House, $150.

Star quilts are a traditional design that symbolizes the connection between Indigenous communities and the Universe. Designer Nikki Shawana draws on floral design elements from her Anishinaabe ancestry, and Haudenosaunee SkyDome designs to honour her husband Delbert who is Mohawk.

Star Night Everyday Blanket, Mini Tipi, $125.

Johnny Manning is a notable Indigenous artist known for his carvings, most famous of which is the dancing bear. The dancing bear symbolizes the connection between the natural and spirit world, and is usually a depiction only very skilled Indigenous artists attempt.

Dancing Bear, Bay of Spirits, $795.

Indigenous artist Kelsie Young combines her education in Eastern healing with her cultural roots to create dream catchers filled with crystals for powerful healing.

With a dream catcher hanging in your room, it’s believed that bad dreams will be kept at bay, and you’ll be protected from evil and negativity.

Dance Your Heart Out Dream Catcher, Dream Webs, $65.

Kananginak Pootoogook was a prominent sculptor and print maker born in Ikerrasak camp, south Baffin Island, Nunavut. Before his death in 2010, he held many exhibitions of his work, and had work commissioned for various organizations and government buildings, including Rideau Hall.

This print of a musk ox in Pootoogook’s signature style is the perfect way to honour the artist’s legacy in your home!

Humongous Musk Ox, Made in Canada Gifts, $21.

This beautiful hummingbird is carved by Chris Josephs, a member of Squamish Tribe of Coast Salish Nation in British Columbia. In Indigenous culture, the hummingbird is a messenger of joy, and represents beauty, devotion and love. Like this piece of beautifully carved wood, the hummingbird is small but mighty.

Hummingbird, Canadian Indigenous Art, $280.

Kupapik Ningeocheak came from a family of carvers, and is known for his works in soapstone.

The Inukshuk is a traditional motif. Originally used as directional markers by Indigenous communities, they now symbolize safety, hope and friendship. This one would look beautiful and send a sweet message situated in a front window of a home.

Inukshuk Caring, Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery, $525.

This colourful embroidered wall hanging by Leah Aittauq depicts traditions of life in Nunavut, where the artist is a member of the Qamani’tuaq (Baker Lake) Community. Fishing is a vital cultural component to Indigenous communities.

Ulu Work Wall Hanging, Craft Ontario Shop, $1,300.

This woodland depiction by Chipewyan Dene member John Rombough is vibrant, captivating and filled with symbolism. Three ancestors can be spotted, speaking to a wolf, welcoming him to the land.

Traditional styles meet with modern colours in this classic Indigenous piece.

Speaking to the Ancestors, DaVic Gallery, $1,450.

Morris Johnny is a woodcarver and a member of the Kwakwaka’wakw community. His work showcases traditional styles and methods. This bear head in red cedar represents the symbolism of bears as strength, vitality and courage in the indigenous community.

Bear, Red Cedar Maskette, Lattimer Gallery, $600.