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Refer to this page for answer to frequently asked questions. If you require further assistance please contact us and we will be happy to help
Frequently Asked Questions
How are the artists compensated?
We believe that artists should be treated fairly and with respect. Authenticity of art, design, and culture is the foundation to our mission of building everyday connection to Indigenous cultures.
Native Northwest is guided by the following principles:
- 100% of the art featured on Native Northwest products is designed by Indigenous artists
- All artists have provided consent and contractual permission for their art to be featured on Native Northwest products
- Artist names are acknowledged on all product packaging
- Cultural traditions are honoured by acknowledging cultural affiliation on product packaging
- Artists are paid fairly in fees and royalties
Each of our exchanges, from the sourcing and compensation of Indigenous artists, to our staff and merchants, are part of a lifelong relationship between Indigenous cultures and the communities we pledge to honour and respect.
How do you decide which artists to work with?
We love our artists and take pride in sharing the spirit and beauty of their cultures. Native Northwest has worked with more than 100 different Indigenous artists of all backgrounds and regions.
Artists at all stages of their careers, creating works are encouraged to submit work for consideration to sales@nativenorthwest.com.
How are products like flip-flops or water bottles authentic? Is it okay to wear an Indigenous designed t-shirt?
Authenticity of art, design, and culture is the foundation to our mission of building everyday connection to Indigenous cultures. That is why 100% of the art featured on Native Northwest products is designed by Indigenous artists.
We often hear stories of our artists seeing someone wearing a hat or a scarf of their design and how proud they are each time.
Throughout the product development process, Native Northwest consults with its artists and a cultural advisor to ensure every design is presented with authenticity and integrity. To honour artists and respect cultural traditions, artist names and cultural affiliation are acknowledged on all packaging. Every design on Native Northwest products has received artist consent and permission.
Is Native Northwest Indigenous owned?
Everything we do is part of a lifelong relationship between Indigenous cultures and the communities we pledge to honour and serve. 100% of the art featured on Native Northwest products is designed by Indigenous artists.
While our founder is not Indigenous, he is a lifelong ally and former social worker who has a vision of using commerce for social purpose and building every day connection to Indigenous cultures. You can read more about our story here.
Where are your products made?
100% of the art featured on Native Northwest products is designed by Indigenous artists in Canada and the United states. Our office is located in Vancouver, BC on unceded Musqueam territory.
We make every effort to manufacture locally when possible. In cases where this is not possible, we work with trusted manufacturers in countries ranging from Italy to Asia. We label the country of origin on every item we produce, in addition to information about the artist and his or her culture affiliation.
What charitable organizations do you work with?
Native Northwest’s story began 40 years ago with a social worker, a rack of postcards, and the vision of building everyday connection to Indigenous cultures.
We have partnered with many great organizations and community partners over the years. In 2021, Native Northwest established the Native Northwest Reconciliation Fund as a way to work with our customers and community partners to advance Reconciliation of the historic wrongs committed against Indigenous peoples.
Please visit our Community Involvement page for more details on the Native Northwest Reconciliation Fund and its associated organizations and activities.
Wholesale Account Questions
How do I sign up for a wholesale account?
Thank you for your interest in opening an account with Native Northwest. At this time, Native Northwest only offers accounts to Retail, Non-Profit Organizations, Schools, and Wholesale customers. If you are an individual wishing to place an order, please use our Ecommerce checkout option.
All Wholesale accounts require approval by Native Northwest. Please complete the Wholesale Account Application to start the application process.
How do you decide which retailers to work with?
We receive a consistent volume of Wholesale applications and we try to prioritize those located in areas where we don't already have Wholesale accounts present, so as to not over saturate any specific geographic region.
In our 40 years in operation, we have worked with many great retailers across Canada and the US. The values behind our brand are strongly rooted in creating meaningful connections with Indigenous peoples and communities. As a result, we prioritize Wholesale account approval for Indigenous owned businesses and groups.
Can I place Wholesale orders through the website?
We are pleased to announce that with the launch of our new website it is now easier than ever to place Wholesale orders through your online Wholesale account. Simply login to this website using your Wholesale account credentials, add to cart, and checkout as normal. With this new website, we have fixed many of the issues that caused problems for Wholesale customers in the past. For guidance on how to use our new website visit our Support Centre page for tutorial videos and more.
Do you ship wholesale orders internationally?
Yes, we ship anywhere you want us to. Our website currently supports shipping to Canada and the United States. Please contact our order desk at sales@nativenorthwest.com to inquire about international orders. For International Wholesale orders, we have a $1000 CAD order minimum and $200 CAD shipping minimum.