What Does “Made in Canada” Mean to You?

As a little boy, June 21 meant short shadows and a special backyard campout for Harold Horsefall, MGM, BA’05, who remembers his mother marking the summer solstice in a very significant way.  

That was before 1996, when the longest day of the year in Canada became officially known as National Indigenous Peoples Day. Now, the issue strategist with the City of Calgary’s Indigenous Relations Office often makes room on this day to marvel about global sacred sites such as Chichén Itzá in Mexico’s Yucatan or Angkor Wat in Cambodia.  

In his quest to witness more sacred spots, Horsefall recently visited Teotihuacan, the ruins of an ancient city in Mexico, and this kickstarted his annual process of reflection — something he hopes all Canadians will do on the 21^st — focusing on Indigenous strength, survival and spirit. Here and the world over. 

Each June — National Indigenous History Month — Autumn Whiteway, BSc’11, BA’11, an archaeologist and current curator of Indigenous Art at the Glenbow Museum, spends the month busily attending events and leaning into her side-hustle, selling her artwork (Oji Creations) at Indigenous markets throughout Alberta. 

For non-Indigenous people, Whiteway (a.k.a., Night Singing Woman, Circling Eagle Woman) suggests “using June 21 as a meaningful opportunity for all Canadians to reflect, learn and show respect for the diverse cultures, histories, languages, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.” 

That’s certainly what Dustin Walter, MEd’20, a Blackfoot ceremonialist who will be singing at UCalgary’s Campfire Chats, will be contemplating on June 21. “I will be thinking of the sacrifices my ancestors made,” he says, “so I could be here, and what my role should be so I can best support my people in moving forward.” 

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In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, on June 21, UCalgary will present its 10th annual Campfire Chats from 2-4 p.m. at Heritage Park. >>Register Now 

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Since the tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump began in earnest earlier this year, Canadians have witnessed a remarkable surge for buying goods made in our own country.  

Initiatives such as the “Made in Canada” or “Product of Canada” movements encourage citizens to support local businesses and industries. This form of economic nationalism attempts to merge consumer habits with patriotic duty, but is this boon benefitting Indigenous communities? 

No one is certain. Yet. 

Supporting local industries, promoting sustainable business practices and ensuring that national pride is more than a marketing gimmick are essential steps toward maintaining a strong national identity in an increasingly consumer-driven world. 

“Pride must not come at the cost of memory. It must be rooted in truth, humility and accountability,” says Dr. Marie Delorme, PhD’12, Hon. LLD’18.  

“Call to Action 92 (of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission) urges the corporate sector to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework. This includes the obligation to conduct meaningful consultation; ensure equitable access to employment, training and education opportunities; and deliver long-term sustainable benefits from economic development projects involving Indigenous communities.” 

To meet this call, businesses must shift from “transactional relationships” to “transformational partnerships,” explains the winner recipient of the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Arch Award for Lifetime Achievement.  

“This means moving beyond extractive models (whether natural resources, labour or intellectual property) to embedding Indigenous values, world views and priorities into corporate governance, environmental stewardship and economic decision making. Reconciliation in business must be lived, not performed. It means creating space for Indigenous-led innovation, procurement and investment models that reflect self-determination.” 

“Pride must not come at the cost of memory. It must be rooted in truth, humility and accountability,” - Marie Delorme

Prosperity for All 

But how, exactly, can we ensure that all Canadians define patriotism not just by what we stand for but by harnessing our purchasing power so that our consumptive actions are focused on benefitting more Canadians, and that we truly champion national values on many fronts? 

“One way is buy from them,” suggests Horsefall, who co-led a study with Calgary Economic Development on how best to support economic reconciliation with Indigenous businesses. “Share their work. Hire them. And, if you love their work — tell others! Word of mouth matters.  

“By investing in Indigenous-made goods and experiences, Canadians support economic reconciliation. Indigenous businesses reinvest into their communities and offer unique cultural value,” adds the man who is co-lead and project manager for the City’s Indian Residential School Memorial Project, for which the design team will be announced later in June.  

Whiteway, meanwhile, stresses: “And don’t be afraid to engage. Indigenous people welcome genuine interest and respectful support. One of the best ways to discover Indigenous businesses is by attending cultural events like powwows, round dances, Indigenous art markets and community gatherings.”   

Whiteway’s entrepreneurial interests extend beyond traditional crafts to include painting, digital art, photography and ceramics, as well as her latest endeavour, Minookimi Shores, an Indigenous art, healing and ancestral skills retreat in Ponoka County.  

“I think the growing interest in products that are ‘Made in Canada’ is a huge opportunity for Indigenous creatives and tourism operators,” she says. “For artists, it means more visibility and appreciation for authentic, culturally grounded work.  

“It supports not only our creative practices, but also helps sustain traditional knowledge, storytelling, craftsmanship and financially supports our families. For tourism operators, it opens the door to sharing Indigenous histories, land-based practices and contemporary culture in a way that’s educational, respectful and engaging.” 

Delorme thoughtfully reminds us that “reconciliation in commerce and trade is not a symbolic gesture — it is a strategic imperative.  

“When Indigenous Nations are full partners — when Indigenous people are represented at the most senior levels of corporations, including governance bodies (and) interprovincial trade — supply chains become more resilient, innovation grows and prosperity is shared more equitably. This is the future that the National Indigenous Economic Strategy and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples envision — and it is one that all Canadians should take pride in building together.” 

“I think the growing interest in products that are ‘Made in Canada’ is a huge opportunity for Indigenous creatives and tourism operators,” she says. “For artists, it means more visibility and appreciation for authentic, culturally grounded work.  - Autumn Whiteway

Be Selective Where You Drop Your Money 

Many museums, galleries and tourism sites have gift shops that sell Indigenous work, but consumers can also search for unique pieces at powwows, round dances, art markets and fashion shows.  

Not only are these great places to buy art and mementoes, but you can “also learn more about the cultural context and story behind the artist's work,” says Whiteway, adding Moonstone Creation in Calgary is open year-round and Indigenous owned.  

And, whenever you can, try to buy directly from the artist, as this ensures the artist receives the full value of their work without having to pay commission fees. 

“Indigenous Peoples are not stakeholders. We are rights-holders and partners in reshaping the Canadian economy for the better.” - Marie Delorme

If you’re part of the seismic shift of Canadians who have recently cancelled travel plans to the U.S. and are expected to vacation close to home this year, Whiteway, Walter and Horsefall suggest adding an Indigenous site or experience to your “must-visit” list. Claiming “tourism is the new buffalo”, a few of their favourites include: 

Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site: One of the best-preserved buffalo jumps in North America, with relics that date back 6,000 years — visitors can wander the trails or enjoy drumming and dancing performances every Wednesday throughout July at this site west of Fort Macleod. 

Métis Crossing: Enjoy Father’s Day Brunch, guided nature walks, a voyageur canoe paddle down the North Saskatchewan River or go glamping in a luxurious sky-watching dome, all within an hour and a half of Edmonton. 

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park: Join a Blackfoot elder on a guided hike to the sacred battle scene where hundreds of figures have been carved into the cliffs and then camp in the shadows of these sacred sandstone faces just a few miles north of the U.S. border. 

The Buffalo Way: Healing circles, cultural consultations, guided nature walks, a sweat lodge — discover Blackfoot teachings and alternate ways of life in Calgary with Camille Pablo Russell.  

Calgary Stampede: Every year, this 10-day festival makes it easy to learn more about our Indigenous roots with powwows, bareback relay races, hand games, bannock booths and so forth — all on the grounds at the Elbow River Camp, where 26 tipis stand for the duration of the Stampede. While you’re on the grounds, be sure to pop into the BMO Centre (just outside Hall A1) to see local Indigenous artist Keegan Starlight’s latest 12 ft. X 18 ft. installation.  

Indigenous Science at the Telus Spark Science Centre: Indigenous science is deeply tied to relationships with the land, sky, and spirit, making science more relevant and experiential. Telus Spark currently has several Indigenous Science exhibits and experiences. 

River Ranche Lodge: Whether it’s fly-fishing or a multi-day cultural stay, this Siksika Nation is a portal to numerous tourism opportunities.  

Many Guns Ranch and Adventures: Also located on Siksika, east of Calgary, this historic ranch is an Indigenous tourism destination that offers guided horseback or wagon riding tours, tipi lodging, and customized cultural experiences.  

On a final note, “do remember to move forward in a good way,” Delorme reminds us. “Canada must embrace a model of economic development that respects free, prior and informed consent; affirms Indigenous self-determination; and enables co-ownership, not just consultation.  

“Indigenous Peoples are not stakeholders. We are rights-holders and partners in reshaping the Canadian economy for the better.”