Life moves quickly, and we sometimes need a reminder of what to focus on. Made from reclaimed wood, this little Totem Spirit is a unique touchstone designed to help you pay attention to what's important. Each piece is one-of-a-kind in colour and grain and is laser-etched with an inspiring word for inspiration and blessing.
Totem Spirit Healing Touch (Healing) by Mike Dangeli
NATIVE NORTHWEST ART BY INDIGENOUS ARTISTS
Statement of Respect and Authenticity
We believe that Indigenous artists should be treated fairly and with respect. Authenticity of art, design, and culture is the foundation of our mission of building everyday connection to Indigenous cultures.
Native Northwest products are guided by the following five principles:
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100% of the art featured on every Native Northwest product is designed by Indigenous artists
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All artists have provided consent and contractual permission for their art to be featured on Native Northwest products
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Artist names are acknowledged on all product packaging
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Cultural traditions are honoured by acknowledging cultural affiliation on product packaging
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Artists are paid in fees and royalties
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Mike Dangeli (born 1972) is a highly respected First Nations artist, carver, singer, and dancer from the Nisga'a, Tlingit, Tsetsaut, and Tsimshian Nations. He belongs to the Beaver Clan and carries the traditional names Goothl Ts'imilx ("Heart of the Beaver House") and Teettlien ("Big Wave"). Dangeli began training from a young age under family leaders to be the Simoget (hereditary chief) of his clan. He gained his professional artistic foundation through apprenticeships with Master Carvers like Randy Adams and David Boxley, and he is committed to continuing and expanding upon ancient art forms to reflect the identity and cultural influences of a 21st-century Indigenous person.
His extensive body of work includes masks, drums, regalia, paintings, limited edition silk-screened prints, and over twenty totem poles, in addition to a thirty-foot ocean-going canoe. Dangeli co-leads the internationally renowned Git Hayetsk Dancers—which means “people of the copper shield” in Sm'algya̱x—with his wife, Mique'l Dangeli. Through his studio, the House of Culture, he has organised programs to teach Northwest Coast art and culture to First Nations children, youth, and adults in Vancouver, B.C., while his art pieces are created for commissions, galleries, and ceremonial use within his community.