A rich tapestry of Indigenous culture and tradition comes alive as tumtum Threads, founded by Indigenous artist Bruce Alfred and daughter Molly Willie, embarks on a Kickstarter campaign. Members of the ‘Namgis First Nation in ‘Yalis (Alert Bay), Alfred and Willie have woven their creative talents and passion for preserving traditional Indigenous art, design, and production into a mission-driven venture. The campaign launched on Oct. 9, which is both Canadian Thanksgiving, and Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the U.S., a celebratory counter movement to Columbus Day.
Thousands of years ago, Indigenous peoples along the Pacific Coast engaged in the vibrant tradition of trading handmade products to sustain their communities and ways of life. Today, tumtum Threads aims to breathe new life into this ancient practice by renewing these traditions within their home and partner communities, fostering economic resilience and empowerment.
tumtum Threads is dedicated to producing ethically crafted, handwoven products from a unique collaboration between First Nations families of the Kwakwaka’wakw on the Pacific Northwest Coast of Canada and Zapotec (Bën za) families in the Central Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico. This partnership transcends borders and cultures, creating a platform for Indigenous artistry to thrive and flourish.
What sets tumtum Threads apart is their unwavering commitment to having their products designed and manufactured by Indigenous peoples within their own communities. This is in stark contrast to the prevailing trend where most Northwest Indigenous designs are licenced for stipends, and manufactured overseas in large-scale factories. With tumtum Threads, backers can be confident that their pledges directly support Indigenous art, artists and their communities, creating a meaningful connection between two distinct nations and remapping the type of trade and trading that existed in pre colonial times.
The name “tumtum” holds a special significance, derived from the Chinook trade language, a crucial means of communication across the Americas. In this language, “tumtum” means heart, symbolizing the deep-rooted passion and dedication that fuel this venture.
Alfred and Willie express their excitement about this Kickstarter campaign: “tumtum Threads is not just a business; it’s a celebration of our cultural heritage and a testament to the resilience of Indigenous communities. We are honored to bridge the gap between our two nations and bring authentic Indigenous art to a global audience.”
By supporting tumtum Threads’ Kickstarter campaign, backers are making a meaningful contribution to the preservation of Indigenous traditions and the economic well-being of Indigenous communities. Every pledge carries with it the heartbeat of the Indigenous peoples, connecting two nations through art.
To explore the exquisite handwoven products and become a part of this cultural preservation initiative, visit tumtum Threads’ and their Kickstarter campaign at www.tumtumthreads.com
About tumtum Threads
tumtum offers handwoven products created through the collaboration of First Nations families from the Kwakwaka’wakw people in the Pacific Northwest Coast of Canada, working in partnership with Zapotec (Bën za) families in the Central Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico. Funds from the sale of the handwoven products will benefit the economies of the local nations and kickstart a movement to engage a global community of indigenous craftsmanship and manufacturing.