In February 2018, Marie founded Awasis Boutique, a Saskatchewan venture that celebrates Indigenous culture through clothing and accessories for babies and children. Marie’s business was born after she wanted to create pieces for her firstborn child but had difficulty finding Indigenous prints in fabric stores.

“They were hard to come by,” she said. “That was a few years ago, and I finally found just one feather print that I went with. But then, as time went on, I thought, ‘Wait a second. What’s out there for baby goods that are Indigenous inspired?’ ”

Marie, a Saskatchewan mother of Métis and Filipino heritage, launched Awasis Boutique after discovering there was nothing else like it operating in Saskatchewan (Awasis means child in Cree).

 Awasis Boutique currently features one-of-a kind onesies with custom phrases in Cree and English. Marie, who serves as Awasis Boutique’s seamstress, also sells bandana bibs, headbands, T-shirts, swaddle blankets and more.

Slogans such as “Bannock Baby,” “New to the Tribe and “#JustJigging” adorn some of the clothing, while other pieces acknowledge and celebrate boys with braids, grandparents, reconciliation and Indigenous identity. Awasis Boutique also has a custom Métis Proud design, featuring the infinity symbol, beaded flower, fiddle and Métis sash.

The products are available on the Awasis Boutique website, awasis-boutique.myshopify.com, as well in various retail locations, such as the Wanuskewin gift shops.

Awasis Boutique got its start when Marie was staying at home with her children while taking time off from her teaching career. At that time she found some flexibility to focus on her business while her children were sleeping, and it grew from there.

Marie incorporated her teaching areas of Indigenous studies and home economics into her business. She had the basics of sewing down when she launched Awasis Boutique, and her keen interest in interior design proved to be a natural fit for working in the fashion industry.

Nearly two years later, Awasis Boutique is growing, but Marie dedicates only part-time hours to it. She is also employed as a teacher and has a young son in Grade 1, as well as a three-year-old son who is in daycare part-time.

“Once they’re sleeping or if they’re gone for the day, that’s when I’m moving. I’m hustling,” she said.

Marie’s children wear her clothing as a way to identify with their cultural heritage. She wants her business to help other people celebrate their roots, too. “Because of our history in Canada regarding residential schools and reconciliation and all that, there’s been a lot of trauma, and a lot hurt and pain, amongst our communities,” she said.

“So this is just one way that celebrates – highlights – and it also brings that positive side of the Indigenous culture, which I feel is very necessary for us, especially in Canada.” Marie said the feedback she has received about her children’s products “has been incredible.”

“I mean (I get) the sweetest support and then comments from people,” she said. “You know, ‘Oh my gosh – finally somebody’s done this’ or ‘You have no idea how much this means to me and my family. My kid has braids and this shirt just helps him to feel more confident as a kid in having braids.’

“Things like that are just so heartwarming.”

-Shannon Boklaschuk