AYA Sunglasses & Readers- Native Artist Designs

As classic as they come, Quinn is a unisex frame that can be worn casually or to dress up a look.  Quinn features a sleek killer whale design by Corrine Hunt and  is available in classic glossy black or chic matte Tortoise. These glasses are double polished for a more lustrous finish and have high quality spring hinges for exceptional durability and comfort.  Impact and scratch resistant acrylic lenses- UV400.

AYA’s Bella sunglasses are a slightly oversized cat eye that provide glamour and fantastic coverage for mid to large sized faces. Featuring a First Nations hummingbird with flower design by Corrine Hunt, Bella is available in three brand new and unique colour ways:  Havana Tortoise, Black with a dappled corner detail or bold Purple Tortoise. As with all AYA sunwear, these glasses are double polished for a more lustrous finish and have high-quality spring hinges for exceptional durability. Impact and scratch resistant acrylic lenses - UV400 

AYA’s Teagan reader is a unisex , fun, fashionable look and features a bold bear design on the temples.  Spring hinges have been incorporated into the design for extra comfort.  The Bear symbolizes family, romance, longevity, harmony, travel, community and protection.

Teagan is available in a duo tone demi with turquoise and  demi with black. High quality scratch and impact resistant aspheric lenses.

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• First Nations Art of the Northwest
  
  

  These products are made in beautiful British Columbia, Canada.  The focus is on representing and supporting Indigenous people. Preserving the history of our First Nations is at the heart of every product available.  Each item is created by an artist with First Nation roots or membership.

  These skilled artists are preserving their heritage through each piece that reflects their tribe's unique heritage and values. Created from materials such as wool, leather, and cotton these items are gentle on the earth as well. The artists are commission paid to ensure fair pay and representation of their work.

  About the Artists: 

  Many artists create these products and contribute their skills. Meet a few of them below:

  Kelly Robinson was born in 1981 in Nanaimo, British Columbia.  His family descends from both the Nuxalk and Nuu-chah-nulth nations. Kelly’s uncle, Alvin Mack, is a master carver who trained Kelly in the craft. 

  Kelly went on to make his life’s work creating art reflective of the First Nations through his skill of carving. He studied at the Northwest Coast jewelry program at the Native Education College in Vancouver, British Columbia.  After graduation, he completed apprenticeships under Jim McGuire and Gordon Dick.

  Kelly’s work is featured in children’s books, masks, paintings, and much more.

  Today he shares his craft and continues to connect with his heritage through art and study. We feature his artwork with products such as clothing, wallets, and purses. 

  Bill Helin was born in 1960 in Prince Rupert, British Columbia.  He is a member of the Tsimshian First Nation of northwestern British Columbia. His family also has descendants from the Gits'iis tribe in the village of Lax Kw'alaams.  His Grandfather Henry William Helin, was Chief of the Gitlan Tribe. His Grandmother Maud Helin, was Chief of the Gitgeese Tribe. 

  Bill's skills include jewelry design, engraving, writing, and design.  His focus is on Tsimshian art. He’s also a singer and storyteller. Another specialty of his is creating logos and products. He’s mostly a self-taught artist though he received training from K’San, a famous art and carving school in Hazelton.

  He is also a drumming specialist. Alongside his daughter and granddaughter, he teaches drumming and wellness programs throughout British Columbia.  They also host drum circles and presentations. 

  In 1996 Bill designed three patches for astronauts on the Columbia shuttle. Over the years he created patches, educational information and artwork for NASA and the Canadian Space Agency. He also helped create the largest Totem Pole in the world (192’ 3” tall!), carved a 40’ dugout canoe, and has illustrated over 110 children’s books.

  We feature his art products of home decor items, scarves, bags, and more. 

  Corrine Hunt was born in 1959 in Alert Bay, British Columbia.  She is a member of the Raven Gwa'waina clan from Ts'akis.  Her Grandmother is A’neesla’ga, a Tlingit noblewoman from Alaska.  She also has descendants of Kwakwaka'wakw heritage.

  Norman Brotchie introduced her to Kwakwaka'wakw art. Since the mid-80s she has specialized in Kwakwaka'wakw art, especially jewelry creation.

  Her work is prized by collectors worldwide and she has over 2,000 creations. In 2006 she created the logo for the World Peace Forum. She worked with Omer Arbel to create the designs on the Olympic medals for the 2010 winter Olympics. Her work also includes installation at the Hilton Hotel Whistler, medal design for the North American Outgames, and was awarded the National Aboriginal Achievement Award.

  She designs jewelry, clothing, sculptures, and other art and functional artwork items. We feature her work with beautiful bags.

  Bill Reid, also known as William Ronald Reid Jr, lived from 1920-1998.  He was from Victoria, British Columbia. His mother, Sophie Gladstone Reid, was from the Kaadaas gaah Kiiguwaay, Raven/Wolf Clan of T'anuu, also known as the Haida.

  He developed skills as a master goldsmith, sculptor, and carver.  He studied jewelry making at Ryerson Institute of Technology. It was his grandmother who helped him fall in love with Haida art. Creating a unique style, Bill, combined Haida art with modern art to create a new style. He strove to share Haida culture in a modern way. 

  During his life, he was instrumental in serving as an advocate for Indigenous peoples. Working to establish good relationships between Indigenous peoples and other folks from other heritages, he helped break down cultural and social barriers. He also worked to stop logging efforts to preserve rainforests of Gwaii Haanas and helped with the preservation of Haida Gwaii. Reid was awarded the prestigious Order of Canada from the Canadian Government towards the end of his life. 

  Following his passing, his artwork was featured on the $20 Candian bill in 2004. Sculptures he designed are widely featured throughout the Northwest.  A piece is also on display at the Candian Embassy in Washington, DC.

  We feature products with Bill’s contemporary Haida artwork on various home decor items.

• Easy Returns - All items (except underwear and socks) are returnable within 30 days, as long as they are unused and unwashed, no perfume or smoke (keep this in mind when trying on your clothes), with tags remaining.  Only the cost of merchandise, not the shipping fees are refunded.

  Mail items to: Natural Clothing Co, PO Box 69, Snohomish, WA 98291.

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