Happy holidays my friend!
I was feeling the Spirit of the holidays and wanted to align with the teachings of the Patchwork Grandmothers and other ancient teachers about true service. So what is true service exactly?
Service is a gift from the heart and mind. True service is to give freely of yourself with no expectations of receiving anything in return. You do me a great honour by reading my blog. Please accept a gift from me that helps you with 10 gift Ideas for the holidays. Plus, I love the fact that I can help support these amazing people/companies.
Enjoy and have fun!!
A First Nations’ owned makeup business, Cheekbone Beauty donates 10% of its profits to the First Nations Child and Caring Society of Canada. Buy some socially conscious makeup for a loved one. I love this product line!
https://canadac3.ca/en/homepage/
I was lucky enough to join leg 2 of the epic 150-day Journey from coast to coast to coast on an icebreaker ship in 2017. This Journey of Reconciliation was created to celebrate Canada and connect all Canadians. Buy the gorgeous coffee table book that captures a once in a lifetime adventure.
Leah Marie Dorion is an interdisciplinary Metis artist. Leah views her Metis heritage as providing her with a unique bridge for knowledge between all people. Leah is one of my favourite Métis artists. Her work touches all people and I invite you to check out her various art cards, artwear, and books. Great for kids!
Chloë Angus Design is a passionate Canadian design company that collaborates with First Nations, Inuit, and Metis artists to create the Spirit Collection. All artwork is licensed and the artists are fairly compensated. Each piece comes with the artist signature to ensure authenticity. Did I mention the pieces are gorgeous?
SheNative design and manufacture genuine leather goods that elevate Indigenous women and girls by employing 100% Indigenous women in the design and manufacturing of their goods. My young friend and entrepreneur, Devon Fiddler, has great taste in handbags. Buy one for yourself or a friend.
https://www.amazon.ca/Sculpting-Air-Whole-Person-Approach-Songwriting
Sculpting Air - A Whole-Person Approach to Songwritingis the new book by my long-time collaborator, Robert Walsh. He is just plain brilliant and if anyone in your family loves songwriting, this is the book for them. “The painter has the canvas, the writer has the page and the filmmaker has the screen. In music, time is our canvas and sound is our brush.”
https://confederationcentre.com
The Charlottetown “Confederation Centre of the Arts” is one of the largest musical theatre festivals in the country and is home to the hit musical, Anne of Green Gables. Being a part of their 2018 summer festival, I was very impressed with the Centre’s commitment to implementing diverse casting as well as incorporating the truth of Canada’s history into their Young Company show. Take a trip to beautiful Prince Edward Island for some great theatre. It’s worth it.
https://motherearthessentials.ca
Mother Earth Essentials blend Indigenous knowledge and traditions with the finest ingredients to share the luxury of their products and their culture. Who doesn’t love a good earth loving product for a gift??
https://greatnessmagnified.com/product/frog-tribute-cards/
My fellow speaker and recognition expert, Sarah McVanel, is passionate about guiding each of us to re-discover our own greatness and recognize the greatness in others. Give the gift of a deck of cards that unleashes the power of Sarah’s philosophy: F.R.O.G. Forever Recognize Others' Greatness™. How can you go wrong with a deck of cards that helps you compliment your loved ones and business associates?
https://www.iwls.ca/mailing-list/
I was lucky enough to be a part of the first annual Indigenous Women’s Leadership Summit in Ottawa this year. I encourage you to give yourself the gift of getting on the mailing list for next year’s summit. Whether you are Indigenous or not. Or whether you are a woman or not, this is a place of powerhouse knowledge and inspiration. Get a ticket for next year!
And a bonus from me!
https://andreamenard.bandcamp.com/track/sparkle
I would love to gift you with my song Sparklefrom my holiday album, Sparkle. Here is a free download in case you want to add it to your favourite holiday playlist. Just click on the Buy Digital Track (in red) and it will ask for your information so I can send it to you.
Happy holidays!!
Grandmother Wind