$32.00
This design - created by Inspired Natives Project collaborator Michele Reyes - was inspired by the traditional designs for a snowflake found in Navajo Rugs. The snowflake reminds us of the blessing of the winter season. Having different seasons brings balance and harmony to life. In winter, the earth has a chance to rest.
The Navajo Snowflake is made lightly stained maple that is laser etched, and assembled in Louie's studio in Seattle, Washington. The jump rings and hooks are sterling silver.
$32.00
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These real oak sunglasses feature stylish rounded frames with acetate tips. The perfect companion for a sunny day, they are customized right here in our Seattle studio.
Thanks for supporting Inspired Natives, not Native-inspired. #inspirednatives
$10.00
Thanks for supporting Inspired Natives, not Native-inspired. #inspirednatives
$12.00
This versatile orca pendant, which is made from painted and laser etched cherry wood in our Seattle studio, is the perfect gift. It looks great as a necklace, ornament or a driving companion hanging on your rear view mirror.
Thanks for supporting Inspired Natives, not Native-inspired. #inspirednatives
$24.00
These petite earrings feature Rez Cat's trusty orca companion, KW, and are high resolution printed to render every pristine detail. Much smaller than his ocean-dwelling counter parts, little KW is the perfect size to travel with you wherever your adventures may take you.
These beautiful studs are lovingly assembled by hand in our Seattle studio and feature acrylic that is cut and high resolution printed with multiple layers of protective coating on stainless steel posts.
Thanks for supporting Inspired Natives, not Native-inspired. #inspirednatives
$24.00
This high quality tote bag, which features a variation of Louie's "Our Home" design, opens up wide to fit all your favorite snacks, a change of clothes, or whatever else you need to tote.
This unique butterfly - composed of two abstract eagles on either side of the Space Needle - is Louie's homage to a city undergoing rapid transformation. It stands as a reminder to both long-time Seattleites and recent transplants that the city's character is rooted in its rich history and communities, and an understanding of this history should lead our decision making as we plan for the future
Thanks for supporting Inspired Natives, not Native-inspired. #inspirednatives
$24.00
This high quality tote bag, which features a variation of Louie's "Our Home" design, opens up wide to fit all your favorite snacks, a change of clothes, or whatever else you need to tote.
This unique butterfly - composed of two abstract eagles on either side of the Space Needle - is Louie's homage to a city undergoing rapid transformation. It stands as a reminder to both long-time Seattleites and recent transplants that the city's character is rooted in its rich history and communities, and an understanding of this history should lead our decision making as we plan for the future
Thanks for supporting Inspired Natives, not Native-inspired. #inspirednatives
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These spacious statement totes were designed by Inspired Natives Project collaborator, Michelle Lowden (Acoma Pueblo). Her beautiful "Reflection" design represents the prayer for rain, and features Acoma Pueblo abstract symbols depicting mountains, clouds, and rain.
During monsoon season, the cisterns at Acoma become full again. It is then the people visit the cisterns to gather water for drinking. When you look down to see the cisterns full and you are met with your reflection, you can't help but smile with gratitude. It is a reminder that "water is life."
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These spacious statement totes were designed by Inspired Natives Project collaborator, Michelle Lowden (Acoma Pueblo). Her beautiful "Reflection" design represents the prayer for rain, and features Acoma Pueblo abstract symbols depicting mountains, clouds, and rain.
During monsoon season, the cisterns at Acoma become full again. It is then the people visit the cisterns to gather water for drinking. When you look down to see the cisterns full and you are met with your reflection, you can't help but smile with gratitude. It is a reminder that "water is life."
$32.00
Designed by Inspired Natives collaborator, John Pepion (Blackfeet), the Resilient Earrings are a tribute to strong and resilient women. Wear these and rise.
$24.00
This high quality tote bag, which features Rez Cat riding and an orca. opens up wide to fit all your favorite snacks, a change of clothes, or whatever else you need to tote.
The Story Behind This Design
Five years ago (right about the time he discovered art), Eighth Generation founder Louie Gong found a feral kitten meowing loudly outside Muckleshoot Tribal College on the Muckleshoot reservation. The future looked bleak for the little tabby, who was scraggy, dehydrated, and full of fleas and ear mites. So Louie took him home that evening with plans to bring him to a vet the next morning for medical attention, and then to a shelter for eventual adoption. When the kitten immediately fell asleep in Louie's passenger seat, however, he realized he had just adopted a cat -- publicly known as Rez Cat. Later that same night, Rez Cat -- obviously used to sleeping in the woods -- chose to curl up in a ball and pass out inside his litter box.
A photo of that moment generated some interest from cat lovers when posted to Facebook. Rez Cat started showing up in Louie's social media photos frequently, sometimes on purpose and sometimes by accident, and he eventually developed a following of his own. After being told numerous times by people all over the country "We love Rez Cat!" and "We want more Rez Cat", Louie decided to develop a character inspired by his charismatic friend. This t-shirt is his first effort to embody Rez Cat in an Eighth Generation product.
Rez Cat's real name is Maosie. He's now a highly vocal, 18-pound Goliath that brings humor and a demand for snacks to everyone he encounters.
Thanks for supporting Inspired Natives, not Native-inspired. #inspirednatives
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These spacious totes feature the eye catching 'Salish Pattern', a design created by Louie Gong (Nooksack) after researching traditional Coast Salish weaving. Although these particular bags feature a design printed with modern technology, it was very important to Louie that he create a design that could be replicated with traditional Salish weaving methods.
Salish art is rarely represented in contemporary textiles, and Louie is proud to help push this particular, often overlooked form to the forefront of Native art and product offerings.
Thanks for supporting Inspired Natives, not Native-inspired. #inspirednatives
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These spacious totes feature the eye catching 'Salish Pattern', a design created by Louie Gong (Nooksack) after researching traditional Coast Salish weaving. Although these particular bags feature a design printed with modern technology, it was very important to Louie that he create a design that could be replicated with traditional Salish weaving methods.
Salish art is rarely represented in contemporary textiles, and Louie is proud to help push this particular, often overlooked form to the forefront of Native art and product offerings.
Thanks for supporting Inspired Natives, not Native-inspired. #inspirednatives
$32.00
Tongues speak. Teeth can bite. These highly unique mixed-media earrings are sure to be noticed when you walk in the room.
This original "Strength" earring design by Louie Gong (Nooksack) developed organically from his signature art style, which often includes symbols of empowerment such as oversized teeth, tongues, and claws. Here, the hand-painted wood compliments northwest Native art traditions ,while ensuring that every single earring has a unique wood grain and paint job that can never be duplicated. This compliments the bold contemporary finish of the body and tongue, which is made of acrylic. The metal jump ring and hook have a gun metal finish.
This product is hand-painted, machine cut, and assembled in Louie's studio in Seattle, Washington. Thanks for supporting Inspired Natives, not Native-inspired. #inspirednatives
Thanks for supporting Inspired Natives, not Native-inspired. #inspirednatives
$10.00
Carry a message of solidarity with you wherever you go with this bold enamel pin, featuring gold accents.
Thanks for supporting Inspired Natives, not Native-inspired. #inspirednatives
$32.00
Anishinaabe artist Sarah Agaton Howes is an Inspired Native who is all about thriving - not simply surviving. This is a value that shines through in her art, including these highly unique and contemporary The Fierce Heart earrings.
This contemporary rendering of the strawberry by collaborator Sarah Agaton Howes was developed from a pencil drawing to a finalized product during her recent visit to Louie's Eighth Generation studio in Seattle.
In Ojibwemowin (the Ojibwe language), the strawberry is called Odemin or "Heart Berry". The design was inspired by a inside of a strawberry - revealed when the berry is sliced in half - and the idea that having a fierce heart beating on the inside is a more significant key to happiness than even the most beautiful exterior. The Odemin is Sarah's signature motif, and it appears frequently in her handmade regalia and moccasins.
This 2-sided, lightweight mixed media earring is made with painted maple wood over a bright acrylic backdrop. The jump ring and hook have a gun metal finish.
This product is hand-painted, machine cut, and assembled in Louie's studio in Seattle, Washington.
$78.00
These stylish sunglasses feature turtle acetate frames with rosewood temples and acetate tips. The perfect companion for a sunny day, they are customized right here in our Seattle studio.
Thanks for supporting Inspired Natives, not Native-inspired. #inspirednatives
$78.00
These stylish sunglasses feature bold two tone frames with half red, half zebra wood. The perfect companion for a sunny day, they are customized right here in our Seattle studio.
Thanks for supporting Inspired Natives, not Native-inspired. #inspirednatives
