Urban Barn x Indigo Arrows

“I have my master’s in Interior Design from the University of Manitoba,” says Destiny. “After working in a local architecture firm, I really began to notice the void of textiles that showcase Indigenous people from Manitoba.”

Destiny began spending her lunch hours exploring the Manitoba Museum, visiting with the various pottery pieces and immersing herself in Indigenous art history. “I was just blown away that there are over three million pottery pieces currently being catalogued at the museum,” she adds. “These are things I didn’t learn in school. I didn’t know we had such a rich ceramics history in Manitoba − we are talking thousands of years old!”

The patterns Destiny saw etched on the ceramics and bone tools moved her deeply – and sparked an idea: to pick up where her ancestors left off. “I knew these patterns would make beautiful, modern textiles,” says Destiny.

Fast-forward to 2021 and enter INDIGO ARROWS x FREED.

Through their shared passion for beautiful design with an impact, Destiny joined forces with Marissa Freed, President of Freed & Freed International, to found INDIGO ARROWS x FREED. Together, the pair creates thoughtful textile collections that promote positive Indigenous representation; with Destiny specializing in creating minimalistic, Anishinaabe patterns, and Marissa specializing in high-quality manufacturing and sustainable design.

The Ishkodens collection by INDIGO ARROWS x FREED is an exclusive collaboration with Urban Barn that features pillows, placemats, napkins, table runners, as well as Destiny’s first-ever rug design.

“I am super excited to have this rug in my own home,” smiles Destiny. “I think it’s really important to have Indigenous representation in our homes, and in our workplaces.”

Pulling inspiration from the patterns found etched in pottery and bone tools, the Ishkodens collection celebrates Manitoba’s rich Indigenous art history. Ishkodens, which translates to “little fires burning,” represents the fluidity of the triangles that are unique to this collection of textiles.

As a mother of three, Destiny takes pride in reviving Indigenous patterns that are over 3,000 years old, not only honouring the past but carrying the legacy of her ancestors into the future.

“I think it’s really important to have my children see their cultural identity represented out there,” she adds. “And for them to be proud of it.”