Meet Jaymie Campbell & The Mikwendam Collection
Rooted in the Anishinaabe word Mikwendam, meaning to find in thought, this collection is a reflection on the connections that ground us: to our ancestors, our communities and the land. Created in collaboration with Jaymie Campbell, an Anishinaabe/European artist and founder of White Otter Design Co., the limited-edition collection brings together thoughtful design and intricate beadwork to honour the relationships, teachings and responsibilities that shape her creative practice.
For Jaymie, making is more than an artistic expression. It is a way to slow down, reconnect and carry knowledge forward. Drawing on her experiences travelling, learning from community and working with her hands, the Mikwendam Collection is a reminder to stay connected to home, wherever life takes us.
In conversation with Jaymie, we explore the role of ancestry, community and the land in her work, and the meaning behind the Mikwendam Collection.
Q: What helps you feel connected - to yourself, to community, or the land?
A: It is important for me to slow down and take the time to imagine, dream and work on things with my hands. It helps me to feel grounded. Whether it is sitting and listening to Elders' stories, joking around with young people or sharing a meal with our families, spending time in community is what helps me feel connection. Taking time on the land, resting and listening to different perspectives is critical to understanding, building and maintaining that responsibility to the land.
Q: What values guide your work every day?
A: I think a lot about rights and responsibility — to one another in community, to the land and to our practices. It is important to think about the responsibility we carry as makers — back to our families, our teachers and ancestors, and to the materials we are working with. Having humility, experimenting and trying new things, while also both failing and succeeding, is also important. I also think a ton about all of the skills and talent that support our work — like harvesters, hide tanners, other creatives — and how critical it is to honour and recognize all of our roles in the process of creating.
Q: Why is it important for Indigenous artists to be seen in spaces like fashion and design?
A: We have always been innovative, imaginative and held an intimate understanding of the different phases in the process of creating. I think our work is holistic. It can look toward the future and be grounded in tradition. This is what it puts us in such a unique space in fashion and design. It is very important for our communities and our youth to see Indigenous artists in this space so that they can also see themselves there.
Q: Who has had the biggest impact on your creative journey?
A: There isn't one person. Both of my parents encouraged creativity while I was growing up, and supported that. I have been fortunate enough to have been taught by different families, knowledge keepers and elders at different times in my life that have encouraged and supported me — especially to develop an understanding of the connection between the art we practice and the way we govern. Watching youth come up into those practices is also incredibly impactful. I would especially like to mention the community members in Lutsel K'e, Aseniwuche Winewak Nation and my own community, Oshkiigmong (Curve Lake) for that time teaching me.
Q: What story do you hope to share through this collection/collaboration?
A: I want to share a reminder to us all that as we travel around, visit different territories, meet new people, to always remember to find our home and our ancestors in our thoughts. That is what helps me feel grounded and connected to the work I do — it reminds me of the responsibilities I carry in all spheres of my practice. Working with our hands allows us to connect to our bodies and to use other parts of our mind, which is important for living in balance.
A Collection Rooted in Connection
The Mikwendam Collection is an invitation to remember where we come from, honour the people and teachings that shape us, and carry those connections with us wherever we go. Through Jaymie's artistry and the stories woven into each piece, the collection celebrates the importance of Indigenous creativity, intergenerational knowledge and the responsibilities we hold as makers. A reflection of home, ancestry and belonging, Mikwendam reminds us that even as we move through the world, we can remain grounded in the relationships that connect us to who we are.
Learn more about Jaymie’s work: whiteotterdesignco.com
