As a company rooted in Indigenous culture, our vision is to build a vibrant global brand that makes positive impacts in Indigenous communities. We are grateful for the continued support and partnership in bringing Indigenous designs to the forefront of the fashion industry.
Materials & Sourcing
At Manitobah, the materials we choose reflect our respect for the land, our commitment to sustainability, and our connection to traditional practices. We use natural materials like leather and fur that are by-products of the food industry, helping to reduce waste and honour the full life of the animal. Other materials, like our mulesing-free shearling and responsibly sourced cotton, are chosen for their sustainability and traceability. Our suppliers meet rigorous environmental and ethical standards, ensuring that every material we use is carefully and consciously selected. Explore the materials below to learn more about what goes into every pair we make.
Genuine Leather
Honouring the land means using what it provides with care and intention. All the leather we use is a by-product of the meat industry, sourced from LWG Gold-certified tanneries that meet the highest environmental standards. This ensures responsible use of water, energy, and chemicals throughout the tanning process and we use water-based aniline dyes that are rigorously tested for safety and sustainability. By transforming what would otherwise be discarded into functional, beautiful footwear, we continue a tradition that Indigenous peoples have practiced for generations.
Real Fur
We use real fur as a natural, durable, and biodegradable material that offers exceptional warmth and breathability, especially in cold climates. All our fur is a by-product of the meat industry, sourced through certified tanneries that work with farmers who sell the meat for food. This allows us to make use of a material that would otherwise go to waste, in keeping with traditional Indigenous practices of using the whole animal with purpose and respect.
Mulesing-Free Shearling
Shearling—sheepskin with the wool still attached—is naturally insulating, breathable, and luxuriously soft, making it ideal for warmth and comfort in colder climates. We source our shearling from farms that are certified mulesing-free and regularly audited to ensure animal welfare. Mulesing is a painful procedure used in some regions to prevent flystrike in sheep, and we consciously choose partners who prioritize humane and responsible practices. For us, sourcing with care is just as important as performance and comfort.
BCI Cotton
We use cotton certified by the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), the world’s largest sustainability program in the world for cotton farming. BCI cotton is grown using methods that reduce water use, minimize harmful chemicals, and support healthier soil practices. It also promotes fair labour conditions and community wellbeing, aligning with our broader commitment to responsible sourcing at every step.
Handsewn Beadwork
Each of our beadwork designs originates with Indigenous artists, who draw from their cultural knowledge and creativity. The designs are then carefully recreated be skilled artisans, using traditional techniques, practices and beads.
Restricted Substances
We follow a strict Restricted Substances List (RSL) and meet safety standards such as California Prop 65. Every material we use is carefully screened to reduce harmful chemicals—including PFOS, PFCs, and other long-lasting pollutants—so you can feel confident in what you’re wearing. This care goes beyond products; it’s part of our commitment to honouring Mother Earth, protecting the land, water, and all living beings for generations to come.
Manufacturing Partners
Good shoes start with good values. We only work with factories that pass tough third-party audits, making sure they protect both people and the planet. From safe working conditions to responsible sourcing, we hold every step of our supply chain to the highest standards.
Our Principles
We are committed to:
- Creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers
- Ensuring transparency and accountability
- Practicing fair trade and paying fair prices
- Prohibiting child and forced labour
- Promoting non-discrimination and gender equity
- Maintaining safe and respectful working conditions
- Supporting worker development and skill-building
- Respecting the environment at every step
Our Manufacturer
While Canadian production represents the foundation of our manufacturing knowledge, our production is global. Our manufacturing partner is partly Indigenous-owned and family-run, with over 30 years of experience in footwear production. The facility was established in Vietnam in partnership with Manitobah to ensure our unique construction, beadwork, and craft techniques are followed with care and precision.
As a small, family-operated workshop, their values are rooted in respect, community, and craftsmanship—closely aligned with Indigenous worldviews and the principles that guide our work. We are proud to partner with a team that prioritizes ethical treatment of employees, fair wages, safe working conditions, and gender equity, while strictly prohibiting child and forced labour. Transparency, accountability, and care for the environment are at the core of how they operate. Many artisans have been with the workshop for decades, building their skills in footwear, beadwork, and decorative arts.
What makes this partnership truly special is the closeness between our Canadian and Vietnamese teams. Over the years, we’ve built a relationship based on trust, respect, and genuine care—treating one another like family. This unique bond shines through in every stitch, reflecting not just craftsmanship, but a shared commitment to community and culture.
Indigenous Market
A living showcase of authentic Indigenous artistry, the Indigenous Market connects makers with the world while returning 100% of profits to the artists. Every moccasin, beaded earring, quilled piece, or painting is hand-made, carrying the spirit of the land and the teachings passed down through generations.
Here, tradition and entrepreneurship walk together. By purchasing from the Indigenous Market, you’re not just collecting something beautiful—you’re supporting true authenticity, cultural preservation, community resilience, and the thriving future of Indigenous creators.
“Working with Manitobah has allowed me to continue a practice that has sustained my family for generations.”
Rosa Scribe
100%
of all profits back to Indigenous Artisans
$271,900+
in the last year
$1.3 million+
all-time to artists