We're LOVING and LIFTING Aunalee
and Sophia after warehouse fire destroys most of their Ay Lelum inventory
On August 27th a fire destroyed most of
Aunalee's and Sophia's inventory which has been years in the making.
Thankfully, no one was hurt - but this is a huge setback for their
family business and ability to generate income. Not only did the
fire destroy most of their beautifully designed merchandise, but
damaged important family and business keepsakes. This has all
happened right before they're meant to go to New York City to
showcase their Indigenous clothing line on the runway in September.
Insurance will cover cost of goods (which takes time), but not
any business losses - they need our help to help sustain them and
get back on their feet so they can continue to thrive!
Fundraising goal:
$19K - Our goal will go towards wellness and well-being for members of the Good family - including day to day expenses and general carry over costs to help sustain all the members of this family run business.
$29K - The stretch goal is to make sure the amazing NY Fashion show event will be as incredible as they hoped, but it needs extra support during this time after the fire. These extra funds are to hire additional staff members to replenish merchandise, prepare for New York City fashion show; plus other additional help for the business.
$35K - The second stretch goal - allowing to do even more and these funds will go towards wellness and well-being for the family, plus hire additional staff members; plus the repair and restoral of items not covered by insurance; and also pay to redevelop the marketing campaign, and create awareness for pre-sales to help Sophia and Aunalee get Ay Lelum back on track and servicing customers.
We're so grateful for the
Indigenous business community for donating these amazing perks...
Brenda MacIntyre Medicine Song Woman | Medicine Song Healing and Reading Session (60mins) (x2)| $497 value
Gwin Communications | Professional PR, Media, Social Media, Cultural Awareness training (x1) | $500 value
Iskwew Air | One ticket roundtrip airfare between
Qualicum Beach and YVR (x2) and swag bags | $300 value
Indigimall | Indigenous Gift Box (x1) | $250 value
Newly added!
Raven Rising Chocolate| Chocolate subscription
(Naabe Mooz) (x1) | $240 value
Newly added!
Lodge Soy Candles| Gift Set (x1)| $137 value
Newly added!
Totem Design House| Gift Card | $100 value
Salmon n' Bannock Bistro | Gift Card (x2) | $100 value
Sisters Sage | Gift Card (x2) | $100 value
Newly added!
Aurora Heat| Beaver fur hand warmers (x1) | $85 value
the yukon soaps company | Essential Oils Gift Set
(x1)| $80 value
Creative Resination | Gift Card (x1) | $50 value
Xálish Medicines |
Adaptogenic Elixir & Tea Blend (x1) | $55 value
The Johnnys | Music CD and art (x4) | >$50 value
Newly added!
Bunny's Makery| Artisan chocolate bars (x1) | $40 value
Mystical Metis | T-Shirt (x1) | $40 value
The Mindful Managers | 20min Oracle Card Reading
(x4) | $35 value
Ariana Fotinakis Coaching, Breathwork and
Earth Medicine |
Copal incense sticks (x1) | $15 value
Aunalee & Sophia's Story
In the 1990s two Coast Salish sisters – Aunalee
and Sophia – watched as their parents launched a successful clothing
business in the 90’s called Ay Ay Mut (which means “beautiful” in
Hul'q'umi'num). This was all the inspiration they needed. They
decided to create a second generation clothing line…and Ay Lelum was
born. Ay Lelum (which means “good house”) is an on-reserve
Indigenous fashion house that incorporates traditional Coast Salish
family designs that are created by their brother Joel Good and their
father William Good who is a Master Coast Salish artist and a
Cultural Historian.
Aunalee and Sophia work tirelessly to do business in a good way that uplifts their community, their culture, the planet, their families and other Indigenous women. You might have even seen them around Nanaimo with their drums singing welcome songs or taking part in other cultural events.
With their commitment to themselves, each other, their family and their business, they have overcome numerous personal, systemic and societal setbacks. Thanks to their resiliency and tenacity, part of their success story includes recently having their clothes sold in a retail location in New York City; and being invited to take part of a fashion show in New York City in September 2021.
However, they have recently encountered a huge setback. Aunalee and Sophia were distraught when their warehouse caught on fire on August 27th – destroying most of their inventory. Years of hard work, preparation, sweat and labour went up in flames. Not to mention some priceless family regalia that were dear to their hearts.
Because all their merchandise was destroyed they currently have nothing to fall back on to help them recover. Insurance money will take time and not cover all their loses. Because of COVID, fabric is difficult to source; and shipping takes a long time. Please help us get Aunalee and Sophia back on their feet with a little boost of LOVE and LIFT so they can get ready for New York; and give them a bit of reprieve as they replenish their inventory. These women have offered so much to others. This is a chance to be in reciprocity and offer a little something in return.
We are BEYOND grateful for your
contributions!
Hay ch q̓a| Thank-you
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Generate some good karma - what goes around comes around and this act of good service won't go unnoticed. Sending good, positive and loving energy your way!
Get a public "thank-you" on the Indigenous LIFT Collective's stories on Instagram or Facebook. Make your generosity be known in order to encourage others to do the same! Whether this is an act of love, reciprocity, reconciliation, or allyship its good to share the love and create good vibes on social media (please include your social handles when redeeming the gift).
Bunny's Makery is the place to find uniquely delicious chocolate bars that make great gifts for yourself and others. We strive to be as sustainable as possible. Recently, we discovered compostable packaging made in Canada. Our chocolate bars are made with Belgian chocolate and simple ingredients. Some of our most popular varieties are completely vegan! Gift Card Value: $40
Receive a 20min virtual oracle card reading from the The Seeds from the Sacred feminine wisdom card deck, created by Andrea Menard. Join Vanessa Lesperance (Metis), owner of The Mindful Managers, as she does a three card reading for you (past, present and future). The deck of cards will be smudged and cleansed with crystals prior to each reading. Set an intention and let Ancestors, Spirit and our Grandmothers send a message to you through the deck of cards. The readings will be uplifting, motivational and inspiring. Vanessa is a hobbyist oracle card reader - giving readings to friends and family. She encourages everyone to tap into their spirituality for total and holistic well-being -- just as the Medicine Wheel teaches us.
Our Otipemisiwak unisex T-shirt was designed by Samaria Cardinal of Mystical Metis. Otipemisiwak is a word that the Metis use to describe themselves. This Plains Cree word means: the people who command themselves, the people who own themselves, the free people. Soft, breathable pre-shrunk cotton or cotton blend. Machine wash in cold water. Sizes available: S-XXL Retail value: $40
Rock out to the Johnny's a rock 'n' roll band with Cree influences in the lyrics and themes of the songs. Also, receive a piece of art from the lead singer Veronica Johnny. Here is a description on one of her art pieces: ᓂᐦᑖᐃᐧᑭᐃᐧᐣ [nihtâwikiwin] The act of being born; a birth. nihtâwikiwin - eco-art by Veronica Johnny on March 20, 2020. This art piece is in honour of my late Great Uncle Ted McNeil. It is about a life lived and a new beginning. I called it nihtâwikiwin, as it is my belief that he's been born into a new life in the Spirit world; and to recognize this new world we have all been born into.
Xálish Medicines weaves the Spirit of Plant Medicine & Ancestral Reverence into each offering to bring us back into good relation with our Plant kin & all of Creation. To bring us back into good relations with ourselves & to heal. All of the herbs are grown by me {Jacqui, a Mama, Mixed Indigenous Yakma Humxn, Naturopathic Doctor & Land Protector}, lovingly Wild Crafted, or Organic (mostly from fellow Herb Gardeners) on Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee traditional territory. Each Medicine Offering is reverently made in tune with the Moon & Solar cycles, smudged & sung to as they grow. They are harvested & made in Ceremony, to infuse the magic & healing of Creation and Stars, with the Earth based medicines. Adaptogens help us to deal with stress through all of our subtle & physical bodies, balancing & restoring Mind:Body:Spirit.
Our Hand Warmers are made with ethically sourced wild beaver fur from the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program™. This program ensures sustainability and preserves cultural heritage for Indigenous peoples. Don’t let the cold bother you any longer. Our cozy hand warmers will drastically increase the warmth and comfort of any mitts, gloves, and pockets! Keep your spirits high this winter by avoiding painfully-numb fingers with Dënesųłiné traditional warmth. These are the perfect addition to your everyday fall/winter lifestyle. Value: $84.99
Essential Oil Blend Gift Set Soothan de ik’anate, means to “take care of yourself” in Northern Tutchone (yukon soap company owner Joella's grandmother's language). Created on the traditional territory of the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun in Mayo, Yukon, Canada. Retail value: $80
Receive a gift pack of candles including: 1 - 18oz CBD infused candle 1 - 8oz Indian Summer 1 - 4oz Indian Summer (travel tin) Our CBD oil candles are made with a blend of distilled, essential oil that contains terpenes, which produces the characteristic scent and feel of cannabis but doesn’t contain THC, the component that produces the ‘high’ feeling. You won’t experience any mind-altering sensations when you light the wick! Once lit, the CBD oil amplifies the therapeutic effect that the essential oils our candles already have, with the added benefit of relieving stress and anxiety. Our CBD-infused candles don’t actually smell like cannabis at all and you only smell the wonderful and unique blends of our natural scents you’ve come to know us for. Value: $137
This is the perfect gift box containing items from all Indigenous owned businesses! Gift the entire box to a loved one, gift items individually, or keep for yourself! Contents include: Raven Rising 12pc assorted artisan chocolates Sweet Tobacco Hand Sanitizer Spray Ondarez medium roast "Coffee with my Aunties" coffee 3 hand poured candles in various scents Lapis lazul necklace Luna & Owl gemstone/crystal bracelet Retail value: $150
Get your chocolate delivered to you with Raven Rising top chocolate subscription Naabe Mooz! You'll receive a 12 piece box of chocolate, plus two other surprise treats sent to you for three months. At Raven Rising, Global Indigenous is our inspiration and our legacy. Our chocolates and pastries focus on traditional ingredients sourced, wherever possible, from Indigenous people and businesses in Canada and globally. We strive to offer sustainable, ethically sourced, traceable, Fair Trade, and organic ingredients. Value: $240
Medicine Song Healing & Reading Sessions can provide pain relief, amazing sleep, and answers to burning spiritual questions. For women who are feeling lost and overwhelmed (60min). What you receive: Recorded Personal Healing Song Brenda will channel a new, unique healing song for you. She turns healing energy into a distinct song, and that song is especially for YOU. You get the MP3. Energy Healing After singing your song, Brenda works with water, crystals and her hands to clear & balance your energy. This makes you feel energized & more alive, while decreasing or removing physical pain & negative emotions. Recorded Energy Reading As Brenda does energy work for you, she receives visions, sacred symbols & messages for you. You get a digital MP3 recording of what Brenda receives for you. Multiple Levels of Healing You will likely experience goosebumps, tingling sensations, visions, relaxation and/or a boost of energy as your session happens, even when done virtually. Value: $497
