There’s something new in the Providence Care gift shops. Brightly patterned mugs, journals, colouring books, puzzles, reusable bags and stickers now fill the shelves, and they’re all created by Indigenous artists.
“Inclusion is a strategic priority at Providence Care,” says Director of Volunteer Services Stacy Jowett. “But sometimes the priority alone can feel abstract. Including Indigenous makers in the gift shop is about making sure inclusion shows up in ways people can see and experience.”
The new gift shop products, ordered by Stacy, even include the artist’s name, their nation, and a bit of their story on the product, so people know exactly where it comes from and who they’re supporting. Shoppers are noticing.
“One woman bought three mugs, two colouring books and three stickers,” says Stacy. “She was so excited. She told me, ‘This is so fantastic, I’m from this nation,’ and pointed to one of the items. She shared how much it meant to her to be able to buy something connected to where she’s from.”
All the Indigenous items at the Providence Care Hospital and Providence Manor long-term care home gift shops are sourced through Indigenous Collection by CAP and Winn Devon. They’re a Canadian publisher that partners with Indigenous artists to share their work more widely.
“It’s important that the work is coming from the right people,” explains Stacy. “That the art is authentic and that it’s supporting Indigenous makers directly.”
Stacy has been in her role for just over a year and says she’s proud of what’s on the shelves. It reflects the kind of inclusive care environment Providence Care continues to build.
“It can’t just be something we acknowledge once,” she says. “It has to be part of what people see when they’re here, something that feels real and meaningful.”
It’s a small shift, but one that contributes to a larger effort to create culturally safe spaces where everyone can feel seen, reflected, and welcomed.