Honouring Craft, Connection, and the Land We Stand On
This weekend, something beautiful happened. What started as a quiet appreciation turned into a full-on declaration: I am now officially an Indigenous earring collector.
From three pairs to fifteen (yes, if you count my Massai treasures from San Diego too), my ears and my heart are now decked out in stories, cultures, and collaborations. One of my newest treasures? The lightest, hand-painted deer hide eagle feathers from Bruno Henry of Six Nations. Delicate in weight, powerful in spirit.
Strawberry earrings by Six Nations designer Bruno Henry, handpainted deer hide, sterling silver.
As a settler on this land, I want to take a moment to acknowledge that I live and work on the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. This land, now known as Toronto (Tkaronto), is part of Treaty 13 and remains home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. I am deeply grateful to be creating here.
Yesterday, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, I made space in my heart to honour Indigenous friends and artists whose gifts, resilience, and brilliance continue to shape this country for the better. I hope you did too.
Eagle feathers earrings by Six Nations designer Bruno Henry, handpainted deer hide, sterling silver.
Gifts are a love language for me, and now I can safely say: if you're ever unsure what to get me, an ear ornament with a story is always a yes. It’s not just about collecting—it’s about sharing, uplifting, and witnessing.
Many of the artists I spoke with this week mentioned dreams of learning silversmithing or working with gold. As someone who works daily in precious materials, I feel a tug in my spirit to help bridge that gap. Whether through collaboration, sharing resources, or commissioning work with gold findings, I would love to co-create more accessible opportunities.
Healing, for me, has come in waves—and lately, it's come through people who are deeply rooted in their own light. Artists, storytellers, and friends who remind me that even in this urban grind, beauty and connection are still possible. Since moving here alone in 2015, the journey has had its hard, scary moments. But days like this make it sweet again.
Thank you to the artists who share your work, your culture, and your time. I see you. I value you.
Stay tuned—I’ll be adding photos soon of these gorgeous pieces and the artists behind them.
With love,
Emily
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Want to follow me on Instagram? I have created a highlight under my bio dedicated to all my Indigenous and First Nations jewelry collection, to promote and elevate artists work. These pieces are from my personal collection and you can ask me to connect you with the artist, or reach out and follow them directly online!
Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/emilygilldesign
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