Home / Blog / Unveiling the Kebaonish Unity Box: A Tapestry of Indigenous Art and Entrepreneurship
“Tincidunt magnis eu, vitae dictumst commodo dolor in. Aen ean dictumst risus posuere a at id fermentum nibh. Luctus nunc bibendum duis egestas scelerisque.”
Website | Twitter | Dribbble
Whether you are buying or have received our Kebaonish Unity Box, you are delving into the heart of Indigenous culture and entrepreneurship by unwrapping the Kebaonish Unity Box. This box is not just a product; it's a celebration of heritage, art, and collaboration. Let's explore what makes the Unity Box a unique and meaningful offering.
Kebaonish: A Good Life and a Good Mind
A key aspect of Kebaonish's philosophy is the concept of interconnectedness between individuals and the environment.
Our goal is to assist in restoring the connections between people, land, and water that have resulted in the degradation of our planet and the loss of our cultural heritage. Through stories, Kebaonish embodies the spirit of relationships that connect people. Our responsibility as company owners is to respect the ecological rhythms of our planet and the interactions that define us as citizens of Mother Earth.
We aim to create a better future for ourselves and future generations by promoting responsibility and accountability. Inspired by the Anishinaabe principle of Mino-Bimaadiziwin (‘living the good life’) and the Haudenosaunee principle of Ka'nikonhrí:yo (‘the good mind’), Kebaonish aims to bring people together over coffee or tea to share our stories and promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
The Concept Behind the Kebaonish Unity Box
The Kebaonish Unity Box is a curated collection of items representing the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture. It's designed to bring a piece of this vibrant heritage into the homes and hearts of people worldwide.
Cree Artist Jaylene Cardinal describes her inspiration for the design of the Kebaonish Unity Box.
What's Inside the Unity Box?
You will have received your choice of Kebaonish Coffee or tea.
About our Kebaonish Coffee
Kebaonish takes immense pride in our coffee line, thoughtfully inspired by the profound messages conveyed in the Friendship, Covenant Chain, Dish with One Spoon, and Two Row wampum belts. Each coffee blend embodies the essence of these wampums, representing the values of unity, respect, cooperation, and peace that they symbolize.
Our Coffee packaging is designed by Mohawk Artist Melissa Brant (https://www.sheshighonvibes.ca/about), who worked closely with our team at Kebaonish. After creating four distinct body painting designs, Melissa was photographed by Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) photographer Nadya Kwandibens (https://www.redworks.ca/). Every piece of our branding was developed internally.
You can see how we created our packaging in the following video, which was shot at Melissa's studio in Belleville, Ontario.
Melissa Brant shares her inspiration behind Peace.
You can explore other inspiration videos at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCih5GP_VpuV1G4Uzwbe9rBA
With every cup of Kebaonish coffee, you can embrace the spirit of these wampum belts and foster a deeper connection with the world around you. It is our privilege to share these cherished traditions through our coffee line, offering a taste of unity, respect, cooperation, and peace with every delightful sip.
About our Kebaonish Tea
Kebaonish takes great pride in our Indigenous tea line, thoughtfully inspired by the Anishinaabe Seven Grandfather Teachings.
To cherish knowledge is to know wisdom;
To know love is to know peace;
To honour all of Creation is to have respect;
Bravery allows us to face a foe with integrity;
Honesty also means “righteousness.” Be honest first with yourself—in word and action.
Humility is to know yourself as a sacred part of Creation;
Truth is to know all these things.
These teachings symbolize the interconnectedness of all Creation while promoting the values of human kindness.
Each of the seven tea blends has been thoughtfully blended and bagged by hand and the packaging was designed by Mohawk artist Melissa Brant. These teas are a delight for the taste buds and a tribute to the Seven Grandfather Teachings, a set of teachings on human conduct towards others. You can learn more about the inspiration behind the packaging artwork at https://www.proudlyindigenous.com/blog-post/kebaonish-tea-packaging%3A-a-symphony-of-indigenous-artistry%2C-ecology%2C-and-tradition
Turtle Island Mugs
Our Turtle Island design is inspired by the Haudenosaunee Creation story. It pays homage to the turtle and its sacred role in shaping the land base of what is now known as North and Central America. The Turtle Island design was created by Mohawk artist Melissa Brant in collaboration with Michael Carrick.
Michael Carrick discusses the inspiration behind the Kebaonish logo.
Partnership with First Nation Bread
Bannock was first introduced to Indigenous Peoples by Scottish fur traders in the 18th and 19th centuries. Over time, bannock became a cultural staple, and it can now be found at Pow Wows, cultural events, and in Indigenous homes.
Our Unity Box features Baked Bannock by First Nation Bread, owned by Cree entrepreneurs Jaylene Cardinal and Dakota Ward. Just add water and oil, and you'll have the opportunity to taste a piece of history between European settlers and Indigenous Peoples.
Co-Branded Chocolate Bars with Donini Chocolate
Indulge in the luxurious Kebaonish Chocolate Bar, created in collaboration with Donini Chocolate. This exquisite bar is a fusion of rich flavours and cultural pride, with feature packaging designed by Cree artist Jaylene Cardinal.
This Indigenous to non-Indigenous collaboration demonstrates an example of economic reconciliation with the complementary pairing of Donini chocolate and Cree artwork. By working with Indigenous artists, we contribute to reconciliation by promoting cultural awareness and by showcasing the work of talented Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Ziibaakdakaan Maple Syrup
Sourced from Cape Croker Park, this maple syrup is a drizzle of history and tradition that embodies the essence of the land, honouring the spirit of the maple trees that it comes from. Ziibaakdakaan means "sugar bush" in Ojibwe. The Chippewas of Nawash have made maple syrup for feasting, ceremony and trade at this location for centuries. Today, Ziibaakdakaan Maple provides employment opportunities for community members and supports Cape Croker Park in Neyaashiinigmiing, Ontario. Perfect for enhancing your breakfast or adding to your culinary creations.
Nathan Keeshig, Park Manager at Cape Croker Park, explains how Ziibaakdakaan maple syrup is made.
The Impact of the Unity Box
The Kebaonish Unity Box is more than a collection of items; it's a platform for Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and products. It's an initiative that fosters economic growth within Indigenous communities and brings awareness to the rich cultural heritage they possess.
The Unity Box by Kebaonish Inc. is a testament to the beauty and resilience of Indigenous culture. It's an invitation to explore, taste, and experience the richness of a heritage with much to offer. We hope this box brings a sense of unity and appreciation for the diverse cultures that make our world so vibrant.
We invite you to share your experience with the Unity Box and join us in celebrating Indigenous art and entrepreneurship.
- December 10, 2023