OF THE LAND—WITH THE SEASONS.
STORIED DESIGNS. ENDURING TRADITIONS.
The Walk Gently platform celebrates and honours indigenous artists and designers by sharing their work and stories—through their own voices and from their own perspectives.
By centering indigenous voices, traditions, and directives on how to live in relationship with the land, it is our hope that everyone in the outdoor community may more deeply consider the places we journey through—and those who have been caretakers of these places since time immemorial.
Arc’teryx was founded on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) people—the original and ongoing caretakers of the place now known as Vancouver, B.C., and the surrounding area.
Walk Gently invests funds and product from every collection back into the communities we celebrate.
MUSQUEAM, SQUAMISH, TSLEIL-WAUTUTH TERRITORY
"VANCOUVER, B.C., CANADA"
Drop 2 | Cedar and Salmon Collection
“These tees are inspired by the spring and summer traditions on the Coast Salish territory.”
—Cole Sparrow-Crawford
Salmon skin and cedar bark patterning honour integral aspects of Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh (MST) communities while traditional Coast Salish elements celebrate ancestral designs.
“This drop continues to serve as a love letter to the land that MST people have called home since time immemorial. Salmon and cedar have been integral to our cultural and economic heritage—and are a huge part of Coast Salish culture today.”
“When ideating for these designs, I wanted to create something that acknowledged not only the traditions in my culture but also connected the global Arc’teryx community to the brand’s birthplace in MST territory. These pieces are as much for sport as they are conversation starters.”
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xʷməθkʷəy̓əm | Sḵwx̱wú7mesh | səlilwətaɬ
Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh—the original and ongoing caretakers of the place now known as Vancouver, B.C., and the surrounding area.
The MST Nations
Since time immemorial, the indigenous peoples of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations have cared for the lands now known as Vancouver, B.C., and its surrounding areas. Despite the harmful impacts of colonialism, including the trauma of residential schools, these nations continue to thrive, advocating for their rights, preserving their cultural practices, and sharing their stories. Walk Gently is a product of these rich traditions, directly linked to the forests, rivers, mountains, and seas that surround these three nations.
Wood Carving | Jonas Jones from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation
In reference to the Cedar Bark print on the tee and the longstanding tradition of cedar carving in MST culture, we celebrate the lasting tradition of wood carving through the work of artist Jonas Jones. As a Walk Gently ambassador, Jonas continues to honour and pass down an important part of MST culture and way of life.
“We have to look at life as inspiration—each season, the beauty of the moon on the ocean floor, the rise of the sun beaming over the mountains, rainfall covering cedars.” — Jonas
Cedar Weaving | Vivian Mearns Notaro from the Musqueam Nation
From cedar hats and clothing to basket making, the practice of cedar bark weaving in Coast Salish culture is essential to the technical, artistic, and sustainable designs crafted by the MST Nations. As an ambassador for this collection, artist Vivian Mearns Notaro highlights the tradition of cedar basket weaving through her work.
“What motivates me is the ability to continue these traditions, to keep them alive and share the teachings with our younger generations.”
Salmon Processing | Myia and Tessa Antone from the Squamish Nation
Myia and Tess Antone celebrate the tradition of fishing in Coast Salish culture through the processing and canning of Salmon, as well as the tanning of Salmon skin. These are essential practices for community wellness and the continued relationship between MST people and the land, water, and animals. As ambassadors for this collection, Myia and Tess continue celebrating and passing down this important way of MST life.
“This knowledge isn’t just about sustenance; it’s about resilience, about carrying forward ways of being that have nourished our people for generations.” —Myia
“Knowing that our young ones will grow up with their traditional practices and not have to question whether they are doing things right or in a good way is what motivates me.” —Tess
WALK GENTLY
ABOUT THE ARTIST
COLE SPARROW-CRAWFORD
"Being raised by strong, resilient, and proud people in the Musqueam village has shaped all aspects of my life as an indigenous artist. The knowledge passed down from generations before me, along with my experience and insight gained in my various studies have given me a unique perspective that has informed my work in the arts, business, and decolonial practice."
Cedar & Salmon
Past Collections
Walk Gently throughout the seasons
Walk Gently
OF THE LAND—WITH THE SEASONS.
STORIED DESIGNS. ENDURING TRADITIONS.
For more Walk Gently stories, check out these articles and films.
Past collections
Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh Territory
"Vancouver, B.C., Canada”
"Inspired by the spring and summer traditions on the Coast Salish territory, this collection reflects the deep connection my people have with our land."
—Cole Sparrow-Crawford
Communities Featured
xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Musqueam | Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Squamish | səlilwətaɬ, Tsleil-Waututh
Date Released
Fall/Winter 2024
Artist
Cole Sparrow-Crawford
Cast
Alec Dan (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm)
Demetrius Paul (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm)
Faith Sparrow-Crawford (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm)
Gordon Grant (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm)
Larissa Grant (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm)
Perseis Paul (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm)
Joy Joseph (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh)
Leigh Joseph (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh)
Salia Joseph (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh)
Swo-wo Gabriel (səlilwətaɬ)
Victor Harry (səlilwətaɬ)
Walk Gently Blanket
Walk Gently Salmon Beta SL Jacket
Walk Gently Eislen Short
Walk Gently Copal T-Shirt
Walk Gently Alpha FL 30 Backpack
Walk Gently Kragg Shoe
Walk Gently Sinsolo Hat