APHRODITE

The tradition lives on at Aphrodite

We are so proud to introduce the arrival of Manitobah Mukluks designed by the Canadian Metis. Through this company they continue a tradition dating back to the early 1600’s when the North American fur trade spawned the birth of a new people called the Metis. Throughout history Canada’s first peoples wore mukluks and moccasins made from the hides of the animals that sustained them. When the Europeans arrived the Metis taught them how to survive in the harsh winters and kept them alive with their traditions including their garments and footwear.

We have much to be grateful for to the First Nations people and we support them in their efforts to survive a new kind of reality that was imposed by the domination of European settlers. As John Ralston Saul asserted Canada is a Metis nation. http://reviewcanada.ca/magazine/2009/04/are-we-a-mtis-nation/

One success story comes out of Manitoba with Metis siblings Sean and Heather McCormick who established a trading post in Winnipeg where Aboriginal artists trade handmade mukluks and moccasins for the McCormick’s tanned leather skins and furs. In 1997 the McCormick’s registered a Canadian corporation and began manufacturing Aboriginal footwear. Today, they continue this tradition by combining the craftsmanship an artistry of their ancestors with modern materials to create truly timeless footwear that’s as functional as it is beautiful – stitch by stitch, bead by bead. A great boost to their image came when celebrities such as Kate Moss began wearing their mukluks:

The story continues . Have a look.

Every Manitobah product comes with a Certificate of Authenticity that outlines the role of Aboriginal companies within Canada’s economic landscape. It’s a reminder to each Manitobah customer that they have helped support a certified Aboriginal owned business.

Now have a look at some of the mukluks that you can find at Aphrodite. We are in love with them! Prices range from $195 to $250.