Text by Nicole Keen. Image courtesy of Ella Greyeyes.

Destiny Seymour wanted to incorporate fabrics that reflect Manitoba’s Indigenous history into her design projects. The problem was, she couldn’t find any. Seymour helped fill that void by creating Indigo Arrows, a line of table linens, pillows and blankets inspired by her Anishinaabe ancestors. Now, her stylish textiles are breathing new life into 3,000- year-old patterns, liberating them from museums for everyone to enjoy.

If someone is visiting Winnipeg for the first time, where do you suggest they go? Definitely The Forks Market and, I would say, the Manitoba Museum. It’s a special place for me.

Where do you go to find inspiration? Winnipeg has a lot of great parks. There’s Assiniboine Park, with the new Indigenous Peoples Garden, and St. Vital Park.

Image courtesy of Travel Manitoba.

What’s another source of design inspiration? Most of my inspiration comes from pottery and bone tools that are uncovered in southern Manitoba.

What is one of your favourite completed projects? The Agowiidiwinan Centre for the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba. I was part of a team that helped redesign that building. I was able to incorporate a lot of the pottery patterns in the building, in the textiles, on the walls, in the windows.

What is the key to having a best-ever winter in Winnipeg? We really embrace a lot of outdoor activities. There are great places to go tobogganing, and then we have the Nestaweya River Trail, where we all go skating. There’s also an annual event called RAW:almond at The Forks. It’s an outdoor, temporary restaurant and they have different chefs that they feature.

Image courtesy of RAW:almond.

What’s the best way to create a cozy indoor space? I’m all about creating that cozy feeling at home with lots of throw blankets and pillows. And I always change out our bedding from cotton to fleece.

What do you love about being your own boss? I’m very grateful that I work closely with my dad. When I’m developing a pattern, he and I have lots of fun together. He’s very thoughtful and helps me name them all in Anishinaabemowin.