“Little Ancestors” 18 oz. Signature Mug Designed by Artist Jackie Traverse

“Little Ancestors”

18 oz. Signature Mug

Designed by Artist Jackie Traverse

Authentic Indigenous Art
Artist: Jackie Traverse
Cultural Background: Anishinabe, Lake St. Martin First Nation

In many Indigenous cultures, the term little ancestors is a profound and somber term used to refer to the thousands of Indigenous children who died while attending residential schools and never made it home to their communities. The term honors their memory and acknowledges their rightful place among the esteemed ancestors, despite their young age at the time of death.

Key aspects of this meaning include:

Honoring the deceased: The use of “ancestors” for children recognizes their spiritual significance and acknowledges that their lives were unjustly cut short by the residential school system.
Acknowledging historical truth: The term is often used in the context of Truth and Reconciliation, serving as a reminder of the dark history and ongoing legacy of residential schools and other colonial policies designed to assimilate Indigenous peoples and disrupt their family structures.
Spiritual connection: In Indigenous worldviews, ancestors are often considered integral, active members of the community and the spirit world, offering guidance and a source of strength. Referring to the children as little ancestors integrates them into this relational model of ancestry, ensuring they are not forgotten and are connected to the living community members and future generations.
Promoting healing and justice: Honoring these children as little ancestors is a part of the healing process for survivors and communities, as they fight for justice and the return of their loved ones’ remains to their home communities.

The term is also used in a broader cultural context to refer to the “little people” in some Indigenous folklore, who are powerful spirit beings that live along riverbanks, in caves, or in forests. These “little people” are respected figures, sometimes seen as tricksters, but the specific term “little ancestors” is primarily used in reference to the residential school children.

This unique Little Ancestors Signature Mug features Authentic Indigenous Art by artist Jackie Traverse
With the artist’s signature on the inside of mug
Fine China Mugs are 18 oz. (560ml) capacity
Individually boxed for protection
The artist’s biography on the back of the box
The indigenous artist’s name, tribal affiliation, and title of the design appear on the box

Jackie Traverse’s beautiful artwork can be found in many different products, such as Art Cards, Art Prints, Mugs, Bags, Journals and more!

AUTHENTIC INDIGENOUS PRODUCT:

Each Signature Mug features authentic indigenous art and the artists or copyright holders are paid a royalty on each sale

CAPACITY:

Mugs are 18oz. (560ml)

MATERIALS:

Made of fine china, Ink

DIMENSIONS:

Item Size: 14 x 10.5 x 11.5 cm
Item Weight: 425g
Box Size: 15 x 12 x 13 cm
Box Weight: 530g

CARE:

Dishwasher and microwave safe

DELIVERY:

Items in stock will be shipped as soon as possible
Backordered Items may take 3 – 4 weeks to ship out

Designed in Canada

These Signature Mug Products are available in over 70 additional designs by various Artists

For more information about Indigenous Artist Jackie Traverse

A Great way to support Indigenous Artists!