The Museum Boutique features many items honoring Nelson Mandela — Photo courtesy of Leif Norman, CMHR
At the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, even the items in the Boutique have stories that inspire.
"We are always looking for opportunities to encourage dialogue and reflection about human rights," said Tristin Tergesen, Boutique manager. "In choosing to sell socially-conscious, ethically produced and/or Fair Trade goods, we are confident that we can have a lasting impact on the lives of others.”"
According to Tergesen, "Our goal is not only to create a beautiful atmosphere for shoppers and contribute to Museum revenue, but to connect with the Museum’s mandate to promote human rights education – so we love finding these kinds of things to sell."
More than ever, consumers are choosing to use their wallets as a tool for doing good, and the Boutique is the perfect place to support both the Museum and the carefully-curated brands that are making a difference. If you can’t get there in person – which you should at least once – you can easily order online.
Here are 10 items that will have you shopping guilt-free.
"All human beings"
The Museum's signature collection features the first line of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights — Photo courtesy of Leif Norman, CMHR
Emblazoned with the first line of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights," this signature collection makes a powerful statement – literally.
Surround yourself with its empowering message in English or French on simple yet sophisticated ceramic mugs or candles hand-poured in small batches by Manitoba’s artisan candle company, Coal and Canary. All human beings will love these.
Conscious Step socks
Conscious Socks let you put your best foot forward — Photo courtesy of Leif Norman, CMHR
Partnering with a variety of charities around the world, each pair of these Fair Trade certified socks makes a difference – not just in your style but in the world.
Put your best foot forward by choosing socks that – with each purchase – plant trees, feed children, give books, fight poverty and help so many other charities. Or don’t choose and just buy a pair of each.
Not Forgotten collection
The Not Forgotten collection keeps the memory of Canada's missing Indigenous women and girls alive — Photo courtesy of Leif Norman, CMHR
There’s a haunting exhibit at the Museum dedicated to Canada’s missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and you can pay tribute to them yourself with one of these moving items from the Not Forgotten collection.
Sioux artist Maxine Noel created the memorable artwork which adorns everything from fitted T-shirts to art cards and prints to wallets. Proceeds help support the Native Women’s Association of Canada, a national voice for Indigenous women.
Reviewed.com: 25 best gifts for travelers of 2018 »
Alabaster jewelry
There's a piece of the Museum in each Concrete Alabaster Bracelet — Photo courtesy of Leif Norman, CMHR
Remnants of the alabaster used to build the Museum’s glowing ramps have been transformed into jewelry by Winnipeg artisans, dconstruct, and are exclusive to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights Boutique.
“You can actually wear a piece of the Museum,” said Boutique manager Tergesen, who got the idea on early tours of the original construction site. “We retained pieces of this stunning rock which is recognized for its healing properties, repurposed it and created a thought-provoking connection for our customers.”
Deerskin leather slippers
These buttery soft slippers benefit the Indigenous people who handcrafted them — Photo courtesy of Leif Norman, CMHR
These buttery moccasins from Manitobah Mukluks – an Indigenous-owned company – mold to the shape of your foot, and are so soft and comfortable, you’ll never want to take them off.
Made of 100% natural material and etched with a delicate floral design, each pair comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and helps support the Indigenous artists who handcrafted them.
Glass Cloud Collection
The Glass Cloud collection pays tribute to the Museum's iconic windows — Photo courtesy of Leif Norman, CMHR
The windows of the Museum are known as the Glass Cloud. Conceptualized by Antoine Predock, they resemble the folded wings of a dove, which is the universal symbol of peace.
You can wear the iconic glass cloud as a scarf or silk tie – or assemble it pane by pane in a jigsaw puzzle. The original Cloud is comprised of 1,669 panes of glass, but don’t worry, the puzzle only has 500 pieces!
Reviewed.com: 20 splurge-worthy gifts »
Peace by Chocolate
What could be better than Peace by Chocolate? — Photo courtesy of Leif Norman, CMHR
Founded by a Syrian refugee family, this chocolate company now housed in Nova Scotia makes tasty treats using Fair Trade ingredients, 100% pure fruit juices and a blend of Middle Eastern and Canadian flavors.
Yes, these handcrafted chocolates are irresistible but as it says on the box, "One peace won’t hurt."
Little Box of Rocks™ - Liberty
Little Box of Rocks pays tribute to the Museum with this curated collection — Photo courtesy of Leif Norman, CMHR
Made exclusively for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, this limited-edition Liberty box contains stones used in the building’s iconic structure, including alabaster, basalt, desert rose and clear quartz, along with a vial of wildflower seeds.
Little Box of Rocks™ is a Canadian company that curates meaningful bouquets of healing crystals based on an ancient tradition that inspires spiritual wellness. The Liberty box is a beautiful tribute to CMHR’s important message.
Canadian Birch
Feed your soul and your stomach with these treats from The Canadian Birch Company — Photo courtesy of Leif Norman, CMHR
The Museum will feed your soul, and this collection from The Canadian Birch Company will also feed your stomach.
Birch syrup, birch bacon jam and birch whiskey toffee sauce are sustainably sourced and processed from a birch estate above the shores of Lake Winnipeg. Everything is 100% natural and 100% delicious.
The Mandela Collection
The Mandela Collection cushions are hand-sewn from authentic South African shweshwe fabric — Photo courtesy of Leif Norman, CMHR
This exclusive collection features a variety of items incorporating quotes, images, stories and fabric design from the Mandela: Struggle for Freedom exhibition.
These vibrant cushions are hand-sewn in Winnipeg by the refugee and immigrant women of One Nation Exchange, using authentic South African shweshwe fabric.
A portion of each sale goes to the crafter, whose name or initials can be found under each leather cushion tag, making it a really personal and meaningful gift.