Thread from my Instagram: one example of how to effectively evaluate and challenge a brand that culturally appropriates from Indigenous peoples 😬

Spoiler: this has an unexpectedly good ending!
1) the brand - VINTA gallery. Pictured - their most popular pieces, all of which are named as Ifugao and are said to be “inspired by” Ifugao people and culture. Note that the founder is not Ifugao, has not been there, and often tours being “ethically sourced from the Philippines”
1) the brand - VINTA gallery. Pictured - their most popular pieces, all of which are named as Ifugao and are said to be “inspired by” Ifugao people and culture. Note that the founder is not Ifugao, has not been there, and often tours being “ethically sourced from the Philippines”
1) the brand - VINTA gallery. Pictured - their most popular pieces, all of which are named as Ifugao and are said to be “inspired by” Ifugao people and culture. Note that the founder is not Ifugao, has not been there, and often tours being “ethically sourced from the Philippines”
1) the brand - VINTA gallery. Pictured - their most popular pieces, all of which are named as Ifugao and are said to be “inspired by” Ifugao people and culture. Note that the founder is not Ifugao, has not been there, and often tours being “ethically sourced from the Philippines”
2) my open letter to her, as well as an update. Basically, using my personal knowledge to challenge what she means by ethical sourcing and asking the most important question - how do the Ifugao benefit? And will you change your business model if they dont’?
2) my open letter to her, as well as an update. Basically, using my personal knowledge to challenge what she means by ethical sourcing and asking the most important question - how do the Ifugao benefit? And will you change your business model if they dont’?
2) my open letter to her, as well as an update. Basically, using my personal knowledge to challenge what she means by ethical sourcing and asking the most important question - how do the Ifugao benefit? And will you change your business model if they dont’?
2) my open letter to her, as well as an update. Basically, using my personal knowledge to challenge what she means by ethical sourcing and asking the most important question - how do the Ifugao benefit? And will you change your business model if they dont’?
3) the update: I heard (not from her directly) that she is in contact now with the Ifugao org I suggested she source form instead, and will donate to the IPED center (pictured), which is dedicated to educating Ifugao youth on the culture! đŸ„ł
4) I am so used to being loud and then being subsequently dismissed by the likes of kampeonco. I fear identity gaslighting as Igorots have from 4 Waves tattoos.

But today? Today gave me hope that speaking truth to power isn’t a waste of my time or energy
Maybe, just maybe, we are all ready to radically reimagine a world where Indigenous peoples are celebrated, honored, and can ethically sustain themselves and our cultures!
Okay honestly, her taking action is great and all but there’s no bigger win than one of my cousins in Ifugao telling me I’m doing a good job đŸ„șđŸ„șđŸ„ș I’m soft đŸ„șđŸ„ș family means so much to me, esp when I’ve grown up away from them, so making them proud means everything to me
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