Our Story | Naokah Designs

Welcome to Naokah Designs! Our modern Indigenous family is the inspiration to create a lifestyle brand that puts Indigenous peoples at the forefront of modern, authentic and fresh designs. 

Naokah means "Northern Lights | Aurora Borealis" in Sahtuót'įnę Gokedé, the language of one of Northwest Territories' Indigenous Peoples, in Northern Canada. Born and raised in the NWT - we are a family of Sahtú, Tłı̨chǫ, English Dene. We are currently residing in Ontario, and we gratefully acknowledge that we reside and operate on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Mississauga Anishinaabeg Territory.

Naokah Designs is an urban Indigenous brand that showcases how both Indigenous peoples and Indigenous allies can be “Strong Like Two People.” A Tłı̨chǫ Elder, Chief Jimmy Bruneau, first came up with this concept, and later on Tłı̨chǫ Elder, Elizabeth Mackenzie, interpreted this as a person being strong in two cultures, the eurocentrism worldview and the traditional, ancestral worldview. This means we can all proudly wear this brand, to show support, unity and understanding of Indigenous peoples. 

Alison and her family launched Naokah Designs with a simple goal: to change the narrative - Indigenous peoples are not stuck in the past, we are here living it up, in cities, on reservations, in remote communities. We want you to take ownership over the clothes you wear, that will showcase your pride, love, respect and tradition. We are an inclusive brand, not Indigenous? Our creations are made for everyone to wear and enjoy. We believe that fashion should be both fun and effortless.

Masi Cho (thank you very much) for supporting our small business and making our dreams come true. Our customers "light up" our world.  

Hi, I am Alison!

Passion meets purpose at Naokah Designs! 🌿 As a proud mama of five and founder of this Indigenous-inspired online boutique, I pour my heart into creating unique apparel that celebrates our rich culture. With a background in Fashion Merchandising & Retail Management and an honours degree in Indigenous Studies, I've combined my education with my love for design to bring you high-quality, customized pieces.

Located in the beautiful province of Ontario, our office space serves as the hub for creativity and innovation. Each garment is carefully crafted to honour and preserve our traditions while embracing modern style. We believe that fashion can be a powerful form of self-expression and cultural pride.

Join us on this incredible journey as we weave stories through threads, one stitch at a time. Thank you for visiting Naokah Designs - where Indigenous heritage meets contemporary fashion. 💫

FAQ

What is your shipping policy?

We ship via Courier (Purolator/UPS/FedEx) and Canada Post Expedited Mail  We process your order as soon as we receive it and do our best to ship within 3-5 days. (Sometimes quicker). Please ensure you are shipping to a secure location as once the item is delivered it is your responsibility. 
Lettermail shipping is sent WITHOUT tracking.

Do you offer free shipping?

Free Shipping is offered on orders over $150, before tax. We are unable to adjust this promotion, and please understand as a small business, we do our best. Shipping is expensive and when we offer free shipping, we have to ensure order minimums are met.

I like my styles but they don’t fit!

We accept returns on regular priced merchandise within 14 days of receiving your order - unless you're purchasing a custom item - whereby all sales are final.

All items applicable for return or exchange must be unwashed, unworn, and in original condition with tags.

Shipping fees are to be covered by the customer. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you want to do an exchange, you'll have to pay an additional shipping fee to receive the new apparel.

Sale items purchased are final sale. 

Do you offer bulk orders?

Yes, we do offer bulk orders! Whether you need a large quantity of a particular product or multiple items for an event or business, we can accommodate your needs. Please let us know the specific products and quantities you are interested in, and we will be happy to assist you further.