KARHÁ:KON - 2019 Signature line is now here!

Inspired by the brilliant tree stands of Six Nations territory, home to one of Canada's last large stands of eastern Carolinian forest, the "KARHÁ:KON - In the Woods" line was created to both pay homage, and bring awareness to the need to remain vigilant as stewards to Canada's eastern woodlands. 

While the "Carolinian zone" is less than 0.25% of Canada’s landmass, it is home to 40% of all of Canada’s plant species, 67% of Canada’s terrestrial reptiles, and half of all Canada's bird species. Six Nations Territory, at roughly 46,000 acres, is one of the 3 largest remaining carolinian tree stands; Walpole Island First Nation and Algonquin Provincial Park are two others.

The first feature of our 2019 signature line "KARHÁ:KON- In the Woods" is the pristine white Birch tree. Watena'kehtá:rons in the mohawk language, Birch is a classic silvery beauty in the winter landscape of the carolinian woodlands of eastern Canada and the United States. Birch tree stands can be found grouped at the edge of the woods, brilliant slivers of white against the grey-brown trunks of the winter woods, where the sunlight is at its brightest in the carolinian canopy. Birchbark has traditionally been used by women among the Haudenosaunee as a medicine to aid in the contraction of her uterus after giving birth among many other uses when properly prepared by the medicine people.

As Six Nations people we are proud of our stewardship of this precious forest whose canopy once populated the Grand River watershed nearly entirely. The watershed is currently home to nearly 1 million people; intensive agriculture takes up 70% of the watershed area. Today the Grand River's watershed sits at approximately 19% forest canopy coverage, when it is suggested that 30% coverage is required to maintain the watershed's bio-health. More information on conservation efforts can be found through the Grand River Conservation Authority.