The Story:

From Frusteration to Function

It started with a simple need: a professional bag that could fit my MacBook Pro laptop without sacrificing style. But every luxury brand I visited directed me to the men’s section. That’s when it hit me: the industry wasn’t designing for women who hold high-tech or high-powered jobs.

As a business owner in a technology-driven field, an educator, and a longtime advocate for women in tech, that realization stung. It felt like another quiet reminder that women were being boxed into smaller roles, the kind where big thinking wasn’t expected. Not for someone coding late into the night, designing 3D characters, or pushing creative boundaries that demand serious rendering power.

To make matters worse, most “luxury” options came with something I couldn’t accept: unethical manufacturing practices; the very issues I’ve spent my career in international development fighting against. The more I thought about it, the less a typical luxury brand aligned with my values at all.

So instead of settling in the men’s section, I reached out to Chris Heil, founder of Tribal Canoe and an Indigenous leather artisan from the Oneida Nation of the Thames. After many laughs and brainstorming sessions, Chris lovingly crafted a prototype that began to change the narrative.

The result is Wahotiyoɂtʌ́hsa: a handcrafted leather tote that blends sleek, timeless design with the strength and capability to carry everything a modern workday demands. A piece luxurious enough for the women it’s made for, and built with the integrity we all deserve.

About Tribal Canoe

‍Tribal Canoe is a St. Thomas-based leather studio founded by Chris Heil, a member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames. Chris is a local legend who makes lovingly handmade items, including smudge kits, belts, regalia, journals, leashes, and most importantly, purses and totes. His work emphasizes the highest quality natural materials, infused with Indigenous craftsmanship. Chris's approach is rooted in the belief that by creating something beautiful, he can spark curiosity and conversation, fostering a deeper understanding of culture through his work.

Visit tribalcanoe.ca to order