Indigenous Artists Have Received Over $1 Million Through Manitobah’s Indigenous Market Since 2012

Peter Verry
·2-min read

Manitobah has released its 2024 Social Impact Report, a deep dive on its collective efforts to positively impact Indigenous communities.

The report is broken down by Manitobah’s four impact pillars: Education for Change, Trade for Community, Art in Action and Sovereignty Through Leadership.

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In the report, Manitobah confirmed in 2024 that it crossed $1 million in contributions to Indigenous artists via its Indigenous Market. The Indigenous Market, Manitobah explained, allows artists to share their stories and products with a large audience through an online marketplace, and 100 percent of the profits goes to the artists.

Manitobah stated it has contributed $1.04 million to the Indigenous artisans community since 2012, and in 2024 alone, the market generated $200,000 in sales. The reporting period for 2024 in spanned from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024.

Also in the Art in Action pillar in the report, Manitobah confirmed in 2024 that it worked with 10 artists — who help both create and inspire new designs for its products — which included seven new artists and three returning. A total of $91,100 was paid to collaborating artists, according to the brand, who earned an average of $9,100 each.

And since 2020, Manitobah confirmed more than $440,000 has been paid to collaborating artists.

The report also revealed that the Manitobah Storyboot School, which the brand explained passes on traditional moccasin and mukluk-making knowledge through workshops, has had 1,759 graduates since 2013. In 2024 alone, there were 75 graduates.

Also, Manitobah highlighted in the report that it is B Corp certified, which it achieved in September 2023. Manitobah received a score of 89.9 on the B Impact Assessment on its first attempt at certification.

“At Manitobah, our mission surpasses profitability with a focus on creating pathways for Indigenous voices to be heard, celebrated and economically empowered,” Manitobah vice president of social impact Daman Morissette said in a statement. “This past year, initiatives like the Manitobah Storyboot School, Indigenous Market and Artist Collaborations have advanced this mission. These programs go beyond celebrating Indigenous artistry — they preserve culture, foster economic sustainability, and create lasting impact.”

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

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