Why is it ok for designer’s to pick off aboriginal culture whenever they want to appear Canadian? These things, totems, inukshuk, etc are sacred to us and seeing them used as mere household decoration is insulting. This type of “modern interpretation” presents our traditions as old and outdated, and needing to be updated by someone other than ourselves. We are updating our own culture and would like to collaborate, but not this way. This is not the way and only increases the divide and distrust between our cultures. Thank you and I hope your readers will understand that this is not a bitter comment, rather it is about love and respect for all of us in this great country.

Thank you for the comment Sandu. I will not defend this work, or any of the other appropriations on the CDR ([like this](http://canadiandesignresource.ca/furniture/inukshuk-shelf/), [and this](http://canadiandesignresource.ca/logo/2010-winter-olympic-logo-ilaanaq/)). It is always my hope that the posts will generate dialogue and decrease the divide between all Canadians. With this said, and on my own personal design note, I am deeply inspired by aboriginal design, and would like to explore and apply it in my own work. How does one start this dialogue in a respectful and collaborative manner? Is there a postive way to be use it in our work (even if it is not my immediate culture)? Are first nations the only people who can be inspired by this stuff? It is such a hot spot, but anytime we try to tap first nations culture, we open ourselves up such bad emotions (even if that is not our intentions). I would love to hear the thoughts of others on this important topic. Best Todd Falkowsky

Pretty and dumb. It looks like it photographs well but the idea and actual usefulness are doubtful. Oh design, endless decorations for the well off. With this ever change?

In no way should this product be seen as insulting, to take it that way is an overreaction. I do not believe the designer was picking off aboriginal culture to appear Canadian, and was just simply inspired by it. Its use as a “fun” set of cups doesn’t present your traditions as old and outdated. It is doing exactly what is was designed to do, be a fun, and pleasing to the eye set of cups. I’m sorry you feel this way about these cups, I really don’t think they are offensive nor should they be taken as such

I think it is a beautiful set and i would love to have one myself. I agree with k, the cups don’t seem to be offensive, in opposite, it is acknowledging the past. This is how i feel.