Arc’teryx Celebrates Indigenous Culture With Walk Gently Platform
Looking to the Squamis, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.
The Canadian brand Arc’teryx is known for its affinity for high-performance outdoor apparel and equipment. But even though it’s already a recognized world brand, that doesn’t stop it from continuously innovating and evolving. One of its latest projects looks to celebrate Indigenous culture with the launch of its Walk Gently platform.
Looking back into history, Arc’teryx was founded on the territories of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, which is now British Columbia, the city of Vancouver and select neighboring areas. So with the new endeavor conceptualized by Musqueam designer and artist, Cole Sparrow-Crawford, Walk Gentlly seeks to amplify the voices and traditions and Indigenous people – taking a special look at their practices of living with the land.
For the Walk Gently launch, Sparrow-Crawford and Arc’teryx crafted a special seven-piece collection inspired by the Indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest’s Coast Salish region. “Inspired by the spring and summer traditions on the Coast Salish territory, this collection reflects the deep connection my people have with our land” said Sparrow-Crawford. “From the water to the mountains, our way of life has been embedded in this place—our traditions born from the landscapes. These designs were created to honor that connection.”
Inside the collection is a limited-edition Beta Jacket, Walk Gently Blanket, Kragg Shoe, shorts, tees and a backpack. Take a look at the new offering in the gallery and video above.
Arc’teryx’s new Walk Gently collection is available now in-store at Arc’Teryx New York, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles and Boulder.