About 4GC
About me, Ashley Michel - Owner & Artist of 4 Generations Creations
Weyt-k (hello),
My name is Ashley Michel and I am the Owner of 4 Generations Creations. I am a mother, full-time student (Bachelor of Education), self-taught seamstress, artist, and designer from Secwépemc from Tk'emlups Indian Band (Kamloops, BC).
4 Generations Creations started in 2013 when my daughter was born. It was important to me that I raise her in our culture and language. To me this meant decolonizing our wardrove to include traditional attire. As a single mother, I could not afford to purchase a pre-made ribbon skirt or regalia for us - so, I decided to take initiative and teach myself.
It is also important to me that my daughter and future generations have Authentic Indigenous representation. This inspired me to create designs that unapologetically take up space in this colonized world. I hope that by doing this, our children won’t be left with a feeling of “lost identity”; but instead be Unapologetically Indigenous and for others to have a better understanding of Indigenous issues and resiliency.
Currently, I have shipped over 5,000+ orders across Canada and USA. I strive to educate others through art in a positive way that sends an important message and leaves an everlasting impact. We, as Indigenous peoples, are more than our history. We are still here, we are resilient, we are strong, we are unapologetic all due to our ancestors.
- Feature in Secwepemc Life News letter: Issue 08 Indigenous Entrepreneur Profile (Feb 2022)
- Feature in BC Business: On Trend: These B.C. companies are using TikTok for marketing muscle (Feb 2022)
- Indigi News Feature: 'We need more than just words and broken promises', says intergenerational Survivor (Oct 2021)
- APTN: Trudeau called out for ‘words and broken promises’ by Secwépemc mom (Oct 2021)
- Shout Out LA: Meet Ashley Michel | Self-taught Indigenous Artist & Entrepreneur (November 2021)
- Pow Wows.com "Pop Culture and Native Style on Etsy with 4 Generations Creations" (2021)
Facilitation/Workshops/Speeches:
- Facilitator for Gitxan Nation. 30+ participants learning how to make a ribbon skirt via Zoom (May 2022)
- Speaker for "Culture in Business" (March 2022) Secwepemc Youth Conference (March 2022)
- Key Note for "Kanaka Bar Entrepreneurship Program" (January 2022)
- Speech to Trudeau (Intergenerational Survivor) during visit to Tk'emlups te Secwepemc (October 2021)
- Speaker at Thompson Rivers University, Ester's Market "Self-employment and Entrepreneurship" (Feb 2021)
- Anti-Bullying (Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society) $1,000 donated Feb 2022
- Tk'emlups te Secwepemc (215+) Approximately $750 donated 2021
- IRSSS (Indian Residential School Survivors Society) Approximately $250 donated 2021
- Canadian Women's Shelters (Various) Approximately $250 donated 2021/2022