Bringing language into light

Finding new and relevant ways to remember native languages through product design.

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"I love the beauty of Indigenous syllabics, a distinctive set of symbols created to transcribe many of Canada’s Indigenous languages. But as an Indigenous woman in urban Canada, I rarely heard the language of my ancestors, let alone saw syllabics used outside of rare occurrences in museums and history books."
~ Chelsee-Marie Petitt

our origin

Every conversation starts with aaniin

aaniin Retail Inc. was founded in Tkaronto in 2021 when our founder, Chelsee Pettit, mistook geometric shapes on a passerby’s shirt as native symbols. This moment of serendipity sparked our mission to initiate conversations native languages by incorporating Indigenous Syllabics (characters that represent syllables) into our designs. 

Languages serve as a fundamental representation of culture. The way a community chooses to communicate through written and spoken words shapes their very identity. Our name, which literally means “I see your light” in Anishinaabemowin, reflects our belief that highlighting native languages is essential for preserving rapidly disappearing Indigenous culture.

Aaniin is 100% Indigenous-owned and committed to continuing this important conversation, helping everyone "see the light" through language.

We appreciate your support

Your support means everything to us. By purchasing from aaniin, you are helping us expand our mission. We believe in education and in showing the world that Indigenous culture is not just a part of history—it is alive, vibrant, and deeply woven into Canadian society.

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miigwech

Thank you