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AYA Optical’s New Capsule Features Iconic Indigenous Artwork By Ojibwe artist Donald Chretien and Is Named for Dr. Bonnie Henry and Adrian Dix

AYA Optical’s New Capsule Features Iconic Indigenous Artwork By Ojibwe artist Donald Chretien and Is Named for Dr. Bonnie Henry and Adrian Dix

Vancouver, BC – To celebrate the new year and pay homage to the past year we all lived through, AYA Optical has released a new eyewear capsule. The collection launching this week, features designs by celebrated Ojibwe artist Donald Chretien, and raises funds for the Pacific Association of First Nations Women Scholarship Fund.

The fine artwork of Donald Chretien can be found in some of the most interesting corners of North America, and now will be made available on two very wearable AYA optical frames.

Bonnie | $175 | Sizing 54-18-145

Introducing Bonnie, named for BC’s top doctor, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and Dixon, named for provincial Minister of Health Adrian Dix. Says AYA Optical Founder and President Carla D’Angelo, “I wanted this collection to pay homage to British Columbia’s top health officers.  The intelligence, strength, empathy and collaboration in leadership they conveyed during the pandemic, was absolutely inspirational, and I wanted to pay it forward”.

Bonnie is a slender, understated cat-eye that still commands more than a little attention. The style features a lightweight metal and acetate combination frame and adjustable nose pads for increased comfort and a customized fit. Bonnie is accented with the artwork of the stunning and colorful loon by Ojibwe artist Donald Chretien. The loon in Ojibwe art, much like Dr. Henry herself, is noted as a great listener and proud speaker for others.  Bonnie is available in three colour ways; matt black and shiny gold, matt blue and silver or matt purple and silver.

Dixon | $175 | Sizing 54-17-145

Dixon’s stately angles and bold brow bar are a modern take on a very retro frame, and give it an identity of its own. Durable metal and acetate combination and adjustable nose pads allow for increased comfort and a customized fit.

Dixon is highlighted with a dynamic bear design by Donald Chretien. The bear clan has significance in Ojibwe culture, as guardians of the downtrodden and extensive knowledge about plants and medicine.  Dixon retails for $175 and is available in three colour ways. Chic matte black and shiny gold, matte blue and silver, and satin red and black.

$10 from every sale of Bonnie and Dixon will got to the Pacific Association of First Nations Women (PAFNW) Scholarship fund.

About AYA Optical

Since 2003, under the Claudia Alan brand, AYA Optical has been producing one-of-a kind eyewear featuring artwork created by renowned Indigenous artists, crafted from high quality custom acetates. AYA Optical has offered a global platform for Indigenous artists to showcase their work, while giving back to the very communities that have inspired the brand. Artists who collaborate with AYA Optical are paid both a commission and royalties.

Through the sales of the AYA eyewear brand, Claudia Alan in partnership with OneXOne foundation, has been instrumental in making over 700,000 meals a reality to children who would have otherwise gone without a nourishing breakfast.

AYA Eyewear has also made product donations to many communities across North America to help elders or communities in need. AYA has worked with strong grass roots partners like, Iskwew Air in product distribution.

Most recently, AYA Optical has partnered with Pacific Association of First Nations Women in conjunction with their annual scholarship fund. “The opportunities to help and give back to those in need is one of the most rewarding things about our business” says Carla D’Angelo. The first $2500 scholarship will be awarded in March.

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About The Author

MUSKRAT Magazine

MUSKRAT is an on-line Indigenous arts, culture magazine that honours the connection between humans and our traditional ecological knowledge by exhibiting original works and critical commentary. MUSKRAT embraces both rural and urban settings and uses media arts, the Internet, and wireless technology to investigate and disseminate traditional knowledges in ways that inspire their reclamation.

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