About Us
We are members of the Anishinabe‘s culture and Canada’s oldest teepee manifacturers.
We offer full teepee packages and accessories for everything you need, and we supply replacement poles and covers.
Tony Solomon - Giwise Inini
Tony Solomon feels fortunate to be born the son of strong traditional and spiritual parents in Shebaunoning (known as Killarney, Ontario). The teachings and work of his father Art Solomon, national aboriginal award recipient, and his mother Eva Pelletier had a very strong influence on Tony’s life in the fields of traditional teachings, spirituality, and arts and crafts. Growing up under his parent’s guidance in their culturally based environment sensitized Tony to these values.
During his childhood, Tony was struck with awe every summer as neighboring villagers from Wikwemikong and Manitowaning, Manitoulin Island, arrived in Shebaunoning to camp for the summer in their Teepees. They came to harvest traditional foods throughout the summer.
That lifestyle fascinated Tony as he met and interacted with friends and relatives in the camp. Inspired by his father, Tony has continued to explore that fascination as an adult. His acute interest in the culture of the
Teepee is based on his roots as an Anishinabe (Ojibway) man as well as his lifelong interest in Anishinabe art forms.
At the age of thirteen, after receiving his Spirit name Tony became extensively involved in Native community public affairs, including the three-year leadership of a teenage troupe of powwow dancers.
He went on to work in the Indian Hall of Fame at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. At the time this was the largest national Native exhibit featuring live artists at work, contemporary and historic art exhibitions, and portrayals of famous native people in history. Tony began as a teenage guide and eventually became coordinator of the exhibit, a position he held for three years.
Tony has lived a very adventurous, self-styled life and worked a variety of occupations including rancher, systems analyst for Crown Zellerbach, commercial fisherman, building contractor, adult education consultant, and entrepreneur. Each job has involved an extensive commitment of his life thus providing Tony with a vast background of knowledge and experience.
As aboriginal organizations have developed over the past forty years Tony has always been involved in some way, large or small, in the support of efforts to meet the needs of Native people.
Tony Solomon - Giwise Inini
Tony Solomon feels fortunate to be born the son of strong traditional and spiritual parents in Shebaunoning (known as Killarney, Ontario). The teachings and work of his father Art Solomon, national aboriginal award recipient, and his mother Eva Pelletier had a very strong influence on Tony’s life in the fields of traditional teachings, spirituality, and arts and crafts. Growing up under his parent’s guidance in their culturally based environment sensitized Tony to these values.
During his childhood, Tony was struck with awe every summer as neighboring villagers from Wikwemikong and Manitowaning, Manitoulin Island, arrived in Shebaunoning to camp for the summer in their Teepees. They came to harvest traditional foods throughout the summer.
That lifestyle fascinated Tony as he met and interacted with friends and relatives in the camp. Inspired by his father, Tony has continued to explore that fascination as an adult. His acute interest in the culture of the
Teepee is based on his roots as an Anishinabe (Ojibway) man as well as his lifelong interest in Anishinabe art forms.
At the age of thirteen, after receiving his Spirit name Tony became extensively involved in Native community public affairs, including the three-year leadership of a teenage troupe of powwow dancers.
He went on to work in the Indian Hall of Fame at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. At the time this was the largest national Native exhibit featuring live artists at work, contemporary and historic art exhibitions, and portrayals of famous native people in history. Tony began as a teenage guide and eventually became coordinator of the exhibit, a position he held for three years.
Tony has lived a very adventurous, self-styled life and worked a variety of occupations including rancher, systems analyst for Crown Zellerbach, commercial fisherman, building contractor, adult education consultant, and entrepreneur. Each job has involved an extensive commitment of his life thus providing Tony with a vast background of knowledge and experience.
As aboriginal organizations have developed over the past forty years Tony has always been involved in some way, large or small, in the support of efforts to meet the needs of Native people.
Tony has spent his life focused on Aboriginal Cultural Identity and Preservation, with a keen interest in Native Arts and Crafts. In general, he has avoided direct involvement in politics, and he has no intent on venturing into that field. In more recent years his focus has sharpened in on cultural rejuvenation.
Having traveled North America many times, Tony has visited most camps offering Teepee rentals and camp-outs. From this experience he became aware that there is a dire need for a more accurate portrayal of his culture.
Recognizing this need, Tony was moved to apply his aggregate business skills and knowledge. With his powerful background in the fields of traditional teachings, Native Philosophy and Native Spirituality he developed a business, Mukwa Teepees that manufactures authentic Anishinabe Teepees of the highest quality as well as the artistic accoutrements of his culture.
Tony has been charged with passing on his wisdom of traditional teachings and Teepees in culturally appropriate ways. He provides a variety of successful educational programs for all age groups.
The objective of his popular Teepees at School curriculum is to break down myths, misunderstandings and stereotypes that have developed historically as a result of the reporting from various media. This interactive, ‘hands on’ curriculum allows students, teachers and parents to experience aspects of the true native culture of nations originating east of the Rocky Mountains.
He has, in the past, presented a series of adult educational cultural classes, entitled Native Traditions at Langara College in Vancouver.
Tony leads Cultural Camps for all ages to share authentic Native North American cultural experiences with the public.
His sharing of the technology, etiquette, and customs in the use of Teepees and related artifacts supports aboriginal communities helping them to be in touch with their roots.
Elders recognize the validity of the knowledge being shared as it serves to strengthen their culture and their community.
Creativity manifests through Tony. He is also an award-winning designer of exquisite Native style buckskin shawls and jackets and vests for men and women. His signature collection of garments has moved the spirits of many. These pieces are alluring works of art for the body, carried proudly by the wearer. Under his label, Great Bear Fashions, Tony has been invited to exhibit and share his designs in top shows all over North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and Russia.
Tony Solomon is a renowned speaker, leading his customized cultural programs, passing on his experience and knowledge of traditional North American culture, philosophy, and Native arts and crafts all over the world. He currently lives and works from Vancouver, Canada. He invites you to contact him by telephone at: 604-727-4340 or
by email at: tony@mukwateepees.com
Website: www.mukwateepees.com