FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION – In celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, a First Nation-owned clothing and footwear store is giving back to the community.
“We’re looking to give away about $15,000 in clothing to underprivileged youth who might not otherwise have access to these items,” said Wolf Bannon, the owner of BandzonFeet.
“We just want to get the youth all geared up for the summer.”
BandzonFeet will distribute all of these items free of charge to youth under the age of 18.
“We’ve noticed a lot of Indigenous kids are really into the brands we sell,” said Bannon.
“So on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we’re giving back, not just to the youth who shop with us, but also to those who don’t. We’ve brought in a lot of mid-tier items that are still stylish and high quality.”
The giveaway includes approximately:
- 20 pairs of shoes
- 50 t-shirts
- 50 hoodies
- 50 pairs of pants
The initiative aims to support Indigenous youth from Fort William First Nation and nearby reserves.
“It’s awesome. This is the community I’m from and I grew up with a lot of the same struggles these young people are going through,” said Bannon.
“I know what it’s like to go to school without the best clothes. I just want to make a positive impression and help in any way I can.”
Bannon also encouraged community support.
“For donations, we’re pretty much open now. If anyone wants to bring anything, it’d be greatly appreciated," said Bannon.
"We wanted to do backpacks and school supplies too, but we weren’t able to this time, so if anyone has anything like that to donate, that would be awesome.”
The giveaway will begin at noon and continue until around 3 p.m. or 4 p.m., while supplies last, at their store’s location at 724 City Road on Fort William First Nation.
“We’re on the path to National Aboriginal Day Aboriginal Day, where they hold it on top of the mountain. We’re looking to kind of be like a first stop or a last stop as you come in to celebrate,” said Bannon.
