XUSI is based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Métis. It is where our brand started and where we design and print today.
What is Treaty 6?
Treaty 6 was signed in 1876 at Fort Carlton and Fort Pitt between the Crown and Cree, Assiniboine and other First Nations. Its territory stretches across much of central Saskatchewan and Alberta, including Saskatoon and Edmonton. To learn whose land you are on anywhere in Canada, Native Land Digital is a good place to start.
sâskwatôn
Saskatoon takes its name from sâskwatôn, the Cree word for the saskatoon berry. It is also the word on our blue sâskwatôn tee and green sâskwatôn tee, our tribute to the city. Read the full meaning on the Meanings page.
From the north to the city
XUSI was started by two brothers who grew up in a small reserve community in northern Saskatchewan. Saskatoon is where the brand took shape: where we design, where we print, and where you can find XUSI in person at Wanuskewin locations. See where to buy.
Why we say it
Naming the land we are on is part of how we carry our culture into the brand. It sits alongside the Cree words on our clothing and the youth workshops we bring to communities.
Shop from Saskatoon, shipped across Canada
Every order ships from Saskatoon, and Saskatoon customers can choose local pickup. Explore Indigenous clothing in Saskatoon or shop everything.
The medicine chest clause
Treaty 6 is the only numbered treaty that includes a "medicine chest" clause, promising that a medicine chest would be kept for the use of the people. Treaty 6 also included a famine clause, promising help in times of pestilence or general famine. Both are still discussed today in conversations about health care and treaty rights.
A treaty for today
Treaties are not only history. They are agreements that shape relationships between First Nations and Canada now. Many people across Saskatchewan and Alberta begin gatherings with a land acknowledgement that names Treaty 6.
Treaty 6 across the prairies
Saskatoon, Prince Albert, North Battleford, Lloydminster, Edmonton and Red Deer are all on Treaty 6 territory. We ship across the region from Saskatoon: see Indigenous clothing in Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Written by XUSI, an Indigenous-owned clothing and screen printing brand from Saskatoon on Treaty 6 territory. Our story · What the words mean