Keilhauer Commissions Original Artwork by Gitksan Artist Cori Johnson to Mark Orange Shirt Day

Original artwork honours Indigenous perspectives, with employee T-shirt sale proceeds supporting the Indigenous Arts Collective

September 30, 2026 (Toronto) – In recognition of Orange Shirt Day, Keilhauer has commissioned original artwork from Gitksan artist Cori Johnson. The artwork reflects themes of awakening, renewal and transformation, drawing on Johnson’s connection to the natural world and her Indigenous heritage.

Johnson, who was raised in the Gitksan territory in New Hazelton, British Columbia, is an Indigenous artist whose work brings together traditional Northwest Coast Indigenous art and contemporary expression. Her creative practice is deeply influenced by her connection to the natural world and the traditional knowledge passed down through her grandmother.

“Supporting the design community and making a positive impact in the broader community are important to Keilhauer, and commissioning original artwork from Cori gave us a meaningful way to reflect those values as we recognized Orange Shirt Day,” says Meghan Sherwin, President of Keilhauer. “We are grateful to Cori for sharing her art and perspective with us, and for giving our employees a meaningful way to engage with the day through her work.”

A small songbird rising from a nest represented by the feather. This is a symbol of awakening, tenderness, and self-reconstruction. Emerging from softness rather than confinement, the bird suggests that transformation can come from places of rest, vulnerability, and memory. The flowering branches surrounding it are seasonal markers representing renewal and the natural changes of growth.

The artwork will be featured on a limited-edition T-shirt available for purchase by Keilhauer employees. All proceeds from the shirt sales will be donated to the Indigenous Arts Collective, as part of a broader partnership between the organization and Keilhauer that started in 2021.

The Indigenous Arts Collective is an entirely Indigenous-led national registered charity that is grounded in cultural revitalization, healing, and restoration of Indigenous ways of being. Founded 15 years ago with a mission to reconnect displaced survivors to traditional ways of being and creating.

Through this collaboration, Keilhauer is proud to bring Johnson’s art into its workplace community and provide an opportunity for employees to support the Indigenous Arts Collective while reflecting on the significance of Orange Shirt Day.

Orange shirt day is observed annually on September 30, Canada’s National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. It honours the more than 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children who were forced to attend residential schools and to recognize the lasting intergenerational trauma caused by the system.

Cori Johnson is a Gitksan artist raised in Gitksan territory in New Hazelton, British Columbia. Her work bridges traditional Indigenous art with contemporary expression, drawing inspiration from the natural world, ancestral knowledge and the traditional art of Northern B.C. Johnson works across carving, jewellery, graphic design and other creative disciplines. Her distinctive style combines contemporary abstract forms with traditional Northwest Coast design.

For over 40 years, Keilhauer has redefined the modern workplace with thoughtfully designed furniture that balances beauty, comfort and sustainability. From our origins as a family-run business focused on quality seating to becoming a globally recognized leader in design-forward contract furniture, our mission has always stayed the same: creating furniture that’s good for people and the planet. For more information, please visit keilhauer.com.