Native Art Retail Designs : Wachiya boutique

Clairoux has transformed Montreal’s retail landscape with the Wachiya boutique, a groundbreaking space that merges contemporary design with Cree cultural heritage. Commissioned by the Cree Native Arts & Crafts Association (CNACA), the project transcends conventional retail by offering an immersive journey into Indigenous artistry.

The design centers on a symbolic ‘visual thread’ that guides visitors through the space, while embodying the Cree philosophy of interconnectedness with nature and community. Raw materials like Cree-sourced tree trunks and a minimalist green-dominated palette create a sensory bridge between urban visitors and boreal forest traditions. Mirrors and abstract projections deepen engagement, inviting patrons to reflect on their relationship with Indigenous culture rather than passively observe it.

Completed in just three months, the Wachiya balances gallery-like reverence for craftsmanship with commercial functionality, featuring custom wooden displays that highlight beadwork, carvings, and textiles.

Image Credit: Julien Perron-Gagné