The Essence of the Collection
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Artisan: Dave Verreault-Thisselmagan (Ilnu)
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Materials: Nitassinan wood, moose leather, and feathers
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Symbolic meaning: Respect, genuine listening, and harmony
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Use: Talking circles, dialogue and mediation
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Format: Large, with a strong visual and symbolic presence
Indigenous talking sticks – wisdom, respect and the spirit of dialogue
Indigenous talking sticks are sacred objects used for generations in circles of sharing, dialogue, and healing. They embody fundamental values at the heart of Indigenous traditions: respect, true listening, and freedom of expression.
In a circle, the talking stick ensures that everyone is heard without interruption. The person holding it speaks from the heart, while the others listen attentively. This simple yet powerful gesture fosters collective harmony and conflict resolution.
The talking sticks in the Signature collection are distinguished by a larger format , offering a strong visual and symbolic presence, particularly suited to ceremonial circles, gatherings and spaces for collective dialogue.
My signature as an artist – my creative process
Each talking stick I create follows the exact same artistic process. It's my signature. It's what makes my pieces recognizable, coherent, and meaningful.
I begin by personally selecting driftwood, hand-picked from the banks of the Piekuakami (Lac-Saint-Jean) or the Ashapmushuan River. These places are part of my family and cultural history. Historically, my ancestors travelled this river by canoe.
Each piece of wood is chosen for its shape, density, and the energy it emits.
The wood is then worked and adorned with 100% genuine moose leather , a material used in Indigenous crafts for millennia for its strength, flexibility and direct connection to the Earth.
I also incorporate significant natural materials (feathers, fur, symbolic elements) to imbue each stick with a presence, strength, and a particular intention.
Each stick is designed with use in mind: it must be comfortable to hold, balanced and practical to accompany talking circles, exchanges, moments of sharing and listening on a daily basis.
Finally, I hand-paint certain sticks with colors inspired by the sky, stars, and night, recalling the sacred link between Earth and Heaven.
No two talking sticks are exactly alike. Each piece is unique.
—Dave Verreault-Thisselmagan
An authentic product originating from Nitassinan
Each talking stick in this collection is handcrafted by Dave Verreault-Thisselmagan , an Innu artisan from Quebec. The materials are carefully chosen: moose leather, natural feathers, stones, and wood harvested on Nitassinan , the ancestral Innu territory.
These elements are assembled with respect for the teachings, the land, and living things. Each stick is a unique, balanced piece, imbued with meaning and crafted with intention.
The talking stick, a tool for dialogue and healing
In Indigenous culture, this communication ritual embodies wisdom, unity, and collective healing. The stick then becomes a mediator, a point of reference, and a symbol of balance between voices.
Curious to learn more? Discover how to use the talking stick in our complete guide.
