About Bougie Birch in Ottawa, ON

Connecting communities through Indigenous knowledge and creativity.

STORYTELLING AND CONNECTION

The Journey That Shapes Bougie Birch

We are Bougie Birch — a Mohawk-owned creative business founded by Ashley Clark in Ottawa, Ontario. Our story began with a single idea: to create a space where Indigenous teachings could be shared with honesty, creativity, and care. What started as handmade DIY Dreamcatcher Kits has evolved into a growing cultural education business rooted in storytelling, artistry, and connection.

Every creation we offer carries the spirit of learning and relationship. From hands-on workshops to cultural consulting, we combine traditional teachings with modern design to make Indigenous culture accessible and meaningful for everyone. Our programs invite participants to create with purpose, reflect deeply, and understand the significance behind each craft.

At Bougie Birch, we believe that art is more than expression — it is a bridge. Through every workshop and experience, we honour the values of respect, reciprocity, and relationship, connecting people to story, land, and community in a way that uplifts and unites.

Our Mission

Our mission is to make Indigenous cultural learning accessible, authentic, and inspiring. We use creative expression as a tool for understanding, reconciliation, and connection. Each program, workshop, and product is developed with care to honor Indigenous knowledge while fostering curiosity and respect among participants.

We are committed to supporting schools, community groups, and organizations that want to integrate cultural education into their spaces. Every Bougie Birch experience is designed to empower participants to learn the “why” behind Indigenous teachings — blending creativity with cultural integrity.

Guided by Indigenous worldviews and the principles of reciprocity, we ensure that every detail — from materials to instruction — reflects the respect and intention these teachings deserve.

MEET OUR TEAM

We are passionate about advancing reconciliation through our products, workshops and services.

Woman with long brown hair, wearing glasses, smiling brightly.

Ashley Clark,

Founder & CEO

Woman wearing a grey headband and black jacket, facing forward.

Valerie Babiy

Lead

Woman with dark hair, bangs, smiling, wearing a black shirt with gold zippers and dangling earrings.

Laura Fuentes

Woman with dark hair smiles, wearing a red shirt, inside a white circle.

Elida Demarce

Our Team & Expertise

Led by founder and creative director Ashley Clark, our team embodies passion, professionalism, and purpose. As a proud Mohawk entrepreneur, Ashley brings years of experience in cultural education and facilitation, ensuring every Bougie Birch experience is guided by authenticity and care.

Our team collaborates with educators, community leaders, and cultural advisors to design programs that are both enriching and respectful. We take pride in our partnerships across Ontario — including collaborations in Ottawa and Toronto — to share Indigenous artistry and knowledge in meaningful ways.

We are not just artists or educators — we are storytellers, facilitators, and learners. Every member of our team approaches their work with humility and gratitude, ensuring that participants leave with a deeper appreciation for Indigenous culture and creativity.

Bougie Birch continues to grow because of the trust and support of our community. Together, we are building a legacy of understanding — one workshop, one creation, and one connection at a time.

Driving Inclusion Through Art and Dialogue

Artistry and educational impact are at the core of our enterprise. We design our workshops and products to be catalysts for positive social change. By integrating art into our educational model, we make complex concepts accessible and engaging for all audiences. This approach sparks dialogue, promotes inclusion, and helps organizations meet their corporate social responsibility objectives. We are committed to generating lasting, tangible results for all our clients and partners.

Commitment to Our Community

As a social enterprise, our success is measured by the positive impact we have on our partners and the broader community. Our base in Ottawa, ON, allows us to serve the local area with highly relevant and accessible programs. We are not just a service provider; we are a partner in your reconciliation journey. We look forward to creating meaningful connections and inspiring a greater celebration of Indigenous teachings with you.