Ensures fair living wage for producers
Discloses the community being impacted
Reduces the environmental impact
Created using handcrafted methods
Reduces/Reuses/
Recycles resources
Recycles resources
Made out of responsible materials
Avoids use of chemicals or toxic materials
Biodegradable or environment friendly
Established in 2022, Its All Folk stands as a beacon of social innovation, currently making waves in Western Arunachal Pradesh, India. With a profound vision, the brand is dedicated to rekindling craft economies rooted in the unique ecologies and identities of the Eastern Himalayas. Its mission is to champion the use of yak fiber and honor the legacy of loin loom weaving, crafting new avenues of income for both weavers and the yak-herding Brokpas of the Monpa community. In the scenic Community Conserved Areas of West Kameng district, Its All Folk mobilizes herders and weavers through two impactful collectives – The Brokpa Collective and The Dangnga Collective, propelling a transformative narrative in artisanal empowerment. All this is achieved while championing sustainability, using only fully cotton handloom, naturally dyed fabrics, and eco-friendly materials for accents. Its All Folk is not just a brand; it's a narrative of conscious craftsmanship and community revitalization.
Purpose
In Arunachal Pradesh over 60% of the forests are safeguarded and owned by local communities, empowering these guardians is pivotal for sustained conservation efforts. Born from this imperative, The Dangnga Collective emerges, a beacon of hope in two community-conserved villages. Through the artistry of traditional loin loom weaving and the creation of the Dangnga, a cherished shoulder bag by the Monpa women, this collective becomes a linchpin for livelihood security and environmental preservation. Each product of the Dangnga Collective bears the name of a native species, embodying not just a commitment to biodiversity but also serving as a poignant narrative tool. This unique approach not only raises awareness about endangered species but also highlights the delicate symbiosis between local inhabitants and the region's diverse flora and fauna, showcasing their role as stewards of precious biodiversity. The Dangnga Collective stands as a powerful catalyst for cultural resilience and a transformative path toward sustainable development.
People
The Dangnga Collective, comprising 23 skilled women from two community-conserved villages, underwent training in product diversification and basic sewing techniques, aiming to keep the entire supply chain within their community. Setting a remarkable standard, the brand ensures wages 28% higher than the government-determined daily wage in Arunachal Pradesh. Crafting every product with precision, the collective utilizes 100% natural cotton, azo-free colors, and traditional loin loom weaving, expertly stitched by the women of the Dangnga Collective. Beyond being a source of sustainable livelihood, this initiative fortifies economic resilience, empowering these women to safeguard both their cultural heritage and the natural treasures of Arunachal Pradesh.
Planet
The brand's mission is to revolutionize community-based conservation in the Eastern Himalayas, fostering alternative livelihoods through traditional craft-making to produce 'forests and rangelands-friendly' artisanal treasures. Operating in two community-conserved villages in West Kameng, the brand pioneers alternative income avenues for the indigenous Monpas, entrusted as stewards of Eastern Himalayan forests. The overarching goal is to diminish community reliance on environmentally detrimental practices for economic prosperity. Remarkably, every product within the Dangnga Collective is not only 100% plastic-free but also crafted from pure cotton, handwoven on a loin loom. The entire carbon-neutral weaving process, complemented by azo-free dyes and a locally rooted supply chain, minimizes operational footprints, embodying a commitment to sustainable practices.