The Sioux Lookout Mug, a fun representation of the town 

Reeti Meenakshi Rohilla - Staff Writer 

The Sioux Lookout Mug that has been gaining popularity within the community in the past few months is a fun creation by artist Ashley Ann. 

“There are scenes of Sioux Lookout. So, you have the iron bridge, the water tower, also there are different boats and water activities, different fish species that are local in Sioux Lookout, there is also a float plane…and hunting images, sunset country, also just a couple pieces to major events like blueberries, cabins, also...moccasins, a traditional Ojibway shoe,” said Ann. Being a storyteller, Ann said that she has always loved sharing her ideas through writings and drawings. 

Ann said that the mug is geared towards anyone with the slightest connection to Sioux Lookout. A proud memento of Sioux Lookout for those who have spent all their lives here, and a great souvenir to take home for those who may just be visiting, this mug is for everyone, said Ann. She added, “Everybody loves the Sioux Lookout Mug, we’ve been so encouraged by how they have been received in the community, and it’s been really encouraging.” This mug is exclusively available at The Hub Roastery. 

The Hub Roastery’s Manager, Heidi Weaver said, “It came at a really good time for us because we were just in the process of trying to get different products that said Sioux Lookout on them that would be good for people who live here, but also for people who maybe lived here at one time and they moved away, or also with the tourism in the summer, especially people are often looking for gifts that say Sioux Lookout on them. And we felt like this was a really good opportunity for us to partner with them and bring something really unique that was designed locally, and also sold locally. So, we were honored that they came to us. We are excited to be the ones in town that can sell the mug.” She added, “The first batch that we got in, we got them in November (2019), we were hoping to sell them by Christmas, and we sold out in two days. So, it far exceeded our expectations and we have sold a lot of them.”

While visiting the town to give birth to her fourth child, Ann was inspired by Sioux Lookout, her first Canadian home to design this mug. Ann shared that she, along with her family, moved from The United States to Sioux Lookout calling it home for the next two years, until 2017 when they moved to Cat Lake First Nation. 

Driven to create a Christmas gift for Elders in Cat Lake First Nation, to appreciate them for who they are and all that they do to contribute to the community, Ann had previously also designed a Cat Lake Mug. 

The artist is donating 10 percent of the proceeds to Camp of the Woods Ministries. She said that they love supporting local and the ministry has been a major support, allowing their community to host their Cat Lake camp in August of each year, among other things. They have donated over $1000 and counting.