Imagine walking into a boardroom where even the chairs tell a story of reconciliation.

That vision inspired the creation of the Waaban Chair—the first ergonomic office chair in Canada to integrate Indigenous design with Canadian manufacturing. More than just a seat, it’s a statement of inclusion, culture, and purpose in the spaces where decisions are made.

A Collaboration Rooted in Purpose

The Waaban Chair is the result of a meaningful collaboration between eSupply Canada, a 100% Indigenous-owned distributor, and ergoCentric, one of Canada’s leading ergonomic furniture manufacturers. It began with a simple but powerful question posed by eSupply Canada: What does reconciliation look like in the workplace?

The answer is found in the chair itself.

Designed and built entirely in Canada, the Waaban Chair weaves Indigenous culture and symbolism into modern professional environments—offices, boardrooms, and classrooms—ensuring that Indigenous identity is not only acknowledged, but visibly embedded in the places where leadership and innovation happen.

Design with Cultural Significance

At the core of the Waaban Chair’s design is the art of Tracey Metallic, a Mi’gmaq artist from Listuguj, Quebec. Metallic’s internationally recognized designs blend traditional Mi’gmaq motifs with contemporary style, transforming the chair into a statement of identity and resilience. From the patterned fabric to the subtle details, every element of the chair’s look serves as a reminder of Indigenous presence.

Even the name “Waaban” carries deep meaning. Derived from Anishinaabemowin, waaban means “the dawn” or “morning light,” symbolizing a new beginning. It signifies a shift toward inclusion and hope – a future where Indigenous culture is not peripheral or symbolic, but an integral part of the places where we work and make decisions. In essence, the Waaban Chair brings the spirit of a new dawn into the workplace, reminding all who see it that reconciliation and inclusion are daily commitments, not just ideals.

Ergonomic Excellence, Canadian-Made Quality

Beyond its cultural significance, the Waaban Chair is a high-performance ergonomic chair built for comfort and durability. It’s constructed on ergoCentric’s award-winning airCentric 2 platform – a proven design known for its superior support and adjustability. Users will find features like a patented back height adjustment, multi-tilt controls, and breathable foam cushioning that make long work days comfortable. In other words, the Waaban Chair delivers the same top-tier ergonomic comfort trusted by many of Canada’s leading organizations, while also making a bold visual statement. And because it’s made in Canada with quality materials and craftsmanship, you can count on lasting performance. This chair is as functional as it is meaningful, seamlessly blending modern comfort with Indigenous design.

Procurement with Purpose: A Chair That Gives Back

eSupply Canada’s mission is Procurement with Purpose – the idea that everyday purchases can create positive change. The Waaban Chair exemplifies this philosophy in action. Every aspect of this product is designed to deliver impact beyond the office walls. Here’s how choosing the Waaban Chair means buying with purpose:

• Supporting Indigenous Business: When you purchase a Waaban Chair, you are buying from eSupply Canada, a 100% Indigenous-owned company. This advances Indigenous procurement goals and supports Indigenous entrepreneurship, helping communities thrive through business growth.
• Showcasing Indigenous Artistry: Each chair displays authentic Indigenous artwork by Tracey Metallic, bringing cultural visibility into workplaces. It’s a daily show of respect and inclusion, sparking conversations about Indigenous culture and reconciliation.
• Investing in Local Craftsmanship: The chairs are produced domestically in partnership with ergoCentric. Your purchase supports Canadian manufacturing and jobs, proving that you don’t have to compromise on quality or comfort to uphold your values.
• Contributing to Indigenous Education: $20 from every Waaban Chair sold is donated to Indspire, a national Indigenous-led charity that funds post-secondary education for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students. This means each chair directly helps empower the next generation of Indigenous leaders through education.

In short, the Waaban Chair is more than just a chair – it’s a tangible expression of reconciliation and social impact. By choosing it, organizations turn a standard office purchase into a meaningful gesture of solidarity and change. This aligns with eSupply Canada’s broader Procurement with Purpose initiative, which encourages businesses to redirect everyday spending into actions that build stronger communities and drive reconciliation. The Waaban Chair makes that idea real and practical, one seat at a time.

Bringing the Waaban Chair to Your Workplace

Unveiled to enthusiastic response at a national gathering of Indigenous leaders, the Waaban Chair is now officially available to order exclusively through eSupply Canada. Whether you’re outfitting a home office or an entire department, you can be among the first to bring this symbol of renewal and inclusion into your space. Bulk and institutional purchasing options are available for organizations that want to make a widespread impact.

Bring the spirit of “the dawn” into your workplace. By choosing the Waaban Chair, you’re not only investing in top-quality ergonomic furniture – you’re also making a statement about the values of your organization. Embrace this opportunity to infuse purpose into your procurement. The Waaban Chair invites you to sit in comfort, stand for inclusion, and be part of a new beginning in workplaces across Canada.

Ready to bring the Waaban Chair into your workplace? Send us a message to reserve yours.