Indigenous book and gift store Strong Nations is shutting down its physical location in Nanaimo, B.C., but will continue to sell online.

Founded in 2010 by Terri Mack and Ken Mack, Strong Nations – considered to be one of the biggest online Indigenous bookstores in the world – offers a wide range of books, gift items, educational toys, and other classroom materials. Terri Mack, a member of the Da’naxda’xw-Awaetlala Nation, made the announcement on Twitter.

Thank you to all those who have supported our retail store. You can still find us online at https://t.co/sA51iiNBas pic.twitter.com/jtyOfaZdW6

— Strong Nations (@strong_nations) April 20, 2020

In addition to the physical store, Strong Nations also expanded its offerings to become a publisher of Indigenous authored and illustrated books. Its most recent release, I Am the Elwha, is a middle-grade lyrical story and educational guide written by Lori Peelen and illustrated by Laura Timmermans. Robert Elofson, Tribal Elder and harvest manager in the natural resources department for the Lower Elwha Klallam tribes, approved the text and provided the afterword.