Designing the BeaverTag: A Tribute to Canada’s National Symbol
In Honour of the Beaver’s 50th Anniversary as Canada’s National Symbol
Fifty years ago, the beaver was officially recognized as a national symbol of Canada. More than just an emblem, this industrious creature represents resilience, ingenuity, and the spirit of building something greater. In celebration of this milestone, we created BeaverTag — a Canadian-made leather keychain, bag charm and more, that pays homage to this national icon.
Why the Beaver? Why Now?
The beaver has long been woven into Canada’s cultural, ecological, and economic fabric. From the fur trade that helped shape the early economy, to its ecological role in wetland restoration today, the beaver symbolizes more than heritage. It embodies purpose.
As environmental awareness grows, so does our appreciation for nature’s engineers. Beavers are now seen as powerful allies in ecological conservation, helping mitigate floods, reduce wildfire risks, and restore biodiversity. The BeaverTag celebrates this legacy and evolution.
The Story Behind the BeaverTag
The idea for the BeaverTag™ began taking shape about six months ago. At Maple Beaver, we have always been inspired by symbols that reflect Canada’s spirit and identity, such as the maple leaf and the beaver. When we learned that 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the beaver’s designation as Canada’s national symbol, we knew it was the perfect moment to create something meaningful to honour it.
Our first thought was to design a beaver-themed T-shirt, since apparel had been our main focus. But the more we explored, the more it felt that the beaver deserved something lasting, something that could capture both its heritage and its contribution to Canada’s story. We wanted to create a piece that Canadians could proudly carry, one that would stand for craftsmanship, sustainability, and national pride.
That direction became clear after reading The Beaver Manifesto by Dr. Glynnis Hood. Her words deepened our appreciation for the beaver as an ecological hero and a symbol of resilience. She also noted that while she had received countless “beaver” products over the years, few were actually Canadian-made or truly connected to the spirit of the animal. Most were mass-produced abroad, with little authenticity or meaning.
That insight changed everything. We realized that the BeaverTag needed to be more than an accessory—it had to be a statement. A symbol of heritage, a reflection of care for the environment, and a way to give back to the ecology that the beaver helps sustain. Out of this vision, the BeaverTag was born: a handcrafted, full-grain leather creation made entirely in Canada, designed to be both functional and meaningful.
Studying the Tail: Nature’s Design Marvel
Our design process began with a deep dive into beaver anatomy, specifically its iconic tail. We visited museums, analyzed taxidermy specimens, and even consulted Dr. Glynnis Hood, a renowned beaver ecologist, to understand the tail’s ridged texture, shape, and function.
What emerged was more than just a design — it was a tribute. The tail isn’t merely an appendage; it’s a symbol of balance, strength, and communication. Capturing this in a small, everyday object like a key tag was both an artistic and technical challenge.
From Concept to Craft: The Making of BeaverTag
Every BeaverTag is handcrafted in Canada from full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather, which ranks among the top 10% of leathers in the world. Our commitment to local craftsmanship and eco-conscious production runs through every step:- Design Mapping – Sketches inspired by real beaver tails were digitally refined and 3D tested.
- Tooling & Die Creation – A custom embossing die was created in Canada using CNC machining to precisely mimic the tail’s texture.
- Leather Cutting – Only premium cuts of full-grain leather were selected and shaped by hand.
- Stamping & Detailing – Each piece is individually hand stamped and cut for precision craftsmanship
- Hand Stitching – Stitched with waxed thread using saddle-stitching techniques for strength and longevity.
- Finishing Touches – Edges are burnished, hardware is attached, and the BeaverTag is packaged in sustainable, Canadian-made boxes, that are screen-printed with water based ink to make it envriomentally friendly.
Beyond Utility: A Gift and a Statement
- Occasion gifting - holiday, birthday, anniversay, etc.
- Corporate gifts with meaning
- Souvenirs and keepsakes for visitors
- Milestone moments for proud Canadians - graduation, wedding, first car etc.
Our Pledge: 5% for Canadian Ecology
We believe in giving back to what inspired us. That’s why 5% of all BeaverTag profits support Canadian ecological conservation efforts — particularly those that protect wetlands and support beaver habitats. When you carry a BeaverTag, you carry a cause.
Carry a Piece of Canada
Whether gifted or kept, the BeaverTag connects people to Canada’s past, present, and future. As the 50th anniversary of the beaver as Canada’s national symbol reminds us — some symbols are worth celebrating, preserving, and passing on.
