The iconic Indian Affairs Glasses worn by First Nations for decades are in short supply and experts are blaming hipsters, whose insatiable appetite for the spectacles shows no sign of slowing down.
“For seven months now I’ve been trying to get this prescription filled but none of the optometrists in Regina have my frames,” said Elmer Goforth, 58, from the Sagimay First Nation.
“Then I go grab an overpriced coffee at one of those cafes downtown and every damn person there is wearing them.”
Indian Affairs Glasses, known for their rectangular wire rims and uncommonly thick lenses—seemingly no matter the prescription—were once shunned as being un-stylish and uncomfortable. However, since being discovered by hipsters, they’ve become highly sought after.
It’s a matter made worse by the federal Indigenous Services department, which recently ceased production of older lines like the Chuck Strahl and Bernard Valcourt collections.
A spokesperson for the department said they are aware of the shortage and are promising to address the situation sometime after the federal election in 2019.
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