The winter giving season is almost upon us and this year we have no shortage of reasons to treat ourselves and our loved ones.
When we buy from local Indigenous creators and makers, we are supporting other Indigenous families to flourish!
Here’s a local Indigenous giving guide curated with the faces of each makers’ family in mind!
Indigo Arrows, owned by Anishanaabekwe Destiny Seymour, creates small batch textiles with gorgeous traditional pottery and bone tool patterns.
I have a few Indigo Arrow pieces in my home, and can speak to both their beauty and durability.
Indigo Arrows also honors the ethic of reciprocity in their work by donating some of the profits from their products to support young Indigenous girls and two-spirit youth at Ka Ni Kanichichk’s Butterfly Club.
Website: https://indigoarrows.ca
I am a kokum-level tea drinker, so I take this next suggestion very seriously. When I need extra nourishment, I reach for teas and self-care products from Medicine Garden Society.
Their teas, bath and body products are blends of lovingly harvested, traditional medicines like sage, sweetgrass and muskeg tea.
Cedar bath bombs from Medicine Garden Society would make the ideal gifts for the people in your life who need a little extra encouragement to find time for their own rest and relaxation.
When you make orders from Medicine Garden Society, you are supporting Dana Connolly, a mother of two and an advocate for Indigenous families in Winnipeg.
Keep warm this chilly season in hoodies from Akiska Clothing’s Indigenous street wear line with beautiful images from artist and Sundance chief David Blacksmith.
Let’s be real, lounge wear is a wardrobe necessity this year. Being able to support an Indigenous family that also gives so much of their time and love to the spiritual wellbeing of our communities is a major bonus!
Website: https://akiskaclothing.ca
IG: @AkiskaClothing
Caneu Creation’s jewelry are always craft market favorites and their newly-launched snap-backs are sure to be very popular. Just because we can’t physically head to our favorite markets, doesn’t mean we can’t continue to support makers like Candace Neumann – artisan, Indigenous birth-worker and emerging academic.
With natural elements like sweetgrass and stone, and etched-metals with “deadly auntie” script, Caneu Creation’s items make the perfect gift, especially for the extra-auntie in all of us.
Their new “Ever Sacred” hats will be all over powwows and community gatherings when we physically gather again!
IG: @CaneuCreations
Mark your calendars, 2021 is SURE to be better! To capture all your special dates, order calendars from Indigenous maker Chantal Daniels.
With beautiful images from Indigenous brand + web designer Bloom + Brilliance, and empowering messages from Chantal, these calendars will look gorgeous in your space and help you not miss a thing next year!
When you buy calendars from Chantal you support a big beautiful family with kids in a wide range of activities. Chantal has adapted her work career to support her daughter’s medical needs but continues to work from the heart. She also has an exciting monthly opportunity coming for Indigenous women!
Website: ChantalDaniels.com
With gorgeous styles and fun names like “Skoden”, Rez Gal lashes, owned by Brandi Woodhouse from Pinaymootang First Nation, has taken Indigenous social media by storm.
Rez gal lashes would make a super fun gift for all your glam friends and fam.
When you make an order from Brandi not only are you about the Bouie Native life, but you’re also supporting a mother of three.
Website: rezgal.com
Red Road Clothing offers hoodies and t-shirts with designs by Crissy Slater, who is a powwow dancer, entrepreneur and mother of six.
Each design reflects Crissy’s unique creative style and deep connection to Indigenous ways of being.
Website: https://redroadclothing.com
Instagram: @clothingredroad
Let Kinanaskomitin Skirts be your first stop for custom ribbon skirts and neechi-style face masks!
Owner Sarah Delaronde, comes from a long line of makers and beaders. She carries that knowledge in her blood as she creates items for you and your loved ones.
When you order from her, you’re not only supporting a single mother of two children but a graduate student.
Instagram: @kinanaskomitinskirts
I am team Beads over Diamonds, and when it comes to beaded accessories, J.D.M Creations, always catches my eye!
Their long Thunderbird beaded-earrings are breathtaking! They also do stained glass work and seasonally make Christmas ornaments.
When you make an order from J.D.M Creations, you are supporting the family of Geri McPhearson, who is a mother and an advocate for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls.
Raising the Revolution
This last one is personal. I’m so excited to give you all the first glimpse at my very own brand, Raising the Revolution, inspired by my entrance into motherhood.
Stay tuned for the launch of our very limited edition launch!
Website: tashaspillett.com
I’d love to be included next year!
Marsi!
I finally found a website to save and share with my fb f&f’s , have been looking for on-line x-mas shopping sites that deliver to all area codes.
How do I find out the prices?