A Gift Guide Featuring Five Indigenous Businesses

As a Black woman living in Canada, I am aware of the fact that there is no Black liberation without Indigenous sovereignty. I am mindful of this in everything I do, and so I walk the walk. Or is it walk the talk? Either way, in my quest to achieve this and also support local businesses, I have curated a short list of Indigenous businesses in Canada. Many of these share similar values, and in their entrepreneurial ventures, they either give back to their communities or use their brands to create awareness. For those reasons, I support and share these companies as I know that their impact is far-reaching, and they are focused on achieving a triple bottom line. At the end of this article, I will include a link to a website with an even longer list that includes Indigenous businesses in the USA. However, the five I've listed below are my top picks in Canada.

1. Lil' Red Dress Project

https://lilreddressproject.ca/

The Lil' Red Dress Project produces items that are handmade in Canada. Their goal as a business is to raise money to create signage and bring awareness to the community about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. It is a family business that was established in September 2018 as a project fueled by passion and a genuine desire to make a difference.

This business aligns with the Red Dress Campaign and Installation, which seeks to inform people about the alarmingly high number of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada and the USA. Please check them out if you can to support this worthy cause. I purchased the face mask above a few weeks ago for $15, and it makes for a practical gift with a purpose. The Lil' Red Dress Project also sells enamel pins of their logo for $20.

2. Birch Bark Coffee Company

https://birchbarkcoffeecompany.com/

The Birch Bark Coffee Company was founded in March 2018 by Mark Marsolais-Nahwegahbow who is Ojibwe and a Band Member of Whitefish River First Nation located on Birch Island, Ontario. This social enterprise sells Organic, Fair Trade and SPP certified (Small Producers Symbol) coffee and each pack costs $15.99. The primary goal of this organisation is to use its profits to instigate positive social change for Indigenous families.

The Birch Bark Coffee Company has six different coffees listed on their website, and each has a name inspired by the Indigenous culture. Some of the names include Inukshuk and Dream Catcher, both of which are a medium/dark roast. If you love coffee then you will be delighted to know that there is also an ongoing deal that allows you to save 10% when you order by the case. I am not a huge fan of coffee, but I do have quite a few coffee lovers in my life. As such, I will be purchasing a pack to support the cause and adding it to a coffee-themed gift basket.

3. She Native

https://www.shenative.com/

She Native sells a range of products including leather bags, clutches and accessories as well as clothing. Their website lists three designers, Helen Oro, Devon Fiddler and Tori-Lynn Wanotch. Their products are created to share cultural teachings and ancestral values. However, their impact does not stop there. They have committed themselves to employing Indigenous women to design and manufacture their goods, involving the Indigenous communities in their design process and giving 2% of their revenue to causes that support Indigenous women.

One of their splendid designs is the leather medicine bag pictured above which costs $34.95. These bags are used in the Indigenous culture to hold spiritual objects such as sweetgrass, sage and lavender. It is meant to be worn around the neck and is available in tan, black, red, purple and navy. Clothing on the website includes sweaters, sweatpants and tops ranging from $19 to $99. If you're purchasing a gift and unsure what to get, there is also the option to get a gift card with the minimum amount being $10.

4. Indigo Arrows

https://indigoarrows.ca/

The gorgeous patterns found on the items sold by Indigo Arrows were inspired by the designer's Anishinaabe ancestors. Many of the pieces that were created by their ancestors can be found in museums today. However, this company aims to have these designs displayed in homes and not just exhibitions. By doing so, they will be able to keep these beautiful aspects of their culture alive.

The Bezhig Napkins pictured above costs $68, and its pattern is inspired by a 400-year-old elk antler scraper tool used by Indigenous families. This print can be found on a range of other items on the website including pillows, table runners, tea towels and grandmother moon mini quilts. There are also drum stools made of maple wood and a wool blanket. These are on the pricey side as they cost $910, but by the looks of it, they are priceless. Gift cards are also available on this website, and the minimum amount that can be loaded is $25. Though gift cards can be pretty boring, I do like gifting them as it allows the recipient to choose something they will definitely like.

5. Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre

https://shop.slcc.ca

The Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre was created as a means of sharing cultural knowledge of the Squamish and Lil'Wat Nations but to also inspire respect and understanding amongst all. It features a museum with marvellous historical exhibits and offers guided tours every hour on the hour. They are also known for Whistler's largest First Nations shop which is also open for online purchases.

The items sold by the shop are designed and created by First Nations artists which means the money earned is being funnelled into the local community and not being given to a huge corporation. The pieces are beautifully crafted, and the designs are impressively unique. The backpack pictured above costs $50. However, if a backpack isn't what you are looking for, you can check one of the other categories on their website, such as clothing or houseware. I am blown away by the raw talented depicted in the merchandise being sold by the centre's gift shop. There is an item here for everyone so do not hesitate to check them out whether in person or on their website.

In supporting Indigenous stores and businesses, it is important that we appreciate and not appropriate any culturally inspired items. Drawing a line between the two can be difficult at times, but it is up to us to engage in unlearning and relearning so that we are able to distinguish between the two and act accordingly. There is an informative article in the Canadian Encyclopedia titled Cultural Appropriation of Indigenous Peoples in Canada which shares examples of cultural appropriation as well as its history in Canada. Upon learning more about this topic, we will be equipped to support Indigenous entrepreneurs ethically :)

For a more comprehensive list of North American Indigenous artists and business owners, you can visit the Indigenous Arts Collective of Canada's website.

* Please note that the above prices are quotes in CAD and does not include taxes and additional fees such as shipping and handling.

I am grateful to be living and working on the traditional lands of the Xwsepsum and Lekwungen ancestors and families.