So much of what’s on-trend right now is inspired by Native American culture, and there’s a fine line between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation. If we’re going to wear, consume, and surround ourselves with things inspired by Indigenous peoples, we best be supporting their businesses directly. Shop Indigenous and vote with your dollar for a world that makes reparations.
Ahlazua
Based in Arizona, Ahlazua-Indigenous Woman Made offers jewelry, prints, stickers, and masks handmade by Artist Rykelle Kemp. I'm particularly in love with the Resist Pendant necklace crafted from sterling silver and turquoise. Imagine how badass your loved one will feel rocking this and knowing the spirit of the Mvskoke Creek Nation inspired it.
Artist Rykelle Kemp is an enrolled member of the Mvskoke Creek Nation. Her tribes include Choctaw, Euchee-Mvskoke Creek & Diné.
Is this piece sold out? We also love the Mound Builder Hand Pendant.
Indigo Arrows
One of the easiest switches to a greener home is choosing cloth napkins and towels over paper. Easy also becomes beautiful with Indigo Arrows' textiles. The pattern on their Bezhig Napkins is inspired by an elk antler tool used by Indigenous families over 400 years ago.
Artist and Interior Designer Destiny Seymour is a member of Peguis First Nation. Work is inspired by her Anishinaabe heritage.
Are these old out? We also love the Niswi Napkins, especially in white.
B.Yellowtail
Shopping from the B.Yellowtail Collective supports Native American entrepreneurs and makers and the rich heritages that inspire their work. Their Protect Her Tee is an exclusive collaboration with artist Wakeah Jhane. It's a tribute to the Indigenous matriarchs who led the way and all the mothers who made us.
Founder Bethany Yellowtail is a member of the Northern Cheyenne Nation and was raised in the Mighty Few District of the Crow Nation.
Is your size sold out? We also love the Elk-Tooth Silk Scarf. Or check out their gorgeous jewelry!
SKWáLWEN botanicals
Skwálwen Botanicals incorporates respectfully harvested botanicals, organic oils, nourishing plant-derived butters, and steam-distilled essential oils into their skincare products. We all need plant-fueled self-care now more than ever—the Kalkáy Wild Rose Face Masque is the answer. Made with hand-harvested rose and rosehip powder, French pink clay, mango seed butter and essential oils.
Maker Leigh Joseph (ancestral name Styawat) is from the Squamish First Nation.
Is this sold out? We also love the Mimts' Restorative Hand Balm.
KITá WINES
Kitá Wines transforms the warm Santa Barbara sun into elegantly-balanced wines that are sustainably produced. Gift your classy loved ones a Wine Club membership so they can sample 8 bottles (!!!), then report back to you on their favorites.
Winemaker Tara Gomez is a member of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.
XALISH MEDICINES
Plants are medicine. End of story. Xalish Medicines captures the healing powers of Mother Earth in tinctures and tonics made from Indigenous-made earth medicines and plant essences. The Vision + Spirit Tincture will help deepen your dreams to connect you with your spirit.
Maker Jacqui Wilkins is a member of the Yakama tribe.
As of December 14, their shop is closed for the season. Sign up for an email notification when they're back!
THE SIOUX CHEF
The Sioux Chef is a group of Indigenous chefs and food enthusiasts committed to revitalizing Native American cuisine through education and catering. Gift your foodie friends their inaugural cookbook, The Sioux Chef's Indigenous Kitchen, for a deeper approach to cooking.
The Sioux Chef team is made up of members of the Anishinaabe, Mdewakanton Dakota, Navajo, Northern Cheyenne, Oglala Lakota, and Wahpeton-Sisseton Dakota tribes.
This list is a teeny tiny simple of all the amazing Indigenous makers out there. Next time you're searching for a thoughtful gift, consider who you're purchasing from in addition to who you're giving to. A quick Google search for Indigenous businesses takes no time at all, but can make a big impact in supporting the diverse economy we want to see in the future.