For me, the month of November officially begins the holiday season And November is also the month of Native American heritage.
To celebrate this important moment, I wanted to share a list of indigenous brands and artists to support these holidays and beyond!
1. Who doesn’t love a delicious treat at this time of year? These delicious cowboy themed chocolates made by Chickasaw Nation itself Bedré Fine Chocolate would make the sweetest gift, pun.
The company makes a delicious assortment of sweets, from thin chocolate bars to chocolate-dipped jelly beans.
2. For coffee lovers, take a look Spirit Mountain Roasting Co., founded by Tudor Montague of the Quechan Nation of Fort Yuma. Montague discovered his passion for coffee when he was a student at the American Brewers Guild, and finally started his own business in 2015.
The company’s delicious organic coffee is presented in six varieties from around the world and is packaged in biodegradable bags (and its entire supply chain supports indigenous people).
3. People’s Medicine, founded by partners Virginia Boone (Navajo) and Leonard Marcus (Pottawattamie), makes a beautiful selection of ethically handmade balms, lotions and ointments.
I personally love it sustainably packaged balms in travel cans. Palo Santo balm and Greasewood ointment are also personal favorites.
4. When in doubt, candles are always a good gift idea. The tobacco-scented soy candle, made by Arianna Lauren’s Quw’utsun ‘Made, is perfect for the holiday season as well as a year-round pillar.
She also makes lotions, fragrances and garments inspired by ancestral knowledge, including her own Quw’utsun ‘/ Cowichan heritage.
5. For a makeup enthusiast, take a look Beauty of the cheekbones. Created by Jenn Harper considering her Anishinaabe roots, all products from this clean beauty brand come in sustainable packaging and every purchase helps support Indigenous youth.
Theirs SUSTAIN lipstick it’s a staple in my bag because of the long-lasting formula. New favorites include the SUSTAIN mascara and the leather pencil.
6. For anyone who likes a good smell, take a look Guid Flame Co. Their ritual facial mists, created by Adina Diaz (whose ancestors come from the Apache, Seri and Opata tribes), help recharge the energy of your space.
I like to use them on my sheets, but they can also be used as a body fragrance or for aromatherapy purposes.
7. A well-made soap is one of my gifts. As mentioned in mine BIPOC soap dishes blog entry, Bison Star Naturals i Shima ‘of Navajoland make amazing bars that proudly honor their different cultures and that everyone can enjoy.
8. Decorate your loved ones this holiday season while supporting Native American artisans by buying them The Indian Pueblo Store.
They carry a beautiful selection of silver jewelry, 14k gold and natural gemstones made by peoples and other southwestern tribes.
9. A great book is a beautiful gift. My personal favorite is giving away Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge and plant teachings by Robin Wall Kimmerer, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.
This book is very well written. After reading it, I was left with a deep gratitude for the natural world. I can’t recommend it enough.
10. A warm blanket is another gift idea you can’t go wrong with. The people of Eighth Generation, founded by the Snoqualmie tribe, are the first local brand to make wool blankets.
Each of its blankets is made in collaboration with local artists. The brand also makes clothes, towels (currently on my own wish list) and so many other well-designed pieces.
This is just a short list of so many amazing indigenous brands and artists. There are so many others. Consider supporting them and other small businesses this holiday season. Thanks for reading, friends. Wishing everyone peace and love! -Amanda
