For me, November officially heralds the holiday season AND November is also Native American Heritage Month.
To celebrate this important time, I wanted to share a list of indigenous brands and artists who are supporting this holiday season and beyond!
1. Who doesn’t love a treat this time of year? Made by Chickasaw Nation’s Bedré Fine Chocolate, these delicious, cowboy-themed chocolates are the cutest gift ever.
The company makes a delicious selection of goodies, from fine candy bars to chocolate-dipped gummy bears.
2. For coffee lovers, check out Spirit Mountain Roasting Co., founded by Tudor Montague of the Fort Yuma Quechan Nation. Montague discovered his passion for coffee as a student at the American Brewers Guild and eventually started his own company in 2015.
The company’s delicious organic coffee comes in six varieties from around the world and is packaged in biodegradable bags (and its entire supply chain supports indigenous peoples).
3. Medicine of the People, founded by partners Virginia Boone (Navajo) and Leonard Marcus (Pottawattamie), makes a beautiful selection of ethically produced balms, lotions and ointments.
Personally, I love the sustainably packaged balms in travel tins. The Palo Santo Balsam and the 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 Laurens Quw’utsun ‘Made, is perfect for the Christmas season and a mainstay all year round.
She also makes lotions, fragrances, and clothing inspired by ancestral knowledge, including her own Quw’utsun ‘/ Cowichan heritage.
5. For a makeup enthusiast, check out Cheekbone Beauty. Created by Jenn Harper with her Anishinaabe roots in mind, all of this clean beauty brand’s products come in sustainable packaging and every purchase helps support indigenous youth.
Your SUSTAIN lipstick is an integral part of my bag thanks to its long-lasting formula. The new favorites include the SUSTAIN mascara and the complexion pencils.
6. For those who love a good scent, visit Guided Flame Co. Your ritual face mists, created by Adina Diaz (whose ancestors are from the Apache, Seri and Opata tribes), will help recharge the energy in your room.
I like to use them on my bed linen, but they can also be used as a body fragrance or for aromatherapy purposes.
7. A beautifully made soap is one of my favorite gifts. As mentioned in my BIPOC soap maker blog post, Navajoland’s Bison Star Naturals and Shima ‘make incredible bars that proudly honor their diverse cultures and can be enjoyed by all.
8. Decorate loved ones this holiday season as you support Native American artisans by shopping at the Indian Pueblo Store.
They carry a beautiful selection of silver, 14k gold, and natural gemstone jewelry made by the Pueblo peoples and other tribes of the Southwest.
9. A great book is a great gift. My personal favorite to give away is Braid sweetgrass: indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge and the teachings of plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.
This book is so beautifully written. After reading it, I was left with deep gratitude for nature. I can’t recommend it enough.
10. A warm blanket is another gift idea that you can’t go wrong with. The people of Eighth Generation, founded by the Snoqualmie tribe, are the first indigenous brand to make wool blankets.
Each of their blankets is made in collaboration with local artists. The brand also makes clothes, towels (currently on my own wish list), and many other beautifully designed pieces.
This is just a short list of so many incredible indigenous brands and artists. There are so many others. Please remember to support them and other small businesses on this holiday. Thanks for reading, friends. Wish everyone peace and love! -Amanda
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