For me, the month of November officially kicks off 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 to support this holiday season and beyond!
1. Who doesn’t love a tasty treat this time of year? These delicious cowboy-themed chocolates made by the Chickasaw Nation’s very own Bedré Fine Chocolate would make the sweetest gift, pun intended.
The company makes a mouthwatering assortment of treats, from fine chocolate bars to chocolate-dipped gummy bears.
2. For coffee lovers, check out Spirit Mountain Roasting Co., founded by Tudor Montague from the Fort Yuma Quechan Nation. Montague discovered his passion for coffee as a student at the American Brewers Guild, eventually starting 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 his entire supply chain supports Indigenous people).
3. Medicine of the People, founded by partners Virginia Boone (Navajo) and Leonard Marcus (Pottawattamie), makes a beautiful selection of ethically handcrafted balms, lotions, and ointments.
I personally love the sustainably packaged balms in travel tins. The 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 mainstay year-round.
She also makes lotion, fragrances, and apparel 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 the products in this clean beauty brand come in sustainable packaging and each purchase helps to support Indigenous youth.
Their SUSTAIN lipstick is a staple in my bag because of the long-wear formula. New favorites include the SUSTAIN mascara and the complexion pencils.
6. For anyone who loves a good scent, check out Guided Flame Co. Their ritual facial mists, created by Adina Diaz (whose ancestors come from the Apache, Seri, and Opata tribes), help to recharge the energy in your space.
I like to use them on my linens but they can also be used as a body fragrance or for aromatherapy purposes.
7. A beautifully made soap is one of my go-to gifts. As mentioned in my BIPOC soap makers blog post, Bison Star Naturals and Shima’ of Navajoland make incredible bars that proudly honor their distinct cultures, and can be enjoyed by all.
8. Adorn your loved ones this holiday season while supporting Native American artisans by shopping with The Indian Pueblo Store.
They carry a beautiful selection of silver, 14k gold, and natural gemstone jewelry made by Pueblo peoples and other Southwest tribes.
9. A great book makes a lovely gift. My personal favorite to give is Braiding 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 profound gratitude for the natural world. I cannot recommend it enough.
10. A warm blanket is another gift idea that you can’t go wrong with. The folks from Eighth Generation, founded by the Snoqualmie Tribe, are the first Native-owned brand to make wool blankets.
Each of their blankets are made in collaboration with Native artists. The brand also makes apparel, towels (currently on my own wish list), and so 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 consider supporting them and other small businesses this holiday. Thanks for reading, friends. Wishing everybody peace and love! -Amanda
YAY love this post, thank you for making this list!
Definitely bookmarking this – thank you for such a thoughtfully curated post! Happy to give any and all of these companies my money and support. <3
I also recommend the beach towels from 8th Generation. I ordered them a few years ago and my fam still loves them. Large size & plush!
Thanks for this list, it is very unique! I ordered some of the balms from Medicine of the People, I’m a sucker for Palo Santo ANYTHING.
The Palo Santo Balm is so beautiful! I know you’re going to love it, Jessica. <3
So pleasantly surprised to see indigenous artists and makers represented in this space. Thanks for sharing!
PS I also recommend checking out 4kinship’s online markets and the affiliated spread love/shine light initiatives. They do a great job of promoting indigenous makers and giving back to the community. The Christmas ornaments they’re currently stocked with are beautiful
Thanks for reading Georgia and recommending 4Kinship!
Braiding Sweetgrass was an amazing book! :).
Totally amazing! I loved reading it so much and find any excuse I can to gift it too! 🙂
Boot shaped chocolate?! So freaking cute haha
I love the indigenous people representation! More please!
This is the first Indigenous brands shopping list I’ve seen – and I plan to make several purchases! Thank you!
Thanks for taking the time to read it, Sarae! Happy holidays.
Thank you!
My pleasure!
This post is so great Amanda!!! I’m off to order some coffee. xx
Thanks, Elsie. You’re going to love the coffee!
i LOVE this post! thank you for highlighting them all!
Glad you like the post, Lydia. Thanks for reading!
Good list! A related idea: I like the children’s book Ten Little Rabbits by Virginia Grossman. To borrow from Goodreads, “Weaving, fishing, and storytelling are all part of this spirited book that celebrates Native American traditions as it teaches young children to count from one to ten.” The author is not Native American but it’s a good book for my 2 year old 😊
Thanks for the recommendations, Colleen!