Minding Megan

Learning how to be Meg in an uncertain world

Supporting Indigenous Businesses

This year, for Christmas, I have decided to do something a little bit different. Instead of buying online or from big brand names, I am choosing to buy Canadian–specifically, to buy Indigenous. When it comes to being fully informed on Indigenous issues, the history of residential schools and the effects of intergenerational trauma, I have a long way to go. Buying Indigenous is just one small step in the right direction, but the journey is lifelong and requires ongoing self-reflection and self-improvement. I am committed to that journey. I am only at the beginning.

 

I have done some of my own research on Canadian, Indigenous-owned businesses. This is the list that I have so far, but I will be adding to it on an ongoing basis. If you want to join me in buying Indigenous this Christmas, we can help to support a community that is overdue for recognition and support. 

 

*All image rights belong to their respective owners/creators.*

Raven Reads

Started by entrepreneur Nicole McLaren, Raven Reads acts as a call to action for Canadians of all ages. Created to facilitate the establishment and maintenance of mutually respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada, each subscription box includes a book written by an Indigenous author, a letter from the author or box curator, a printed culture card with teachings about Indigenous cultures from around the world, an Indigenous hand-made craft or art piece, and one literature themed trinket. Seasonal, bi-annual and annual subscriptions available for both adults and children.
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SheNative Goods

This company sells everything from designer bags to other clothing apparel. She Native is committed to employing Indigenous women, involving Indigenous communities and customers in design processes, sharing experiences of Indigenous female Changemakers, and giving back to causes that positively impact the lives of Indigenous women. This company, founded by Devon Fiddler, a Cree mother of two, is committed to empowering women using teachings from Indigenous Nationhood–knowing who you are and where you come from.
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Northern Images

"Northern Images is the retail art marketing arm of Arctic Co-operatives Limited, a service organization owned and controlled by 32 community-based, multi-purpose co-operatives in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Yukon... Northern Images supports and promotes northern artists and their products by marketing Inuit and Dene art and crafts in [their] Yellowknife gallery and on [their] website."
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Manitobah Mukluks

Featured in Vogue, Maclean’s, the Globe and Mail, among others, this Indigenous owned company sells Mukluks–the original winter boot. Waterproof, breathable, and with art-covered soles, these boots will help you thrive in the Canadian winters. This company also sells slippers, mitts and gloves.
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Cheekbone Beauty

"Cheekbone Beauty is an Indigenous-owned and founded, digitally-native, Canadian cosmetics company established in 2016 by Jennifer Harper. Based out of St. Catharines, Ontario, Cheekbone Beauty is known for creating high quality, cruelty-free beauty products such as liquid lipsticks and complexion products including contour and highlight palettes." With goals of zero-waste products and improving the lives of Indigenous youth, this company is dedicated to making a lasting impact.
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Sisters Sage

100% vegan, palm oil and cruelty free, this company seeks to create wellness and self-care products inspired by Indigenous culture and traditions. Selling anything from soap, salves, smudges to bath bombs, Sisters Sage offers quality, meaningful products at an accessible price point.
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Skwálwen Botanicals

"Sḵwálwen (skwall - win) is an Indigenous business creating small batch botanical skin care products. Honouring traditional Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) plant knowledge, we incorporate wild harvested plants and organic, high quality ingredients. Our wild plant ingredients are harvested in a sustainable and respectful way and each product has a Squamish name to honour the place where this plant knowledge comes from."
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TPMOCS

Rooted in Blackfoot culture, TPMOCS was inspired by a need for support within the Blackfoot community. TPMOCS works to address issues of prolific poverty among the Blackfeet nation through providing employment opportunities and resources. Offering both pre-designed and custom children's moccasins, this company sells products that every parent will love.
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Esâwa Gift & Gallery

Located in High River, Alberta, Esåwa Gift & Gallery is a family owned business selling authentic Indigenous art. A local business committed to promoting local artisans, this shop offers a range of products from traditional art to home décor.
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Mother Earth Essentials

"A Canadian-owned, Indigenous company, Mother Earth creates luxurious body and beauty products from natural ingredients and traditional recipes." Follow them on social media for their "teachingtuesday" posts, in which they address and educate on different aspects of Indigenous culture.
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