You know we’re down for a holiday shopping moment. And while we are fully ready to deep dive into this frenzy of fun, we also wanted to take a moment to highlight the importance of ensuring our purchases are in support of cultural appreciation, rather than appropriation—the harmful, yet all too common practice of taking aspects and elements from another culture for personal gain, be it profit or pleasure, without permission from the people you’re taking it from or even understanding the elements you are taking—which is disrespectful, promotes stereotypes, and diverts money away from those who actually do belong to the culture and are creating genuine products. It’s also a practice Native and Indigenous artists and cultures experience often, making it that much more important to educate ourselves on the difference.
Eighth Generation, an art and lifestyle brand owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe, has written a great, in-depth article on this topic that you can find here. Give it a read, and as you begin your shopping, we encourage you to focus on making ethical purchases rooted in cultural appreciation by paying attention to where and from whom you are buying, taking the time to understand the significance of what you are buying, and supporting and celebrating Native- and Indigenous-owned businesses. Here are a few of our favorites to get you started.
Bison Coffeehouse–3941 NE Cully Blvd
Instagram: @bisoncoffeehouse
A seriously cozy spot that also happens to be Portland’s only Native-owned coffeehouse. All products sold are from Native and local vendors, they prioritize community advocacy and support, AND their baked goods are all made in-house.
Tattoo 34–4035 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Instagram: @tattoo34pdx
For tattoo lovers everywhere. BIPOC-, woman- and family-owned, Tattoo 34 is the first and only Oregon tattoo shop holding a Minority/Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) Certification. An inclusive space of talented artists that support the community through donations, their referral page offering information about BIPOC and multilingual artists, and their Associate Tattoo Artist/gift card program.
Wapato Island Farm–15115 NW Gillihan Rd
Instagram: @wapatoislandfarm
Organic, ethical, and regenerative, this woman-owned business also has an apothecary filled with medicines made practicing folk herbalism and using plants grown either on the 32-acre farm or wild in Oregon. They hold skill-sharing workshops and herbalism consultations, and are dedicated to supporting and uplifting BIPOC communities, reimagining food systems to promote food sovereignty, and tending to, honoring, and protecting the land.
Rose Alchemista
Instagram: @rosealchemista
A woman-owned, organic, and botanically focused skincare apothecary offering a whole host of “farm to face” products that can be purchased online, allowing you to bring the spa experience straight to the friend you know will love it.
Aesthete Tea
Instagram: @aesthetetea
Aesthete Tea is a Portland-based, QBIPOC- and woman-owned, mother/daughter collaboration focused on community connection and conscious living. They specialize in some of the most lovely tea, though, looking through their online shop is a bit like taking a walk down a virtual path of magical goodness and we just cannot get enough. You can shop through their online store or check their Stockists page for places to buy in town.
Eighth Generation
Instagram: @eighthgeneration
Guided by their tagline, “Inspired Natives™, not Native-inspired,” and through their Inspired Natives® Project and Decolonizing Partnership Model, Eighth Generation works to ethically support Native entrepreneurs by increasing their business capacity while also educating the public on the impacts and costs of cultural appropriation. They are the first Native-owned company to ever produce wool blankets (which are absolutely stunning), and offer a wide variety of items in addition, making them the perfect place to shop for most everyone on your list. If you find yourself in Seattle, be sure to check out their flagship store in Pike’s Place Market!
Ginew
Instagram: @ginew_usa
Portland-based and the first Native-owned denim collection, Ginew creates small-batch, heirloom-quality goods influenced by their cultures and family, including elements of both in each piece. Using durable and sustainable materials, they are committed to responsible manufacturing, ardently refusing to make use of exploitative practices during the course of production and continually working to support the Earth, land, and people involved. In addition to online, you can shop some of their collection at MadeHere on NW 10th Ave.
Trickster Company
Instagram: @trickstercompany
Trickster Company is run by a brother and sister team of artists who started out designing skateboards and sporting equipment and have now expanded to offering clothing, jewelry, fine art, and home and paper goods (including wrapping paper!). They work with the intention of promoting diversity within the community, seeking to make wares that can both act as cultural items for modern Indigenous people and be used and appreciated by non-Native folks without appropriation. And for your mailing needs, the Raven Story stamp, equal in value to the current First-Class Mail® one-ounce price, was designed by Rico and is offered exclusively through them.
While we love these sellers and artists, this list is barely a drop in the bucket. For even more Native- and Indigenous-owned businesses around Portland, check out the Mercatus Buy Native Guide, which includes products, restaurants, artwork, and services and should be bookmarked immediately for year-round referencing.
ALSO, if you’re looking for a kickass place to do some shopping, My People's Market is happening at The Oregon Convention Center from 02-03 December. Held twice a year in partnership with Travel Portland, the market is free to attend, includes a whole host of activities and entertainment for the whole family, and features a ton of seriously amazing BIPOC vendors. Trust us—you DON’T want to miss it.