In early November 2020 I stumbled across a facebook group that had formed to help connect Indigenous women/women identifying artists/creators/beaders/chefs/writers/etc with those looking to purchase gifts with meaning for that holiday season. The name expanded from by dropping the “holiday” qualifier and is now “Shop Indigenous Women’s Market.” Covering all of Turtle Island, the breadth and scope is amazing. Beaded jewellery, moccasins, ribbon skirts (and ribbon shirts), soaps and lotions, dream catchers, horn, you name it and someone can make it for you.
It’s amazing to think I remember when there were less than 8 – 10,000 members in the group. And now there are close to 79,000!
I thought I would share some of the people I have met through the page, some things I’ve purchased and also some stuff I’ve learned. Because of my love of cross-stitch and embroidery, I’ve been quite taken by the beauty and intricacy of beadwork. So I have tried to learn a little and will be sharing some of that too.
But for now, here’s how it all started. An exchange with my mother that I posted in the group in December 2020:
Me: the bread wreath is from an Indigenous baker in Sudbury.
My mother: How did you find wreath bread from an Indigenous baker in Sudbury?
Me: well, I found this group on FB; and I found lots of lovely things. I bought some lip balms for our stockings (from BC), and some chocolates and a bread wreath (Sudbury) and that necklace I wear a lot now from an Inuk creator who is now in the Maritimes I think. And I bought three pairs of earrings from someone else in BC and a seal cuff from the NWT. Whew.
My mom: sounds lovely dear. And like you’re broke.
Me: yep! both! I hope it sticks around after the holidays.
Links to the people/shops in the exchange above:
The “Indigenous baker” who also makes the most amazing chocolate – https://www.ravenrising.ca/
BC lip balms – in gorgeous flavours (I love earl grey and Q loves summer love) – https://blackbirdholistic.ca/
My ulu necklace was made by Iviok Akoak – https://www.instagram.com/inuk.barbie/?hl=en
The earrings I mentioned were made by Georgia May Creations – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1716209265193558
And the amazing seal cuff from Inuk 360 – https://www.inuk360.com/
I just fell in love with the idea of buying directly from the person who made the thing. And a little bit of knowing there were only a certain number – or maybe just one – made. Though thankfully the lip balm is still around so I can buy more! (Our friends’ kids all got a special edition Orange Shirt Day lip balm from Black Bird Holistic in their Hallowe’en treat bags)
And it also hit all those feel-good points that you need around the holidays: buying locally, buying sustainably, supporting women, supporting women-owned businesses, supporting Indigenous women, supporting Indigenous-owned businesses, knowing where your money goes, and so on. In short, I’m glad I found it and will be sharing some of things I bought and people I’ve met (some of whom I am lucky enough to now consider friends).