Shop local Indigenous-owned businesses
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time for learning about, appreciating and acknowledging the contributions First Nations, Inuit, Métis people make to enrich our communities. To recognize the strength of present-day Indigenous creators and communities, we’ve put together some of our favourite local businesses from across Western Canada for you to support year round.
Before we celebrate these amazing businesses, we wanted to take a moment and acknowledge the artwork above. Traditional stories of the dream catcher tell us it originated with the Lakota and Ojibwe tribes and was adopted by some other Indigenous tribes. The circle shape represents the circle of life. The spiderweb-like netting inside the circle is meant to trap the bad thoughts of a dream and cast them out in the daytime, while the sacred feathers that hang below allow for good dreams to cascade onto you. The beads are also of significance and have a debated meaning depending on the tribe.
Freshen up your home and closet from Alberta businesses
Whether you’re hitting the gym or hiking in the mountains, family-owned and Calgary-based Bäre Activewear has everything you need to get moving. And after all that activity, wind down with Land of Daughters calming candles, aroma sprays and solid perfumes– the best part being you can pre-order their newest collection with 50% of the proceeds going to Indigenous charities. Make any outfit standout with handmade earrings, bracelets and more from Sweetgrass Crafts, traditional style accessories by artist Jillianna Hannah. Looking for a unique gift idea? Indigenous Box is a subscription, gift and custom box service shipped from amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton) in Treaty 6 territory, shining a spotlight on the amazing local Indigenous people making entrepreneurial moves. Finally, if you just don’t feel like cooking check out Tee Pee Treats Indigenous Cuisine – an Edmonton based catering company that serves contemporary foods infused with bannock dishes. You can order takeout or delivery to switch up your dinner routine.
Refresh and relax with these B.C. businesses
Summer nights just got a little cooler with Raven’s Brewing Company in Abbotsford, a local brewery that consistently wins B.C. Beer Awards for their unique flavours. And if beer isn’t your thing, you can order one of their take-home cocktail kits. Float your stress away at Chilliwack’s first float centre Luna Float. Their centre features four spacious, locally built float cabins for relaxation, stress relief, healing and rejuvenation for the mind, body and spirit. Satya, an organic skincare line made from five whole and effective ingredients does more than just nourish your skin they also fight poverty and ocean plastics with the Plastic Bank, and are 100% carbon neutral with the Great Bear Rainforest. Morning coffee never tasted so good with Spirit Bear Coffee, a 100% organic and fair trade coffee company. Whether you’re a dark roast, medium roast or K-cup brewer, Spirit Bear Coffee has the roast for you.
Get one-of-a-kind creations in Saskatoon
Indulge your sweet tooth from Ally’s Cake Creeations. This Indigenous and woman-owned business brings cakes and cookies to life with colourful designs. Cozy up with a hoodie from Auntie’s Place a local apparel company with a collection of hoodies, hats, jackets and more. Check out their collaboration with Champion by clicking here. Discover high quality Canadian First Nations original art, footwear, jewelry and more from Wanuskewin Gift Shop. You can enrich your lifestyle and living space with all the products they have to offer.
Brighten your home and your dog’s day with local businesses in Manitoba
Indigo Arrows is a Winnipeg-based home décor business that reimagines the pottery and bone tool patterns of Indigenous ancestors into modern décor. Shop pillows, linens, drum stools and more created by Destiny Seymour, an Anishinaabe interior designer. Give your canine family member a treat that they’ll never forget from The Barkery Dog Treats. This online pet treat shop prepares every treat with the freshest ingredients, while also making them nutritionally balanced to support your pet’s health.
Support the community partners that strengthen Indigenous communities
The Red Deer Aboriginal Urban Voices Society (UAVS) works collaboratively and cooperatively with governments and other organizations issues and priorities affecting the Indigenous community in Red Deer. Shaw provided a grant to expand their programming and provide virtual delivery of cultural experiences, helping to ensure Indigenous community members involved in the education system will have their voices heard and improve learning environments for youth. To recognize the inspiring achievement in Indigenous Busines and entrepreneurship throughout B.C. is the Indigenous Business Award, presented by the B.C. Achievement Foundation. Shaw has also partnered with Indigenous Works – a national social enterprise that focuses on Indigenous inclusion, engagement and relationship-building between corporations and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities for a stronger and brighter Canada. Through online inclusion training and advisory services, Indigenous Works helps members develop the knowledge, skills and strategies to forge effective workplace inclusion strategies, engagement models and productive relationships.