In 1990, President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution that established November as “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Following 1990, the resolution was renewed each year, often under other names including “Native American Heritage Month.” But while the resolution was signed in the 90s, it wasn’t the first attempt to celebrate Indigenous history.
The first day to celebrate the American Indian was established by the Boy Scouts of America in 1915 at the insistence of a Seneca doctor named Arthur C. Parker. A year later the governor of New York in 1916 declared the first Saturday in May as American Indian Day. Several other states celebrated this day as well but at different times, including in the celebration of present-day Columbus Day as Native American Day.
As we celebrate and recognize the contributions Indigenous people have made throughout American history, it's important we also raise awareness about the systemic issues the community faces.
"I think COVID definitely disproportionately impacted vulnerable groups, and now is a perfect time to be kind of raising awareness of those inequities and look for creative ways to be learning more about the people that we share the land with, but also to be supporting them, whether that's through their businesses or through their other ventures," said Nicole McLaren, the owner and founder of Raven Reads, a book subscription box that focuses on the work of Indigenous authors.
With shopping deals available this holiday season, it’s the perfect time to support a Native-owned business. Daily Kos has made it easy for you to do so by compiling a list that includes all your gift-giving categories from clothing to food!
Know of any other Native-owned businesses you love? Drop them in the comments below!
The first day to celebrate the American Indian was established by the Boy Scouts of America in 1915 at the insistence of a Seneca doctor named Arthur C. Parker. A year later the governor of New York in 1916 declared the first Saturday in May as American Indian Day. Several other states celebrated this day as well but at different times, including in the celebration of present-day Columbus Day as Native American Day.
As we celebrate and recognize the contributions Indigenous people have made throughout American history, it's important we also raise awareness about the systemic issues the community faces.
"I think COVID definitely disproportionately impacted vulnerable groups, and now is a perfect time to be kind of raising awareness of those inequities and look for creative ways to be learning more about the people that we share the land with, but also to be supporting them, whether that's through their businesses or through their other ventures," said Nicole McLaren, the owner and founder of Raven Reads, a book subscription box that focuses on the work of Indigenous authors.
With shopping deals available this holiday season, it’s the perfect time to support a Native-owned business. Daily Kos has made it easy for you to do so by compiling a list that includes all your gift-giving categories from clothing to food!
Beauty
- Ah-Shi Beauty: Makeup, skincare
- Blended Girl Cosmetics: Makeup
- Cheekbone Beauty: Makeup
- Prados Beauty: Makeup, skincare
- Quw'utsun' Made: Lotion, fragrance, candles
- Shima: Soap, face scrubs
- Sister Sky: Bath acessories
Fashion: Clothing, jewelry, and accessories
- Alaskanviolet: Handmade earrings
- Beyond Buckskin Boutique: Native-made jewelry, clothing, accessories
- B.Yellowtail: Clothing, jewelry, accessories
- Ginew: Denim, apparel, accessories, jewelry
- Good Medicine Clothing: Clothing, accessories
- NagamokweCreations: Beaded jewelry
- Native Clay Co.: Clay earrings, gift baskets
- She Native: Apparel, leather bags, earrings
- ShiyooDesigns: Beaded jewelry
- Sovernly: Apparel, jewelry
- The NTVS: Apparel, accessories, art
- Trickster Company: Clothing, stationery, home goods, art
Home: Art and Textiles
- Ally McKnight: Art prints
- Eighth Generation by the Snoqualmie Tribe: Blankets, towels, accessories
- Heart Berry: Blankets, apparel, accessories
- Indian Pueblo Store: Bowls, coasters, art, jewelry
- Indigo Arrows: Pillows, blankets, tea towels
- Mahota Textiles: Blankets, pillows, bags
- Northwest Native Expressions: Baskets, art, blankets, crafts
- SageAndOats: candles, handmade gifts
- SingsInTheTimber: Art; postcards, posters
- StephLittlebird: Art prints
- Sacred Circle Gifts and Art: Puzzles, serving trays, baskets
Food and drink
- Bedré: Chocolate
- Birch Bark Coffee: Whole bean and ground coffee
- Native American Coffee: Single cup, ground, whole bean coffee, loose-leaf tea
- Native American Tea Company: Boxes of tea bags
- Native Vines Winery: Wine
- Séka Hills: Honey, wine, olive oil, nuts, beef jerky, vinegar
- Spirit Mountain Roasting Co.: Whole bean coffee
- Sweetgrass Trading Co.: Native American food and handmade products
Native Books and literature
- Raven Reads: Book subscription box
- Birchbark Books: Online bookstore, art, games
- Bird Cage Book Store: Online bookstore
- Eleanor's Bookshop: Online bookstore
- Books and Burrow: Online bookstore, home goods
Know of any other Native-owned businesses you love? Drop them in the comments below!