5 Ways to Support Indigenous Small Businesses This Holiday Season
5 Ways to Support Indigenous Small Businesses This Holiday Season
Have you been thinking about ways YOU can personally contribute toward reconciliation? Believe it or not, there are plenty of things you can do right from your own home. And this holiday season, your seemingly unimportant holiday purchase decisions can make a different too. Instead of giving your hard-earned money to Amazon or big box stores, you can use this opportunity to show support to small Indigenous businesses around Canada.
1. Check out an Indigenous business directory and pick something that suits your needs. Shop online or visit them locally in person.
Shop First Nations has an easy-to-navigate searchable directory, organized by categories of services.
Other similar directories are:
Image Source: Wabanaki Maple Syrup
2. Get together with your loved ones at local Indigenous-owned cafes and restaurants
Hopefully you are getting together with loved ones for the holiday season in a safe manner this year. Instead of going to your usual spots, why not try something new? Do a google search for your local Indigenous specialty cafes, restaurants, or bakeries. The food is delicious, and you are helping make their holiday season so much better!
Check out these links to find your spot if you are in BC, or Metro Vancouver.
Image source: Kekuli Café Indigenous Cuisine
3. Getting outside and reconnecting with nature instead of buying more
If you want to make a shift from material gifts to experience-based gifts this year, why not consider gifting an experience that allows you to get closer to nature while learning about your environment told from a different perspective. There are many Indigenous-led eco-tour options such as the ones listed below.
Image source: Aboriginal Eco Tours
Image source: Okanagan Indigenous Music and Arts Society
Support emerging Indigenous artists by exploring and gifting their music to your friends and family this year. Support the artists directly by purchasing from their own website or bandcamp. Many small business owners who make jewelry and artwork use social media platforms to sell their products. Search Instagram using hashtags such as #nativebling, #indigenousart, #nativebeadwork and #beadedjewelry. You can use an online directory such as the Inuit Art Foundation to find galleries and artists that you may be interested in.
5. Use Your Social media power
If you enjoy the gift, the food and the experience, snap and share pictures and give these businesses a great review on social media.
Finally, share this blog and encourage your friends and family to do the same and support Indigenous businesses this holiday season!