Indigenous Gift Guide 2023

From the Salish Sea to to Mi’kma’ki, Indigenous artists are sharing their age-old craft. Now more than ever, these products are accessible for consumers to view, purchase and learn from. Indigenous artisans and craftspeople in Canada weave cultural traditions and modernity to create high-quality and striking goods. Indigenous merchandise sometimes integrates traditional craftsmanship passed down through Oral Traditions, or it may represent a fusion of Indigenous and non-Indigenous practices. No matter your budget or taste, shopping for Indigenous goods in Canada will leave you impressed and inspired.

Atelier-Boutique Atikuss

Slip your foot into a cosy and stylish boot! At Atelier-Boutique Atikuss in Quebec, they strive to have comfy, stylish Hopeboots, mukluks and moccasins to keep your feet warm year-round! Owner, Josée Leblanc uses traditional methods of tanning beading and weaving to make footwear and accessories. With natural materials from an environmentally-responsible hunt while supporting Indigenous women artists along the way.

Aurora Heat

Aurora Heat, located in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, produces handmade, natural and reusable hand, foot and body warmers. Each product has been from sustainably harvested and sheared beaver fur, one of the warmest and softest furs available. These hand warmers are safe, 100% biodegradable and hypoallergenic! One dollar from every product purchased is contributed to on-the-land initiatives for Indigenous youth, educators and Knowledge Keepers. 

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art

The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art is located in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. Browse the stunning collection and special exhibitions of contemporary Indigenous art of the Northwest Coast of North America. Stop at their gift shop, where you have the opportunity to purchase products that have been inspired by the artist featured throughout the gallery. This gift shop supports contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artists and proceeds from all purchases support the Bill Reid Gallery artistic and educational programs.

I-Hos Gallery

Visit I-Hos Gallery in Courtenay, British Columbia! This gallery invites visitors to view their stunning collection of traditional and contemporary Northwest Coast art. As you wander through their gallery, you will see that First Nations culture is expressed through their art. I-Hos Gallery directly deals with each artist that is featured throughout the gallery and website and that the art is authentic and one-of-a-kind.

Indigenous World Winery

Indigenous World Winery merges modern culture with Indigenous history. This world-class winery sells award-winning wine on the traditional, unceded territory of the Okanagan Syilx People. As you enjoy your glass of wine, taste the fruit of the land that has supported the Syilx people for over 10,000 years. In the last few years, they have added the Indigenous World Spirits line which includes gin, vodka and whiskey.

Moonstone Creation

Moonstone Creation, located in Calgary, Alberta, is a family-run Indigenous art gallery. Here, you can browse one-of-a-kind handmade pieces along with curated works from more than sixty Indigenous makers and artists from across Canada. Moonstone Creations also offers in-person and online classes where you can learn to bead, sew moccasins or make drums. This is a truly unique experience that you don’t want to miss!

NK’Mip Cellars

Nk’Mip Cellars, is the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America. Forever linked and inspired by the land and the culture, they offer a wide range of award-winning fine wines. With long hot summer days and cool nights, nature helped create one of the most spectacular grape-growing regions in the Okanagan. When you visit Nk’Mip Cellars, you will be surrounded by unique Indigenous art, a beautiful landscape and a stunning view of the winery.

Skwachays Lodge Hotel and Gallery

Skwachays Lodge Hotel and Gallery, located in downtown Vancouver is truly a unique experience that is making a difference. The building features a boutique hotel with eighteen stunning Indigenous-themed rooms that six Indigenous artists worked to create, a street-level art gallery that celebrates the artistic and cultural talents of Indigenous artists from around the world and an Artists in Residence program that has on-site housing and studio spaces for twenty-four Indigenous artists.

Tea Horse Teas

Tea Horse Teas is an Anishinaabe-owned business located in Thunder Bay, Ontario. They focus on health and wellness through teas, herbal infusions and wild rice. Tea Horse Teas has engaged with Elders and harvesters of the traditional plants for guidance about how they can proceed with creating non-timber forest resources initiations that will support and empower Indigenous Peoples and communities.

Transformation Fine Art

Transformation Fine Art, Calgary’s first Inuk-owned art gallery shares tradition, culture and motivation from an Inuit perspective. Owner Sophia Lebessis says “Inuit art is an extractive process, where the artist captures a freeze frame of reality in a beautiful form.” By appointment only, step back in history and enjoy the wonder of the Inuit’s imagination through the next generation of art promoters.

Raven Rising Enterprises

Located in Sudbury, Ontario, Pastry Chef Tammy Maki creates beautiful and tasty treats for the chocolate lover in your life. When possible, they use traditional ingredients that have been sourced from Indigenous people and businesses in Canada and globally. Raven Rising strives to offer sustainable, ethically sourced, Fair Trade and organic ingredients.

Raven Rising also has chocolate memberships! This is a semi-annual membership that delivers these tasty treats right to your door! This gives you the opportunity to not only support a small Indigenous-owned business but the ability to share them with others around you!