Black Friday Done Right
November is National Native American Heritage Month! Throughout the month of November, the diverse cultures, histories, and traditions of Native Americans are celebrated. Today is Native American Heritage Day, which falls on the same day as Black Friday. Sadly, the celebration of Native American heritage is overshadowed by the sales and shopping opportunities of Black Friday. This holiday season, it is important to be less focused on navigating Black Friday and more each other. However, if we are going to shop on this notoriously indulgent day, it is crucial to keep in mind that it is Native American Heritage Day and give back to Indigenous people of this country. In this feature, we have compiled a list of eleven incredible sustainable Native American and Canadian designers and brands that should be on everyone’s radar!
Who Are They: 4KINSHIP is a Diné (Navajo) owned artwear brand. Sustainability and reusability are rooted in the mission of this brand, creating sustainable, handmade, one of a kind products.
Price Range: $$$$
Fun Fact: 4KINSHIP founded the Dził Asdzáán, meaning Mountain Woman, which is a Command Center that has provided meals, reusable masks, and hand sanitizer for their community.
Sequoia
Who Are They: Sequoia is an Indigenous brand that is fully owned and operated by Indigenous women. All their products including soaps, candles, and bath bombs are ethically sourced and sustainable.
Price Range: $$$
Fun Fact: Michaelee Lazore, the founder of Sequoia, was driven to create this company since she was unable to find local products or products made by an Indigenous company.
ThunderVoice Hat Co.
Who Are They: ThunderVoice Hat Co. is a hat brand that carries on the ancestry of Native fashion. Each hat is repurposed and creatively crafted to communicate a story and purpose.
Price Range: $$
Fun Fact: ThunderVoice Hat Co. conducts a Community Hat Week where they celebrate five hat makers in their community. Community Hat Week is normally in the beginning of the year!
Patricia Michaels
Who Are They: Patricia Michaels is an eco-friendly one-of-a-kind couture brand. Each piece tells a story and embodies Native American and European culture.
Price Range: $$$
Fun Fact: Founder, Patricia Michaels, has become a forerunner in the fashion industry for practicing cultural sustainability.
Warren Steven Scott
Who Are They: Warren Steven Scott is a Canadian contemporary designer who created his own label, Warren Steven Scott, in 2018. His deigns convey modern fashion while providing an Indigenous perspective.
Price Range: $$$$
Fun Fact: Warren Steven Scott’s collection known as Sissy will be part of the inaugural Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto!
Faherty
Who Are They: Faherty is a family owned business that is driven by sustainability and community. As part of their mission for sustainability, the materials they use are sustainable, recycled, and ethically sourced. Furthermore, they partner with Indigenous designers and Native led non-profit organizations.
Price Range: $$$
Fun Fact: Faherty conducts a series of events referred to as Sun Sessions. These sessions provide the space for people to be inspired and feel connected.
LESLEY HAMPTON
Who Are They: LESLEY HAMPTON is an Indigenous owned Canadian clothing brand that is entirely led by women! This sustainable and size-inclusive brand believes in giving back to the community and provides support through partnerships and mentoring opportunities.
Price Range: $$
Fun Fact: LESLEY HAMPTON, founder of the brand, created the Lesley Hampton Award which will be given to an Indigenous student with a passion for upholding Indigenous culture and art.
EMME Studio
Who Are They: EMME Studio is a an Indigenous owned clothing brand based in New York that is committed to social and climate justice. Founder, Korina Emmerich uses colors and designs that reflect her Indigenous heritage.
Price Range: $$
Fun Fact: Korina Emmerich is on the board of directors for The Slow Factory Foundation and is a community advisor for Indigenous Kindship Collective.
Evan Ducharme
Who Are They: Evan Ducharme is an Indigenous owned and eco-friendly clothing brand that focuses on authenticity, identity, and Indigenous culture.
Price Range:
Fun Fact: Founder, Evan Ducharme, is a co-host of Fashion Hags podcast!
MARIA SAMORA
Who Are They: MARIA SAMORA is an ethical and sustainable luxury jewelry brand. This family-run business is rooted in culture, creativity, and natural beauty.
Price Range: $$$
Fun Fact: MARIA SAMORA uses 100% recycled gold and silver for their pieces!
Cheekbone Beauty
Who Are They: Cheekbone Beauty is an Indigenous owned cosmetics company dedicated to community and sustainability. As part of their commitment to sustainably, they are a member of the PACT Collective which is an organization that works with members of the beauty industry to produce the best sustainability practices. They are also partnered with One Tree Planted, giving customers the opportunity to plant a tree with their purchase from Cheekbone Beauty!
Price Range: $$
Fun Fact: Cheekbone Beauty partners with other Indigenous brands to create a Seasonal Give Box with each purchase!
There you have it, the list of eleven Native American and Canadian designers and brands!
While it is a time to celebrate Native American heritage and support Native American businesses, it is also a time to learn, educate and bring awareness to Native American tribes, the challenges Native Americans face and how they work to overcome these challenges. Let’s celebrate Native American Heritage Day, today, and all year round!
