I always have a little bonus up my sleeve - this year it’s a Shop Indigenous mini guide. With the help of my friend Tabatha Bull, CEO of the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business and member of the Nipising First Nation - we’ve come up with some great suggestions on how you can support Indigenous owned businesses this holiday seasons and everyday.

In a recent Globe & Mail article Tabitha tells us that “Indigenous people are creating businesses at nine times the rate of non-Indigenous Canadians.” and “The majority of Indigenous businesses are built on sustainability and ensuring that there is well-being and support in and for the community. So, in many Indigenous businesses, the value of holistic well-being is inherently connected to economic prosperity.” Shopping Indigenous businesses is one way that you as a Canadian can support this community and “close the socio economic gap.”

With such growth in the community, there are many great businesses to support. Alas, we have chosen five that are great places for you to start.

CHEEKBONE:

Since I am primarily a Fashion and Beauty blogger…let’s start with Cheekbone, a sustainable, female owned and Indigenous cosmetic company started in 2016 in St. Catherines (Niagara Region bonus here) by Jennifer Harper. According to the Cheekbone website “Cheekbone Beauty is known for creating high quality, cruelty-free beauty products such as liquid lipsticks and complexion products including contour and highlight palettes.” I don’t know about you, but whenever I hear highlight palette - I think of teenage girls pouring over YouTube videos on cosmetic application. So if they’re wearing makeup…let’s start them with a sustainable beauty choice. 10% of Cheekbone profits are donated to Shannen’s Dream and the Caring Society.

The beautiful limited edition gift set (above) is a collab between Cheekbone and Indigenous artist Christi Belcourt. $5.00 from every purchase of this special edition gift set will go to support Nimkii Aazhibikong, a year-round, land-based language and traditional arts camp.

If you’re interested in seeing “This Painting Is A Mirror” (the art reproduced on the limited edition set) in all of it’s glory, it’s currently on exhibit at the McMichael Gallery in Kleinberg as part of Uprising: The Power of Mother Earth. The McMichael is currently closed due to lockdown in York Region, but (fingers crossed) hopefully the exhibit will be extend in the New Year. Christie’s work is truly unbelievable to experience in person and I feel so lucky to have seen this piece and her others before lockdown.

WABANAKI MAPLE SYRUP

Representing the beautiful province of New Brunswick (where several of my friends are from) is authentic, Indigenous Wabanaki Maple Syrup. I’m sure you can agree that the bottle alone of this quintessentially Canadian product is gift alone. Also a female owned (#girlpower) Wabanaki, located on Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) produces classic maple syrup as well as blends such as Burbon Maple and Whiskey Maple. Think of a drizzle of Burbon Maple Syrup on top of warm peaches. Luckily there’s some yummy recipes provided on their website. Wabanaki also has some lovely gift sets, so gifting the full assortment is super easy.

RAVEN READS SUBSCRIPTION BOX:

Raven Reads is a subscription box service that was created out of founder Nicole McLaren’s desire to bring Indigenous literature and products from across North America to adults and children, while providing education on the impact that residential schools had on Indigenous people in Canada.

Boxes are available for both adults and children. Boxes for adults can include; a book and letter written by an Indigenous author, a printed culture card, a handmade craft or art piece and a literature themed trinket. Kids boxes include three or four books written or illustrated by Indigenous authors and/or illustrators.

Have a look through their beautiful website for more information and box delivery options. Orders for January delivery are due by December 15th.

MINI TIBI:

Mini Tipi creates small batch textiles for you and your home in Quebec City. Started in 2016 by Trisha Pitura and Mélanie Bernard, Mini Tipi’s stylish blankets and wraps are sold online and in an assortment of boutiques across Canada including one of my favourite home stores Ottawa’s LD Shoppe. This female owned business gives back to the community by donating to “local food banks and Indigenous women crisis centers, and sharing products to those in need.” Another business that places community as part of it’s mission as it is so often with Indigenous owned businesses.

Stock on the Mini Tipi website is low, so if you’re interested in any of their items, take a look at the stockist list and contact stores directly.

RED TAPE BREWERY

Opening just in time for the holidays is Toronto’s newest (and Indigenous owned) micro brewery, Red Tape. Located in Toronto’s East End - where my heart will always reside, Red Tape’s mission is to bring your bespoke brew to your large event or party (when we get back there of course). In the mean time, you can purchase any of their first three brews directly from the brewery at 159 Main Street (at Gerrard).

The small, but hip brewery is perfectly situated for those pre-game beer’s when your kid is playing at Ted Reeve…next year! It’s merely my suggestion that they stay open for pre-game. We’ll have to see if that actually happens. Owner Sarabeth (along with husband Sean) was hand labelling cans when I went to check out new east end digs. They’re first drop sold out quickly, but there’s more coming this week. Check out their That Was Easy IPA in a holiday gift pack available on their website (today or tomorrow). It will include a six pack and Red Tape toque - how Canadian is that?