shop indigenous
When we travel, we seek opportunities to experience the culture and history of the lands we wander. As responsible travellers, we participate in spiritual transactions that connect us to Indigenous communities, their art, and traditions not just through cash, but through purpose.
Whether we purchase a healing salve made from ancestral medicinal plants, or a pair of buckskin moccasins tanned and beaded by an Indigenous elder, we are investing in the journey of slow non-commercial goods to market and the preservation of Indigenous art in British Columbia.
Great Bear Rainforest Essential Oils
Multiple Locations
Website
This online shop is a social enterprise supported by the Coastal First Nations Great Bear Initiative — a non-profit society and alliance of eight First Nations on BC’s North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii. Pure, sustainably harvested essential oils from the Great Bear Rainforest are steam-distilled from fresh conifer needles. Your purchase will help support the people who call this region home. Found in stores across Canada.
Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park Gift Shop
Kamloops
Website
A non-profit organization, the Secwepmc Museum and Heritage Park is committed to supporting the revitalization of the culture and language of its people. The on-site gift shop carries a variety of locally crafted Indigenous gifts including pine needle baskets, drums and traditionally beaded items. It also includes the historical display addressing the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Kamloops, BC.
Gift and Gab Trading Post
Barriere
Website
Offering a variety of locally sourced and authentic Indigenous arts and crafts, this shop prides itself in offering one-of-a-kind items that include chain saw carvings, smoked leather moccasins, and beaded jewelry created by local Indigenous artisans. It’s kitschy presentation pays tribute to the Trading Post commerce of the past. Barriere, BC.
Syilx Trail Gift Store and Gallery
West Kelowna
Website
The Syilx Trail Gift Store and Gallery features authentic arts and crafts from local Indigenous artisans. The Gallery showcases the rich culture of the Syilx people (Interior Salish) through its authentic artwork and handmade artisan crafts – which are significantly different from that of the Coastal Salish. This intimate shop is an award-winning Indigenous owned business promoting the preservation of people, place and planet in the Okanagan. West Kelowna, BC.
Nk’mip Cultural Centre
Osoyoos
Website
Coyote’s Gift Shop is located inside the NK’MIP Desert Cultural Centre. The shop offers an eclectic variety of North American and local Indigenous art, books and blankets. Sales from the store are used to support the cultural programming and operations. Be sure to take a tour of the surrounding landscape, history and vineyard. Osoyoos, BC.
River Select
West Kelowna
Website
Drawing from generations of First Nations experience, River Select is an Indigenous owned co-operative with shops throughout BC. Selectively harvested wild river salmon can be purchased for gifts, picnics or treats. Supplying fair trade and locally sourced fish, the West Kelowna shop features Okanagan Select product. Our favourite treat is candied salmon! Westbank, BC.
Raven Reads Books Ltd.
Kamloops
Website
Raven Reads is a quarterly subscription box full of literature and goods from Indigenous authors and entrepreneurs. The idea was launched by Nicole McLaren, whose Indigenous roots inspired her to educate people on the devastating impact of residential schools in Canada. We add this to our complement of Indigenous reading materials to help enlighten your travels through BC. Kamloops, BC.
Orange Shirt Day
Williams Lake
Website
Orange Shirt Day is a national movement towards reconciliation, aimed to create awareness about residential schools. Gaining international recognition, it’s held annually on September 30 where people (especially students) are encouraged to wear an orange shirt.
The author of Orange Shirt Day, Phyllis Webstad of the Northern Secwpemc, is also my cousin! You can buy orange shirts and copies of her first book in her native tongue of Shuswap, French or English off the website. Williams Lake, BC.
Little Bear Gift Shop
Chase
Website
Little Bear Gift Shop (inside Quaaout Lodge on the banks of Little Shuswap Lake) sells locally crafted Indigenous pieces, as well as handcrafted Canadian artwork. The vision for the gift shop is to share opportunities for visitors to gain an enhanced bond with the people, place and their connection to the land. Quaaout Lodge is owned and operated by the Little Shuswap Indian Band. Chase, BC.
Quaaout Lodge
Chase
Website
Quaaout Lodge is one of our favourite places to immerse in authentic Indigenous culture. Join in a smudging ceremony, spiritual guidance session or elder storytelling in their on-site kekuli. Head to the cultural centre to take in an archery lesson or drum making class. Forage for traditional plants and herbs of the land, or stop at the farm-to-table restaurant and Little Bear Gift Shop. Chase, BC.