5 Indigenous-owned Brands to Support this Indigenous Peoples' Day
Updated: Nov 22, 2022
Happy Indigenous Peoples' Day! Learn more about what it is, and how you can support - from one Native woman's perspective.
What is Indigenous Peoples' Day?
IPD is the second Monday in October and marks a day to honor Native Americans, their resilience, strength and contributions to society. While the celebration of the day first takes root in 1977, last year (2021) was the first time a US president officially recognized IPD. The day shifts the narrative away from Columbus Day, who enslaved and murdered Native populations.
How can I support Indigenous Peoples' Day?
Reflect on Native history and learn about the issues that still impact Native peoples today. Educate yourself on the Native communities in your state
Diversify your feed: follow Native creators and amplify Native voices
Buy from Native-owned businesses
Share what you learn with those around you
Looking for Indigenous-owned brands to support? Here are some of our favorites:
The first Native American owned denim collection
Founded by Amanda Bruegl – Oneida, Stockbridge-Munsee and Erik Brodt – Ojibwe.
Amanda and Erik started by making leather belts using pre-industrial methods, heirloom leather-working tools, and patterns handed down from generation to generation, since the 1880's
They’ve expanded to denim, tees, accessories and other goods, with each item they make drawing direct inspiration from their cultures and relatives
Warren Steven Scott is a contemporary accessory designer, fashion designer, tailor, and craftsperson. His label was formed in 2018. Born in 1988 in White Rock, B.C.,
Scott is a member of the Nlaka’pamux Nation, whose territory is located in the interior of present-day British Columbia, with Sts’ailes and British ancestry.
Scott’s approach to design pictures a modern image of fashion through an Indigenous lens.
His work is joyful, cute, fluid, and enviable, representing a vision of girlishness and familial sisterhood.
EMME Studio is a slow fashion New York based clothing and accessory brand founded by Korina Emmerich and based in Brooklyn, NY
Korina’s colorful work reflects her patrilineal Indigenous heritage from The Coast Salish Territory, Puyallup tribe. With a strong focus on social and climate justice while speaking out about industry responsibasteility and accountability: Emmerich works actively to expose and dismantle systems of oppression and challenge colonial ways of thinking.
She has been featured at the Met, in Vogue, and recently dressed Secretary Deb Haaland for her InStyle magazine cover shot
Emmerich has worked as a special advisor and educator with The Slow Factory Foundation, a community organizer with the Indigenous Kinship Collective, and is currently working with Urban Indigenous Collective on upcoming projects
4Kinship is a fashion, jewelry, and home goods brand based in New Mexico
a Diné (Navajo) owned sustainable artwear brand dedicated to producing handmade, one of a kind, restored, repurposed and lovingly upcycled, artisanal and small batch products.
Founded in 2015 by Amy Denet Deal (formerly Yeung), fueled by a desire to honor her Indigeneity, and to be of service to commUNITY.
4KINSHIP is currently leading fundraising efforts for Diné Skate Garden Project, a project to provide the Navajo Nation with a skatepark and community center to promote physical health and wellness within a communal recreational space
The first Native-owned digital fitness studio
Studio Qila (pronounced “kee-luh”) is a high-intensity, Pilates-inspired, digital fitness studio and community that uses slow, controlled movement to build strength. Qila was named after the Alutiiq (founder’s Alaskan tribe) word for spirit, emphasizing strength beyond the physical.
Founded by Bridget O'Carroll, an Alutiiq / Sugpiaq woman and a registered citizen of Egegik Village.
10% of proceeds are donated to organizations that support BIPOC communities and offer donation classes to nonprofit organizations
Check out Studio Qila's ongoing conversation this November on Native American Heritage Month.