— Local Business, Ottawa —

9 Amazing Canadian Indigenous Shops

July 9, 2021

Supporting Indigenous shops and boutiques is a great way to honour Indigenous history, culture, and the lives of Indigenous peoples past and present.

Below you will find a list of Indigenous-owned businesses near Ottawa and Gatineau! There are a large variety of Indigenous shops throughout Canada and this is just a small sample of the amazing and hardworking businesses in the Indigenous community.

Feel free to leave a comment down below if you know of any other amazing stores that should be praised and supported. Thank you!

1. Birch Bark Coffee Co.

Location: Online and Retail Stores – Ottawa, Ontario

Birch Bark Coffee Co. is a fairtrade and organic roasting company that largely supports smaller producers. The cause-driven brand devotes a portion of its proceeds to clean drinking water for Indigenous families in Ontario.

HOW YOUR PURCHASE MAKES A DIFFERENCE?

“Online Shopify Store: For every purchase of a 12 oz bag, BBCC will put $2.00 towards the purchase of a Belkraft water purification unit. 50 bags purchased = 1 home that can have access to clean drinking water. 

Retail Stores: For every purchase of a 12 oz bag, BBCC will put $1.00 towards the purchase of a Belkraft water purification unit. 100 bags purchased = 1 home that can have access to clean drinking water.“

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2. KOKOM SCRUNCHIES

Location: Online – Gatineau, Quebec

“Kokom Scrunchies was created by Mya, a talented 10-year-old from Kitigan Zibi. She makes sure that all Kokom Scrunchies are handmade with love” and care. Mya has created a beautiful collection of vibrant scrunchies with many creative patterns that are perfect for “everyone, young and old”.

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3. Beaded Dreams

Location: 426 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1Y8

Beaded Dreams offers a variety of products including jewellery, bath and body products, beading supplies, and many beautiful pieces from local and national Indigenous artists and businesses. The company is a valuable member of the Indigenous Ottawa community and helps support many local charities and events such as the “Annual Aboriginal Day Parade, Minwaashin Lodge, and Odawa Friendship Centre”.

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4. KHEWA Art Boutique

Location: 737 Riverside, Wakefield, Quebec J0X 3G0

“Khewa is a well-recognized gallery-boutique featuring the artwork of Indigenous peoples throughout Canada and America. The company supports alliances between Indigenous artists and reputable Canadian partners”. Khewa offers a vast assortment of products including clothing, jewellery, art pieces, footwear, and even house decor!

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5. Second Aura

Location: Online – Ottawa, Ontario

“Second Aura is a Fine Jewellery Company that designs pieces that are inspired by mixed heritage and the relationship held by that connection”. The company takes great pride in every single one of its pieces and is permanently dedicated to raising funds for the Indigenous community. For example, by shopping the “Pieces with Purpose” tab customers can buy products that support great causes such as the Native Women’s Association of Canada.

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6. Deliaestelle Designs

Location: Online – Ottawa, Ontario

Deliaestelle Designs creates handmade beaded statement earrings, necklaces, and cuffs that are absolutely breathtaking. The company offers beginner beading kits which is “a fantastic way to learn indigenous beadwork”! Owner, Stephanie Peltier, creates spectacular pieces that use new and modern styles mixed with many traditional elements. Her creativity is a reflection of her beloved and artistic grandmothers, Delia and Estelle.

Fun fact, Mme Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, wife of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, wore a custom set designed by Stephanie for the 150th Canada Day main stage event.

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7. Kelu’si Collective 

Location: Online – Ottawa, Ontario

A wonderful mother and daughter duo that is passionate about honouring their Mi’kmaq culture by creating beautifully crafted jewellery pieces. Additionally, the company donates 15% of proceeds to an Indigenous charity or organization every single month in their efforts to support their community.

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8. Sequoia Soaps

Location: River Rd, Kahnawake, Quebec J0L 1B0

“Sequoia is a proudly Indigenous brand that is 100% owned and operated by Indigenous women”. The design, production, and packaging of all the products are done locally, sustainably, and ethically. The beauty brand is largely inspired by Indigenous “legends and ingredients” and offers a range of scents, coloured candles, oils, incense, and other amazing body care products.

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9. MINI TIPI

Location: Online – Aylmer, Québec

“MINI TIPI is a Canadian women-owned company that creates small-batch quality goods for your home and family and was founded in 2016 by Trisha Pitura and Mélanie Bernard”. The company carries an assortment of apparel, blankets, shawls, and bags inspired by Canadian and Indigenous history and culture.

Lastly, MINI TIPI is devoted to giving back to their community! They regularly donate products and funds to support “local food banks, charities, and Indigenous women crisis centers” such as “the Minwaashin Lodge and the Turtle Island Initiative”.

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Thank you for taking the time to look through these amazing local Indigenous shops and boutiques! Leave a comment down below recommending any other shops you know about and want others to support.

Carina

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6 thoughts on “9 Amazing Canadian Indigenous Shops”

  2. Thank you for this awesome article! I am obsessed with Second Aura’s jewellery and will defintely be purchasing something from there 🙂

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