As the horrific events of previous generations are revealed, it’s glaringly apparent that we must do everything in our power to support Canada’s Indigenous communities. This means researching, talking, and taking meaningful action to inspire change. But it also means discovering and supporting Indigenous businesses from across the country. A recent study found that Canada’s Indigenous companies needed more help during the pandemic, but many struggled with barriers to accessing relief.
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Here are five ways to support Indigenous businesses across Canada
Search and Shop First Nations’ Businesses
With the Shop First Nations website, supporting Indigenous businesses of all varieties couldn’t be simpler. With a goal to promote and spur consumer support for Indigenous businesses across Canada, Shop First Nations lets users browse 19 categories of businesses, from Arts & Entertainment and Health & Beauty to Legal Services and Finance. Find more info here.
Discover Indigenous Tourism
Discovering Indigenous tourism – either in-person or virtual – not only offers an authentic Aboriginal cultural and eco-tourism experience, but also the opportunity to direct your dollars to support Indigenous businesses. Indigeno is an indigenous-owned travel agency that provides both meaningful employment opportunities and meaningful travel, including enriching opportunities for Indigenous tourism that supports local communities. Find more information here.
Get to Know and Support Indigenous Artists
Support talented Indigenous artists and add talking points to your home through Indigenous Arts Collective of Canada. The organization was founded in 2012 to preserve and revitalize endangered Indigenous art forms and enrich lives through Indigenous arts and culture. The website lets users get to know artists by searching categories like beadwork, woodcarving, dreamcatchers, and photography (and many more). Find more information here.
Read Independent Indigenous Media Sources
Across the country, Canada is home to many media outlets that are created and staffed by Indigenous people. Following these publications offers a broader horizon not always found in mainstream media and contributes to supporting the livelihood of those behind them. Check out Muskrat Magazine, Wawatay News, or Windspeaker.
Follow Engaging Content Creators
Follow along on the active social media accounts of Canada’s top Indigenous content creators. In recent years, a handful of beloved Indigenous creators have made a name for themselves by both highlighting cultural traditions and raising awareness for important issues that impact Indigenous communities via TikTok and Intagram. Follow creators like Shina Nova, James Jones, and Michelle Chubb.
