Shop local, support Native entrepreneurs at holiday markets
Photo Courtesy: Southwest Trading Company
Written By: Rachael Schuit
Native Commerce News is sponsored by the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO), dedicated to expanding Indian Country commerce across the globe.
(OKLAHOMA) The holidays have officially started and for many people that means more shopping and opportunities to support local businesses.
Small Business Saturday is a great way to kick off shopping local businesses this holiday season. In Oklahoma, there are several holiday markets leading up to Christmas, offering the opportunity for Oklahomans to support Native business owners, artists, and makers.
The United Cherokee Alliance is hosting its 2nd Annual Native American Holiday Market at the Grove Community Center from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. There will be plenty of Indigenous vendors to visit and choose which items will make good Christmas gifts for your loved ones.
The Tulsa Indian Club will host their holiday market on December 6 at Mother Road Market. Visitors will have the chance to partake in Native American arts and crafts and enjoy delicious food from the Indian Taco sale. There will also be drumming, singing, and dancing.
Can’t wait? Southwest Trading Company is having their Four Year Anniversary Celebration November 29 and 30.
The Osage Nation will have their holiday market on Saturday, December 6, at the Osage County Fairgrounds Ag building. It’s a family friendly event that will have crafts, food, and plenty of vendors to buy gifts from.
And if you live in Oklahoma city or are interested in visiting, the First Americans Museum will host a Winter Holiday Art Market on December 6 and 7th from 11 am until 4 pm. To help attendees get into the spirit of the season there will be opportunities for photos with an Indigenous Santa.
The Native American Christmas Market will return to the Glenpool Conference Center on Saturday, December 13. In addition to more than 60 vendor and artisan booths, there will be live music, Indian Tacos and corn soup. The market starts at 10:00 am and ends at 6:00 pm. There will be plenty of Native American clothing, jewelry, and other goods to choose from, so show up ready to check off your holiday gift shopping list.
For people looking for other Native American holiday activities, the 11th Annual Red Earth Treefest is taking place now through December 31. It’s a free event that is located in the BancFirst lobby at 100 N. Broadway in Oklahoma City. The gallery features Christmas trees decorated with ornaments that represent Oklahoma’s Native American tribes.
On December 20, Native Farm Solutions will celebrate the Winter Solstice with a holiday market. The gathering will take place at Culture Hub Collective from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. There will be singing, dancing, contests, and several artisans and vendors from whom attendees will be able to buy last minute gifts.
Each of these markets and events provides a valuable opportunity to honor Native culture and directly support Oklahoma’s growing Native business economy during the holiday season.
