It's that time of year again, and being down with a flu bug this week has me behind on Christmas shopping. But with a few weeks left, there's still time for on-line shopping.

This year I'm trying to support small businesses with my holiday dollars, and this week's article includes some "Native" ones.

Native American Gifts On-line

There are so many reputable websites run by individual artists and traders, and family operated businesses with excellent customer service and quality authentic and handmade merchandise.

Here's a few more, and please share your referrals and recommendations with us too.

The Eastern Cherokee of NC have one of the oldest artist co-ops, founded in 1946. Fine quality, but less selection than I had anticipated. All items are crafted by Tribal members.
Qualla Arts and Crafts

The Indian Arts and Crafts Act is well intentioned legislation, but can be quite confusing in the real world. It forces those of American Indian heritage and not members of federal recognized tribes to label and market their products in somewhat vague terms. This is not indicative of lower quality or craftsmanship, only the absence of an ID card.

Unless you are looking to purchase only items certified as American Indian made, the best rule of thumb is to buy what you like, what speaks to you in some way.

Native Treasures features the beading skills of one artist in Santa Rosa CA, with great prices on earrings. Some include porqupine quills and dentalium shells.
Native Treasures

Some websites will have information on the artists such as their tribal affiliation, and others don't. It could be a personal preference, or as a result of marketing restrictions.

Some websites may have less of a variety as most of their business is custom orders, but could have exactly what you're looking for. Don't skip the "small" ones, they can have the best deals.

Six Directions Traders is a family business with an excellent variety of beadwork in traditional, seasonal and military themes. Their beaded Veteran Feathers are impressive. Click on Products to browse and link to their Art Fire store to purchase.
Six Directions Traders

Raven's Relics is another family run business which offers hand crafted knives of exceptional quality. They also have a selection of jewelry and beadwork. The beaded Grand Daddy Long Legs Spider is on my wish list!
Raven's Relics

One local to me is Wandering Bull out of Attleboro MA, they are also on the Pow Wow circuit here and have all manner of supplies as well as hand crafted items from roaches, bustles, and breast plates to jewelry, kits, and patterns.

They also have links to local pow wows as well as the New England pow wow schedule.

The Wandering Bull

Greetings,
Thank you for including my shop link. I just got signed up on here, so I am still figuring it out :)
wrulf