In a world driven by convenience and mass production, ethical shopping is a radical act of care — for people, cultures, and the planet. This Indigenous Peoples Day (October 13), we’re honoring the rich traditions, resilience, and creativity of Indigenous communities by highlighting ways to shop with intention and respect.
Indigenous and local makers are keepers of heritage. Their artistry is more than just beautiful — it’s deeply rooted in land, legacy, and language. But too often, their designs are copied without credit, or sold in ways that don’t benefit the creators themselves.
Let’s change that. Here’s how you can shop ethically and authentically to support Indigenous and local artisans — and become part of a more conscious, respectful marketplace.
1. Prioritize Authenticity Over Aesthetic
Before clicking “add to cart,” ask: Who made this — and are they benefiting from the sale? Many mass-market brands replicate Indigenous patterns or motifs without permission, often without sharing the profits or honoring the origin.
Instead, choose to support Indigenous-owned brands and platforms that verify the creators behind the work. Examples include:
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Seeding Sovereignty – An Indigenous-led collective advancing ecological justice and Indigenous sovereignty.
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Beyond Buckskin – A curated shop featuring Native-made fashion and accessories.
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Eighth Generation – A Native-owned business supporting Native artists through authentic wool blankets and lifestyle products.
2. Learn the Stories Behind the Craft
Cultural knowledge lives in the hands of Indigenous artisans — in beadwork, textiles, pottery, and plant-based dyes. These traditions are more than “styles” — they’re spiritual, ancestral, and place-based.
Take time to understand the story behind what you’re buying. Ask where it comes from. Learn the symbolism of patterns or colors. This is not just about being an ethical consumer — it’s about being a respectful participant in a cultural exchange.
3. Look for Platforms that Prioritize Empowerment
At Just, we’re proud to highlight women artisans from Indigenous and local communities who are building sustainable businesses through intentional craft. We go beyond fair pay — we offer ongoing education, tech tools, and a supportive network so these creators can grow on their own terms.
🧵 When you shop through platforms that center the creator, you help shift power away from exploitative systems and back into the hands of the makers.
4. Avoid Cultural Appropriation
Ethical shopping means respecting boundaries. Some items, such as ceremonial clothing, sacred symbols, or regalia, are not meant to be sold or worn casually. Always ask:
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Is this product appropriate for me to wear or use?
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Does it carry sacred meaning in a culture that isn’t mine?
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Was it made by someone from the culture it represents?
Choosing respectful designs created by artisans from that culture ensures your purchase is supporting — not exploiting — their identity and traditions. For more guidance, check out Native Appropriations, a resource dedicated to exploring cultural representation and respect.
5. Share and Celebrate the Makers
Amplify Indigenous and local voices by sharing their work, tagging them on social media, or even leaving a thoughtful review. When we celebrate the makers — not just the product — we change the narrative around consumption.
Whether you're wearing a handmade necklace from a Quechua weaver or sipping tea from a mug crafted by a Diné potter, you become a steward of culture and a storyteller in your own right.
Shop as a Form of Solidarity
Ethical shopping isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress. Every time you choose to support an Indigenous or local maker, you participate in a more equitable, respectful economy. You help protect endangered traditions, promote financial independence, and build a future where culture is honored — not commodified.
At Just, we believe every product has a purpose, and every maker has a story worth telling. This Indigenous Peoples Day, and every day, let’s shop with reverence, respect, and relationship at the core.
🌿 Explore our curated collection of artisan goods rooted in tradition, designed for impact. Start here