Indigenous artists look to cash in during the holidays

Some Indigenous entrepreneurs are hoping to cash in this holiday season.

The Christmas shopping season is underway and First Nation artists are selling handmade traditional gifts.

The gift shop at the Tsuut'ina Nation Museum is gearing up for Christmas shoppers. Manager Kristen Starlight says 95 per cent of the store inventory is handmade items from local First Nation artists.

"What comes out there as a trendy style is an age-old tradition and these things take time to make … it is nice to get money back from that work," she said.

The gift shop manager supports local Indigenous artists by buying their work and then reselling them.

Starlight says the store is a platform for artists to showcase their work and make money.

"It's great having people come through and get so many different things that they need for their families," she said.

Kainai Nation member Melrene Saloy-Eaglespeaker owns Native Diva Creations and has some of her work displayed at the Tsuut'ina gift shop.

Saloy-Eaglespeaker makes an assortment of crafts ranging from beaded jewelry to traditional regalia and custom artwork.

"During the holidays, we get more local shoppers than any other time of the year," said the Kainai member.

She says she does very well, selling her works of art through local shops and online.

"I'm definitely targeting making some sales by doing some promotions, giveaways, trying to hit the class markets and Christmas markets and stuff like that," Saloy-Eaglespeaker said.

The artisan says it not only helping her but the economy in general.

Some artists sell their work not only through the shop but at local events like powwows and craft fairs.

Tsuut'ina Nation member Carmel Starlight says it is a busy time of year during the winter.

"Were going be set up at the Tsuut'ina Nation powwow, we are going to have a craft table there, so we are kind of gearing up for that, for that huge event," Starlight said.

The Tsuut'ina Nation member says not only does she sell her artwork at local events during the Christmas season but during the summer months she sells her merchandise through her tourism business, Brown Bear Woman Events.

"I do get a lot of orders for ribbon skirts, traditional regalia and purses," Starlight added.

For artists like Starlight and Saloy-Eaglespeaker, Christmas is a great time to make a profit and share a bit of First Nation culture.

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