Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

National Native American Heritage Month was established in 1990 as a time to reflect on and celebrate the history, culture, traditions, and languages of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other Indigenous communities.

Supporting Indigenous craftspeople and traditions is a fantastic way to participate in Native American Heritage Month and to support those to whom we owe so much. We reached out to Indigenous members of our community to see what they had to say about their heritage, and traditions.

April from The Luna Tree, LLC

April and her family are Tuscarora from North Carolina. She runs The Luna Tree, but her family, including her mom, Sandra, her son, Laettner, and her daughter, SunnyDae, help make their products.

“Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate and honor the culture and traditions of Native Americans, but for many, this celebration is a year-round commitment. For those of us who create traditional medicines like Carolina Long Leaf Pine Salve and Coharie Sorghum Soaps, our heritage is something we cherish every day. Our products, made with love and care, are a reflection of our commitment to our community and our traditions. So this November, let's take a moment to remember the importance of preserving and promoting Native American culture, not just this month, but every day of the year. #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #Traditions #ForTheLoveOfCommunity”

Check out their work on their website at The Luna Tree LLC, and on Instagram.

Tiffany from Baker’s Bars Soapery

Tiffany is a member of the Choctaw Nation. She uses her soap making as a way to express her Indigenous culture and identity.

“I'm Tiffany Edwards Baker, a registered Choctaw artist and an enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. I've always sought to connect my Indigenous heritage with my creative passion, and my soaps have been a fulfilling outlet for this. "Choctaw Diamonds" soap, for instance, is more than just soap – it's a tribute to our history and our deep respect for the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake. You’ll find diamonds on our regalia and beading. I've also dedicated 100% of the proceeds from “Say Their Name” to support MMIW-Chahta, a foundation committed to aiding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples in the 10 1/2 counties of our reservation in Oklahoma. A Soap with a mission. 

For me, Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to share how we live our culture every day. It's a reminder that Native heritage is richly diverse – we're not a monolith. We have distinct beliefs, languages, and traditions, and it's important for everyone to understand that. Acknowledging the hardships our communities have faced, raising awareness, and supporting cultural preservation efforts are all essential.

Lastly, it's crucial to challenge stereotypes and biases. Listening to Indigenous voices and leaders, learning from their wisdom, and responding with empathy is a simple yet powerful way to honor our heritage and promote mutual understanding. This month is a time to celebrate our vibrant culture and history, and I'm proud to be a Choctaw Ohoyo (woman) sharing it with you.”

Find Tiffany’s work at her website, Baker’s Bars Soapery, and on Instagram.

The diversity of our maker community is what makes it great. Remember, a good way to support Indigenous people is to buy from Native owned businesses! 

We acknowledge that we occupy the lands of Coast Salish Peoples, in particular the Lummi, Nooksack, Samish, and Semiahmoo. We respect your right to sovereignty and self-determination, and are committed to being better listeners, learners, and in lifting up Indigenous voices.