Native Made Market Celebrates Indigenous Entrepreneurship on Small Business Saturday

The Native Made Market is set to return to Rochester, NY for its third year on Small Business Saturday, November 30th. This event, running from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 60 Brown's Race, offers a unique opportunity for shoppers to support Indigenous businesses and artisans while experiencing diverse Native cultures.

The market features creators from various Indigenous nations, including all Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Cherokee, Piscataway, Odawa, Navajo, and Sac and Fox. Visitors can explore a wide range of Native-made goods, from art prints and jewelry to dreamcatchers and textiles, each item carrying the rich cultural heritage of its creator.

This year's event expands its scope by including a Community Dinner and Haudenosaunee Social Dance from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., hosted by Native American Community Services. This free, public event encourages further cultural exchange and community bonding.

The Native Made Market goes beyond commerce, serving as a platform for increasing Indigenous visibility and fostering connections between artists, activists, and allies. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with community organizations, sample Indigenous foods, and learn about the stories behind the crafts.

In an effort to make the event more accessible, the market will feature ASL interpretation and will be live-streamed on Facebook. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and allows for broader participation in this celebration of Indigenous culture and entrepreneurship.

The event's significance extends beyond a single day of shopping. It represents a growing recognition of Indigenous contributions to the local economy and culture. By providing a dedicated space for Native artists and entrepreneurs, the market helps to preserve and promote Indigenous crafts and traditions while creating economic opportunities for Native communities.

As consumers increasingly seek authentic, locally-made products with cultural significance, events like the Native Made Market play a crucial role in connecting conscious shoppers with Indigenous creators. This not only supports individual artisans but also contributes to the broader goal of economic empowerment for Native communities.

The Native Made Market, with its combination of commerce, culture, and community engagement, exemplifies a model for promoting diversity and inclusion in local economies. As it enters its third year, the event's growth and continued success highlight the increasing interest in and support for Indigenous-owned businesses and cultural preservation efforts.