By Amanda Ong
This November is Native American Heritage Month, and while the Thanksgiving holiday has roots in settler narratives, Native American Heritage Day (Nov. 25) celebrates a variety of native cultures. As we move into the gift-giving season, a wonderful way to support our Indigenous communities and honor Native American heritage is to shop from Native makers and artists. Read on for a list of both seasonal and ongoing Native Art Markets throughout the Seattle area.
Know of a market that should be on our list? Send us a tip at [email protected]
Nov. 10-30
Online
Looking to buy beautiful original art without leaving your home? Try the Native Art Online Auction presented by the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center, which hosts this fundraising auction in lieu of its annual festival. Featuring art from original artists such as John Romero, Jacob Reyes, Myron Barnes, Margie Morris and more, all proceeds from the event will go to the Duwamish Tribe. Bidding opens on November 10 and closes on November 30 and can be bid on the website.
November 19-20, December 17-18, 10 am to 4 pm
Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, 5011 Bernie Whitbar Way, Seattle
Jewelry, crafts, food, prints, artwork, drums, and baskets are just some of the handmade, native-made, artisan items you can find at the United Indians Native Art Market. With affordable and unique pieces from many different tribes, holiday gifts are a must-have here. The event is free to the public.
November 25-27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center, 4705 West Marginal Way, Seattle
The Duwamish Tribe’s annual Native Art Market is a great opportunity to visit a Duwamish longhouse, enjoy Duwamish food, and purchase work from local Native artists.
Nov. 30, 12 to 6 p.m
Cafe Racer, 1510 11th Ave., Seattle
Indigenize Productions regularly brings fun, healing, Indigenous-focused dance parties to Seattle. Now, with the holidays around the corner, it’s debuting in the Seattle gay NDN market. The event is free. Although not all vendors are queer, the market will be a place to highlight queer and original talent. Get some awesome original gifts just in time for the holidays.
December 3-4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
Sky Nursery, 18528 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle
Run by Jess Rene, an indigenous, two-spirit ceramicist, Heartful Roots is working to create safe spaces for makers and creatives to flourish. Now, it has started hosting the BIPOC Makers Market. Although not exclusively Native, the market will feature Native makers, bakers, creatives and herbalists selling their own custom designed items and creations drawn from their own cultural heritage. The event is indoors inside a very large greenhouse. The event is free.
December 10-11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m
ALMA Tacoma, 1322 S. Fawcett Ave., Tacoma
Tacoma’s Native Art Market returns to ALMA this winter. Local indigenous artists and makers will sell handmade jewelry, original art, prints, teas, ribbon skirts, Pendleton bags, floral beads, body butters and more.
is ongoing
Pike Place, 85 Pike St., Seattle and online store
A project of Native Works, a major Seattle club, offers apprenticeships to Native people as a gateway to full-time employment and housing. All products are hand-crafted by apprentices and can be purchased online or at her booth at Pike Place Market, the first-ever original-owned market. All proceeds from Native Works merchandise go directly to providing meals, mental health care, drug and alcohol counseling, housing referrals, legal advice and more to those in need in Seattle’s Native communities.
is ongoing
Online market
Sacred Circle Gifts & Art is the artisan gallery and shop of the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, and proceeds from purchases go to fund the nonprofit. Sacred Circle Gifts & Art brings together Native American art and specialty items designed by Native artists.
Amanda Ong (She/She) is a Chinese American writer from California. She is currently a master’s candidate in the University of Washington’s museology program and graduated from Columbia University in 2020 with degrees in creative writing and ethnicity and race studies.
📸 Featured Image: The Duwamish Longhouse will host its annual Native Art Market this November, featuring native food, vendors and more. (Photo: Susan Fried)
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