Christmas at the Nation holiday market is returning for a fourth year on December 13-15, bringing local and Indigenous artist vendors together for a weekend of holiday shopping and festive fun.
Taza is proud to sponsor this incredible event celebrating Indigenous art and business. The market has grown significantly since it’s first year, from 55 vendors in 2021 to 180 vendors this year. For many Indigenous artists, this market represents a significant source of income, and some have travelled from throughout the province to participate. This market is a wonderful opportunity to shop small businesses during the holiday season, find truly unique handcrafted gifts, and celebrate Indigenous art and culture. Read on to learn more about some of the artisans you can find at the market, and explore more places to shop for unique gifts from Indigenous businesses.
Stay Cozy and Warm With Star Blankets and Moss Bags by Ellie Crane
Ellie Crane is a proud member of the Tsuut’ina Nation and a dedicated healthcare professional who specializes in crafting star blankets. These traditional Indigenous blankets symbolize healing, protection, and celebration. Ellise’s signature star blanket design has been passed down through generations of Sioux women in her family, and she proudly continues this legacy.
Each blanket is carefully crafted to represent an individual’s journey toward wellness or accomplishments. They offer a meaningful way to commemorate life’s significant events, such as births, graduations, marriages, and even the passing of loved ones. Ellie found the inspiration to create star blankets after the passing of her husband Scott Ferguson, experiencing first-hand the impact of compassionate care on people’s lives.
“By giving a star blanket to honour these occasions, they become a tangible record of a moment in time, never forgotten, but always remembered and cherished. In this way, our blankets serve as a beautiful expression of love, respect, and celebration.”
Ellie's Star Blankets is also now offering beautiful, handcrafted moss bags. A moss bag is both functional and a piece of art, carrying cultural significance and tradition. They are perfect for keeping your little one snug and warm or as a unique, thoughtful gift.
Stop by Christmas at the Nation to meet Ellie and shop her beautiful items. You can find her at tables 13 and 14, or shop online at https://elliestarblanket.ca/shop/.
Shop Fashion-Forward Jewelry & Accessories by Native Diva Creations
Melrene Saloy, a member of Kainai Nation, is the artist and owner behind Native Diva Creations. She creates authentic handmade First Nations beaded jewelry and accessories and couture fashion, inspired by her love of crafting, beadwork, fashion and business. In addition to sharing her stunning collections at local markets and through her online shop, Melrene has travelled all over the world with her clothing and collections. They have been featured at fashion week in New York, Paris and Milan. Melrene enjoys the creative aspect of her work, and appreciates the opportunity to incorporating her Blackfoot heritage into something contemporary and modern that all people can wear and enjoy.
3D printed demtilliaum earrings are a trending item for Native Diva Creations right now. This unique style of jewelry is eco friendly, combining cultural inspiration with innovative and sustainable design. Their biggest seller at the Christmas at the Nation holiday market will be their beaded ear muffs, which have sold out in past years. Make sure you check out their booth early to secure a pair!
Find Melrene at the Christmas at the Nation Market at table 12, and shop her online store at https://www.nativedivacreations.com/s/shop.
Bring Home An Original Painting By Gordon Wesley
Gordon Wesley is a passionate artist who enjoys bringing wildlife and landscapes onto his canvas, celebrating the majestic lands that we call home. He is a proud Nakoda Stoney from the Bighorn Reserve, where he has the calm and quiet to focus on the essences of the wild life of the Rockies. He has been an artist for most of his life, and comes from a family of artists.
Prints of Gordon’s work and some original paintings will be available to purchase at the Christmas at the Nation market at table 17 and 18. Some of his top-selling prints include the bison, grizzly and golden eagle (see below).
You can learn more about Gordon’s art through Facebook and Instagram. He is currently accepting commissions for paintings and murals.
Explore Beaded Creations by Emerson Cree Designs
Emerson St. Laurent started creating beadwork at the age of 17 to be closer to her culture and create earrings for herself and her family. Today at 19 years old, she is a successful artist and small business owner designing beaded earrings, hats and accessories. Many of her designs feature well-known characters, including the Charlie Brown characters shown above. These character features and baseball caps are her top sellers and usually sell all year round.
She shares, “I enjoy everything about beading. I have always loved creating artwork in general and beading is an extension of that. It benefits me in so many ways and I enjoy doing it.”
Emerson is saving funds from her business for her education fund and donates a portion of her proceeds from specific products to different charities. Support Emerson’s beautiful designs and shop her items at the Christmas at the Nation holiday market at table 49. You can also check out her work on Instagram and Facebook.
Shop Indigneous Arts & Gifts Year Round at the Tsuut’ina Nation Culture/Museum
Indigenous-made art and products make a perfect gift year round, and help support small businesses and local artisans. The Tsuu’tina Nation Culture/Museum has a gift shop on site that features textiles, clothing, jewelry, and other unique items. We encourage you to visit the museum to learn more about Tsuut’ina history and culture, and explore their offering of authentic First-Nation arts and crafts.
Shop Small, Support Local, and Celebrate Indigenous Art and Culture
Join the festivities at the Christmas at the Nation Holiday Market hosted at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex & Chief Jim Starlight Centre from December 13 to 15 to shop 180 local and Indigenous artisans. Check out the full schedule of events and activities here!
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