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The 6 best indigenous businesses [2023]

Indigenous-owned businesses are a vital part of the Canadian economy, and they play an important role in supporting Indigenous communities!

Many Indigenous-owned businesses operate small business ventures that provide goods and services to local residents or sell their products online. Others focus on providing jobs for Indigenous people in remote areas or serve as training centres for new employees who may want to start their own enterprise. Whatever your needs, you can be sure that there is an indigenous-owned business out there that can meet them! 

We searched through directories and contacted dozens of businesses before selecting these Calgary indigenous entrepreneurs as the best ones in town! Some of these companies offer unique goods and services not found elsewhere, while others have built strong reputations within their community for reliability, quality customer service, etc.

Why should you support indigenous-owned businesses?

Indigenous peoples are inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment. Therefore, supporting indigenous-owned businesses contributes to the preservation of national culture.

Ensuring that all Canadians are committed to building a strong economy provides prosperity for Indigenous peoples and the whole country as well. The indigenous business community contributes more than $30 billion to the Canadian economy annually. They also create more opportunities for the local community. They are, as a rule, a permanent and reliable means of income.

However, the pandemic’s impact on indigenous-owned businesses was enormous. Disruptions in their global supply chains and a growing need for working capital to cover operational costs are just a couple of the challenges they have to deal with. That is, indigenous-owned businesses need support today more than ever before.

The Best Indigenous Owned Businesses In Calgary

1) Mystical Metis

Mystical Metis is a store that specializes in Indigenous-designed clothing and accessories. The items are available for purchase by everyone, regardless of their ethnicity or nationality. The store provides an interesting and unique shopping experience for shoppers who want to enjoy authentic Indigenous designs. 

They offer clothing options like hooded wraps, t-shirts, scarves and shirts. All of them carry traditional patterns and colors, which helps save the heritage and culture. They also provide beautiful earrings like Earth Woman earrings which honours the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual connection women have with the Earth. 

Don’t hesitate to visit Mystical Metis for all your clothing and accessories needs!

Business Information:

mysticalmetis.ca
samaria@mysticalmetis.ca
+14038361164
1235 26 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1R7, Canada

Customer Review:
“Love coming to this store. There is a great selection of various items, from household stuff to clothing and jewelry. Samaria is so kind and her energy is a blessing. I appreciated the personalized card she included with my purchase. I definitely recommend checking this store out!”

2) 49 Native Design, Inc.

49 Native Design, Inc. is a business that specializes in creating and selling authentic native Canadian fabrics and clothing. The company’s products are made from natural materials such as wool and cotton, which are sourced directly from tribal communities across Canada.  

49 Native Design also offers custom designs for people who want to create their own unique outfits using traditional indigenous fabric patterns.

You can also find a variety of men’s, women’s and kid’s shoes. The traditional sockamoccs are made with high-quality polyester fabric that are lightweight, durable and quick-drying, they have rubber soles and are non-slip and easy to clean. 

You can surely find everything you need at 49 Native Design!

Business Information:

49dzinecalgary.ca
hello@49design.com
+14034548792
3419 12 St NE Unit 10, Calgary, AB T2E 6S6, Canada

Customer Review:
“Bought soccamocs from 49DZine to wear around the house. Very useful for when I have to go to the garage and do laundry as well. Also bought a hooded blanket for my nephew. He wears it all over the house. The quality is good and the patterns are beautiful.”

3) Pawticular Pet Supply

Pawticular Pet Supply is an Independent and Indigenous Owned pet supply store located in Oakridge, Calgary. At their store they are focused on selling natural health foods because they take particular care of the health and happiness of their local fur friends. Their aim is to provide locally-sourced products that support your pets’ healthy lifestyle while also supporting sustainable practices.

Plus, they also sell a variety of leashes, collars and harnesses for your cat and dog. And if you need grooming services they carry different options of brushes, shampoos and conditioners as well as clippers and combs. 

The owners are super lovely, knowledgeable, and generous people. It’s a pet food store with heart!

Business Information:

pawticular.ca
kevin@pawticular.ca
+15873541577
2515 90 Ave SW Unit 149, Calgary, AB T2V 0L8, Canada

Customer Review:
“Andrea is so incredibly knowledgeable about your pet’s health.my pets have a lot of allergies and Andreas commitment and love for animals has helped us on our road to wellness.the store offers delivery which is very helpful and the prices are competitive.”

4) Moonstone Creation

The Moonstone Creation gallery and shop is a unique space that specializes in displaying authentic, Native art. Yvonne Jobin and daughter Amy Willier started the gallery to showcase handmade, traditional art. Since its inception, the store has grown its curated collection of Indigenous art made by more than 60 artists from all over Canada. 

Explore their amazing beaded art, sculptures, paintings, ribbon skirts and shirts, take-home bead kits, jewellery, and much more when visiting Calgary. The selection of artifacts on display is diverse and includes works from various regions of Canada, such as Coast Salish pottery. 

Whether you’re looking for something specific or want to explore the wide range of options available at The Moonstone Creation Gallery Shop, you’ll be sure to find what you’re searching for here!

Business Information:

moonstonecreation.ca
kim@moonstonecreation.ca 
yvonne@moonstonecreation.ca
+14032612650
1219 10 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0W6, Canada

Customer Review:
“A beautiful little shop for native arts. Their selection is not the greatest you can find, but its beauty is hard to match. They source from artists across Canada, whose styles vary according to a variety of tastes. Additionally, you can find some pieces from dying arts here such as birch bark imprinting - impressive and beautiful!”

5) CoutuKitsch

COUTUKITSCH is an indigenous business that specializes in creating easy to wear pieces of jewelry. Inspired by Dorian Kitsch’s personal desire for accessible and stylish jewelry, the collection features long wearing plated metals and delicate details that come together effortlessly and chicly. 

They also have gorgeous travel jewelry cases available in chartreuse or bronze velvet. Inside is made with cream microfiber with necklace hangs and ring holders. 

Outfit your wardrobe with COUTUKITSCH pieces today! Don’t miss out on this hidden gem!

Business Information:

coutukitsch.com/pages/contact-us
info@coutukitsch.com
+14034537711
1119 10 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0W5, Canada

Customer Review:
“I have not stopped wearing these since I purchased them. I love the size, and the mixed metal element - they remind me of Sammi Jefcoate! They look great with literally anything I put on, could not be happier with them.”

6) Imagination Group

The Imagination Group of Companies is 100% Indigenous owned and operated, proudly serving Canadians for over twenty-one years. Imagination is committed to providing the highest quality products and services to their customers. They sell tumblers, buffs, pens and journals with unique and beautiful traditional indigenous patterns. 

In addition, their Imagination Ceremonial Tobacco is a certified organic, ceremonial tobacco that offers customers an exceptional smoking experience. The product is made using traditional knowledge and modern practices, which results in a beautiful packaging that’s unique in the industry. 

Business Information:

imaginationgroup.ca
info@imaginationgroup.ca
+18776402090
1120 44 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4W6, Canada

Customer Review:
“Fantastic company, so many products :)”
FAQs About Indigenous Owned Businesses
There is no specific definition of Indigenous business in Canada, but generally businesses that are owned and operated by Aboriginal people or First Nations bands (as defined under the Indian Act) would qualify. Additionally, any company whose primary purpose is to service Aboriginal communities or markets would also be considered an Indigenous business.
Indigenous businesses face a number of challenges, including the lack of infrastructure and support available to them, as well as cultural barriers that can be difficult to overcome.
In order to be an aboriginal business, a firm must have at least 50% ownership and control by aboriginals or their representatives. Additionally, the business must be engaged in economic activity directly related to native people or their traditional lands.
In order to be an aboriginal business, a firm must have at least 50% ownership and control by aboriginals or their representatives. Additionally, the business must be engaged in economic activity directly related to native people or their traditional lands.
Final Thoughts

In conclusion, there are many great Indigenous owned businesses in Calgary. These businesses offer a wide variety of products and services that are sure to meet your needs. 

Whether you’re looking for a gift shop, restaurant, or even just a place to buy groceries, these businesses have what you need. So if you’re ever in the area, be sure to check out one of these fantastic stores – you won’t regret it!

If you’re looking for other great businesses with awesome stuff that you’ll be using for ages, be sure to check out these amazing stores in Calgary:

The list above provides insight into some of the best home inspection companies in Calgary, so choose wisely when selecting someone to inspect your property!