As we are nearing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th it’s a good reminder to find Indigenous businesses and artists that we can support year round. Stream their music, purchase a gift for a friend or if you don’t have cash at this moment, follow them on social media and give them a shout out online. Let’s lift up Indigenous voices together!
We acknowledge that Do604 and all the businesses below operate on the traditional and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), QayQayt First Nation, Kwantlen, q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen First Nations, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), and Stó:lō Nation.
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PHOTO CREDIT: SKWÁLWEN BOTANICALS
Before there was a conversation about clean, green and natural skincare, there were communities of Indigenous womxn who cultivated and foraged for plants in the forests and meadows to use as food and medicine. Instructed by cultural teachings, they identified the plants that, when blended together, could unlock health and healing.
Today, Sḵwálwen (skwall-win) is an Indigenous skincare line that honors Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) plant knowledge and ancestral traditions by using sustainably harvested and sourced organic plants to balance, renew, repair, strengthen, hydrate and protect the skin. Sḵwálwen is the Squamish word for heart. Each product has a Squamish name to honor the place where this plant knowledge comes from.
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PHOTO CREDIT: SISTERS SAGE/FACEBOOK
Sisters Sage, the Indigenous Business of the Year 2022, is a First Nation-owned wellness company based in Vancouver, BC. Founded by Lynn-Marie Angus, who comes from Gitxaala, Nisga'a, and Métis Nations, she creates self-care products using First Nations knowledge and ways of being. Her handmade soaps are vegan, palm oil-free, and wrapped in biodegradable film. Sisters Sage's Smokeless Smudge Spray is the number one smudge spray on the market! She is dedicated to closing the socio-economic grap between First Nations and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. You can visit their new brick and mortar location at 1312 Kingsway.
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Photo Credit: NATIVE BY NATURE
Native By Nature is more than just a clothing brand – they are a celebration of culture, creativity, and individuality. Founded by Michelle Runns (MzShellz), and her partner Sino General (Chief Rock), the brand is a fusion of urban hip hop style and Indigenous heritage. NBN journey began with a simple yet profound idea – that we are all native to somewhere. Native By Nature is a reflection of the deep connection between Indigenous culture and the vibrant energy of the city. NBN are on a mission to empower Indigenous youth and inspire individuals to embrace their roots while expressing their unique style. Their clothing is a statement of identity and pride.
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Photo Credit: Bearclaw Custom Native Jewelry/Facebook
Bearclaw Custom Native Jewelry offers unique silver, gold, platinum and gemmed jewelry with beautiful animal themes and Chipewyan designs. Rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants and more. One-of-a-kind art that you can wear! They even offer a lifetime guarantee - free cleaning, buffing, cutting, resizing, or fixing as long as you own the piece.
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Photo Credit: CHERYL'S TRADING POST
Cheryl’s Trading Post is an independent Native family owned and operated business selling authentic Native carvings, jewelry, blankets, paintings, baskets, beadwork, and many other handmade items from local First Nations artists and Indigenous artists from across the Americas. Artists know their cultures intimately and have lived in harmony with the animals depicted in the art. Their ancestors have practiced this art-form since time immemorial. Cheryl’s Trading Post gratefully acknowledges the Squamish, Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, Kwantlen, and Semiahmoo communities of the Coast Salish Nation.
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Photo Credit: RUBY CREEK ART GALLERY
Ruby Creek Art Gallery has been owned and operated by Sq'ewá:lxw First Nation since 2005. They have this amazing collection of handcrafted Coast Salish Indigenous artwork, like Cedar carvings & weaving, paintings, and jewellery. It's a great place to appreciate the culture and history of First Nations while supporting talented Indigenous artists!
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Photo Credit: Charlie & Lee/Facebook
Charlie & Lee is Métis-Cree owned and independently operated clothing and home goods shop that offers local or ethically made designs since 2010. Clothing, accessories, ceramics, baskets, candles, scents, soaps, apothecary and more. Everything is handpicked and thoughtful so you can enjoy each piece for a long time!
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Photo Credit: cedar roots collective
Cedar Roots Collective is an Indigenous-led social enterprise that amplifies and celebrates Indigenous artists advocating for justice, sovereignty, and peace.
Cedar Roots Collective was launched in 2024 by Phil Gray (Ts’msyen/Cree) and Hayf Abichahine (Palestinian/Lebanese) - two artists, activists, and all-around justice-seeking humans living on the unceded, ancestral, stolen and traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Instagram - O siiem' | Instagram - Quw'utsun' Made
PHOTO CREDIT: QUW'UTSUN' MADE
Explore Bespoke fragrances by Quw'utsun' Made and tattoos by O Siiem' - both from the incred mind of Arianna Lauren.
O Siiem' means 'All My Relations' in Hulquminum. This spirit of connection guides O Siiem Tatu, a queer Indigenous woman-owned tattoo studio founded by Sonja Vigil-Killer (Taos Pueblo) and Arianna Lauren (Cowichan Tribes). O Siiem celebrates inclusivity with a warm, femme-forward environment.
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PHOTO CREDIT: MASSY BOOKS/WEBSITE
Not your typical bookstore! Massy Books is Indigenous woman-owned and operated, and is also an art gallery and community space in Vancouver’s Chinatown neighbourhood. Grab a new book from their extension collection of Indigenous, rare, new and bestselling titles.
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Photo Credit: Bangin’ Bannock/Facebook
When you purchase a Bangin’ Bannock fry bread mix you are supporting an Indigenous owned, women powered, community driven business with recipes inspired by their family recipes. All you have to do is add water and cook! BB gives back with eco-friendly packaging and by donating 10% of their profits each month.
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Reservations are highly recommended for this intimate dining room which is Indigenous owned and operated since 2010. You can also check out their new location at YVR Airport! Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro showcases their heritage with pride through food that focuses on First Nations traditions and recipes. Owner Inez Cook is also the author of the children's book ''The Sixties Scoop''. She is sharing her dream of a space that allows you to travel to a different place; a place close to the heart and to home.
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Photo Credit: Spirit Bear Coffee/Facebook
Spirit Bear Coffee Company is First Nation owned since 2008 offering certified organic and fairtrade coffee to over 600 locations in Canada and online to your front door! They work with companies that respect Mother Earth and believe in sharing their culture through fun names like “Raven” espresso beans and “Eagle” roast. 10% your first order when you sign up to their newsletter.
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PHOTO CREDIT: bear essential oils
Bear Essential Oils is an Indigenous wellness brand that honors cultural knowledge, community spirit and self care. We prides ourselves on offering 100% pure, organic, ethically sourced and wildcrafted essential oils.
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PHOTO CREDIT: raven Song soap & candle
Valerie Lamirande, known as Silnga a Jaada (Creative Girl) in Haida, is the founder of RavenSong Soap & Candle. She began storytelling through creative outlets as a teen, which led her to artisanal soapmaking. Now, Valerie is mentoring Cody and Alissa Assu in a 2-year knowledge transfer process, ensuring RavenSong's legacy of authentic Indigenous storytelling continues.
RavenSong produces award-winning cold-processed soaps that celebrate Indigenous culture. Notably, Valerie was a founding member and the only Indigenous woman in the Handcrafted Bath and Body Guild (HBBG), a Canadian non-profit organization representing the bath and body industry.
PHOTO CREDIT: PATHWAYS/WEBSITE
Pathways is an Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-focused executive search firm supporting reconciliation and inclusion for corporate and public-sector clients large and small, across industries and across the country. We are headquartered in the unceded traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil Waututh Nations ions.
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PHOTO CREDIT: SATYA ORGANIC
Satya Organic is a Vancouver-based skincare company and Certified B Corp dedicated to addressing eczema and other skin needs. Proudly crafted with all organic ingredients and completely steroid-free, Satya was born from a mother's love and continues to extend that care to customers, communities, and the planet.
Embracing traditional Indigenous values, Satya consistently evolves its product line, packaging, and global impact, always striving for improvement. Their products are available in thousands of stores across Canada, including Metro locations in Ontario and over 1,100 Shoppers Drug Mart outlets nationwide, making them the first Indigenous brand to grace those shelves.
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PHOTO CREDIT: spirit gallery
Spirit Gallery, established in 1991 and located in Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver, is an Indigenous-owned art gallery and gift shop specializing in Northwest Coast Native art. Managed by Erin Sam since 1997, who married renowned artist Klatle-bhi, the gallery features a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional artworks, including jewelry, masks, totem poles, and unique gifts. It aims to showcase First Nations art and share the stories behind the pieces while representing both established and emerging artists from various communities. The gallery overlooks Howe Sound and serves as a cultural hub in a vibrant area that connects to Vancouver Island and the scenic Sea to Sky Highway.
Indigenous Artists Of Turtle Island
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PHOTO: DJ Kookum
DJ Kookum is a talented Dene/Cree DJ and filmmaker from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, known for her vibrant presence in the electronic music scene. Blending EDM and Hip Hop in her open-format style, she energizes audiences with her diverse mixes. A graduate of the Indigenous Independent Digital Filmmaking program at Capilano College, she combines her passion for music and storytelling to express her cultural identity. Beyond performing at clubs and events, DJ Kookum serves as a mentor and workshop facilitator, actively promoting Indigenous culture and representation in the arts.
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PHOTO: Quanah
Quanah Style is Canada’s most infamous two-spirit trans artist. Hailing from the cree nation. Star of "Quanah TransOp" on wow presents and season 2 of Canada's a Drag on CBC.
She recently shot her first feature film role in a movie called “Broken Angel” and is in production on a few new TV projects slated for later this year.
One part fearless ClubKid and another part powerhouse musician. Ms. Style has blazed a train from coast to coast. From Vancouver to Toronto & LA. She has garnered attention and there are few dance floors who haven't felt her presence. From her outfits and makeup, to her music and show stopping performances, Quanah has proven she is a force to be reckoned with as a groundbreaking artist.
She has opened for Snotty nose rez kids, Hallucination, Peaches, Bif Naked and more!
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PHOTO: KYM GOUCHIE
Kym Gouchie is an Indigenous Canadian musician and visual artist from the Lheidli T'enneh Nation, celebrated for her powerful storytelling through music. Utilizing acoustic guitar and traditional hand drum, she addresses First Nations, women's, and environmental issues while promoting reconciliation. Gouchie often incorporates her endangered ancestral Carrier language into her songs and has performed across Canada and the U.S. Her notable albums, including Mountain of Youth and Northern Shining Star Woman, alongside awards like the Stingray Rising Star Award in 2019, highlight her dedication to uplifting Indigenous voices through her art.
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PHOTO: Dakota bear
Dakota Bear is a Saskatoon-born, Vancouver-based Indigenous hip-hop artist and activist whose music tells the stories of Indigenous peoples across Canada. His performances have captivated audiences of up to 40,000, including at significant events like the Global Climate Strike with Greta Thunberg. Dakota's activism intertwines with his music, addressing issues such as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Two-Spirited Peoples, and he has shared stages with renowned artists like Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and Tech N9ne. His work has gained recognition from various media outlets, accumulating over 1 million views online, while his commitment to love, justice, and peace resonates through his impactful lyrics and beats.
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PHOTO: NIMKISH
Nimkish is an emerging Indigiqueer pop artist from Vancouver, British Columbia, with roots in the Kwakwaka'wakw and Cree nations. She made her debut with the EP Heartbreak on the Coast in 2019, which explores themes of love and loss, particularly reflecting on her first queer relationship. Her follow-up EP, Damage Control, released in 2021, delves into the grief surrounding her father's death, showcasing her resilience and emotional depth through her music. Nimkish's artistry is characterized by a blend of personal storytelling and contemporary influences, making her a notable voice in the Canadian music scene
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PHOTO: lil smudge
Lil Smudge is a 2-spirited Indigenous artist and femmecee hailing from both the Kawacatoose First Nation of Treaty 4 and the Vuntut G'witchin Nation. With a unique blend of hip-hop and cultural influences, Lil Smudge uses music as a platform to express identity and advocate for Indigenous rights. Their work not only showcases lyrical talent but also emphasizes the importance of community and cultural heritage in contemporary music. As an emerging voice in the Canadian music scene, Lil Smudge is gaining recognition for both their artistic contributions and activism within Indigenous communities
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PHOTO: JESSA SKY
Jessa Sky, a Cree Artist from Treaty 8 Territory, blends her Indigenous roots into soulful melodies. Her singles, like “On My Own”, and “Surrender,” hit Top 100 in the CBC Toyota Searchlight as well as receiving CBC’s 2024 Searchlight “honorary Indigenous artist” for her single “Anxiety”. Her recent collab with MattMac “forever” is skyrocketing with over 300,000+ views. Watch out for Jessa’s future collabs with BoogeyTheBeat, and more. Championing mental health & addiction awareness, she has two #2 singles on the twice on the Indigenous Music Countdown. Her debut album ‘Sky’s The Limit’ released march 2024 and her 6 part EP is out in October 2024.
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PHOTO: DJ O SHOW
Orene Askew, aka DJ O Show, is an Afro-Indigenous and a proud member of the Squamish Nation. Coming from a diverse background, O Show is driven by her passion. She embraces both her cultural backgrounds and incorporates their teachings into everything she does. She has hosted/MC’d/DJ’d for the Vancouver Canucks, BC Lions, Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, and opened for Kevin Hart and Russell Peters at The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival. DJ O Show is the recipient of a 2015 BC Indigenous Business Award, a 2018 Stand Out Award from the Vancouver Pride Society, a 2021 Alumni of Excellence Award from Capilano University, and a 2022 International Indigenous Hip Hop Award for DJ of the Year.
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PHOTO: SALTWATER HANK
Saltwater Hank is a Ts’msyen Rock ‘n Roll artist from Txałgiiw(aka Hartley Bay) based in Lax Kxeen (Prince Rupert). The melodies are a spoonful of oolichan grease- the perfect dose of musical medicine. He connects listeners and members of his culture by reliving his heritage through the music, creating a bridge between the old and the new, and allowing present generations to experience the ancient oral traditions of his culture in a vibrant and powerful way. His stories breathe life into forgotten narratives and revive the power of the traditional language to shape a new generation of storytellers. Saltwater Hank is here to keep the art and sound of his culture alive and growing.
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PHOTO BY YVONNE HANSON
In 2022 Indigenous songwriter Francis Baptiste released his debut album, Sneqsilx (Family), an album that features songs sung in his native language Nsyilxcən [nah-silk-sen], the endangered language of the Syilx [see-ilks] people. The 10-song album was his effort to preserve and connect with his heritage. The chance to reconnect with his roots helped him through turbulent times.
Following the release, Baptiste performed for Talking Stick Festival, Vancouver Jazz Fest, Music Waste Festival, Rogue Arts Festival, Barnside Harvest Festival, Shipyards Festival, Khatsahlano Festival, and the PNE. Singles from Sneqsilx (Family) were played on CBC Radio, SiriusXM, and college radio stations across the country. The album received press in Exclaim Magazine, the Vancouver Sun, Discorder Magazine, the Times Chronicle, and several music blogs.
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PHOTO: talilo marfil
Talilo Marfil is a West Bisayan, Filipino-American Hip
Hop artist hailing from Portland, Oregon. With a passion
for illustrating social issues, cultural island heritage, and
raw grit, Talilo brings a unique perspective to the Hip Hop
scene. His dynamic rhyme schemes and choppy lyrics serve
as a vehicle for storytelling, shedding light on both
personal experiences and broader societal narratives.
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PHOTO: ZERO
Zero is a legendary Indigenous Hip Hop artist based in Los Angeles and the host of the LA Natives Podcast. Zero performed at the 2024 Turtle Island Music Festival.
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PHOTO: TALON
Talon Nadeau, known as “TALON”, is a 21-year-old Piapot Indigenous hip-hop artist who was born and raised in East Vancouver. His lyrics are honest, introspective, and passionate; reflecting his experiences as a youth living on the Downtown Eastside his entire life. Through his music, TALON candidly explores both his struggles and triumphs, offering a raw and authentic glimpse into his life.
One of TALON’s motivations is supporting his mother, who battles addiction. Through his art, he aspires to offer a healing perspective that resonates with other young people facing similar challenges.
His music serves as a beacon of empowerment within his community, inspiring fellow youth and artists alike. By sharing his personal narrative, TALON actively encourages others to embrace their creativity and pursue their dreams.
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PHOTO: hayley wallis
Singer-songwriter Hayley Wallis possesses a rich, textured voice that exudes confidence and delivers powerful emotional performances. A member of the Kitasoo/Xais’xais Nation from Klemtu, British Columbia, she is gaining recognition with her debut single "coffee cup," a soulful pop anthem addressing mental health. Beginning her musical journey in her community, Hayley has since moved to Vancouver to pursue her artistic aspirations while balancing life as a young mother. With tens of thousands of views on her YouTube covers, she is refining her original music for major platforms and is set to release her highly anticipated EP in spring 2022, aiming to inspire future generations through her art.
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PHOTO: KAYDENCE
Kaydence Gladue, born and raised in Fort McKay First Nation, Treaty 8 Territory, was raised by her grandma before moving to Vancouver to pursue music and acting. She is a ball of creativity, offering live shows, workshops, and booking services for artists. Kaydence is known for her expertise in acting, singing, and songwriting, Kaydence is a standout in the industry, dedicated to promoting artistic excellence and cultural diversity. Dive into the world of music with us and explore the limitless possibilities of artistic expression.
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PHOTO: DEMROSÉBOYS
Dem Rosé Boys are a Hip Hop duo featuring Indigenous artist DayDay & Filipino artist Mizzy. The duo describes themself as Vancity bred and LA raised. They have featured at festivals including Circles, Indigenous Day Eve, Westward Music Festival, Turtle Island Music Festival and more.
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PHOTO: NATASHA FISHER
Natasha Fisher is an Indigenous Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer from Thunder Bay, Ontario, who now resides in Toronto. Her artistic style is deeply influenced by her First Nations heritage, blending cultural and spiritual elements into her music. Fisher gained popularity as a YouTube star, showcasing her talent and unique perspective through her online presence. As an Ojibway musician, she draws inspiration from her Indigenous roots, creating a distinctive sound that resonates with audiences. Her work demonstrates a commitment to expressing her cultural identity through music, contributing to the representation of Indigenous voices in the Canadian music scene.
Are you an Indigenous artist or business owner that would like to be featured?
Let us know at [email protected]!
