Native Made Market Celebrates Indigenous Culture and Entrepreneurship in Rochester

Rochester, NY is set to host the third annual Native Made Market on November 30th, coinciding with Small Business Saturday. This event, running from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 60 Brown's Race, promises to be a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture, entrepreneurship, and creativity.

The market brings together Indigenous artists, activists, and allies from across Turtle Island, representing a diverse array of Nations including the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Cherokee, Piscataway, Odawa, Navajo, and Sac and Fox. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase unique, Native-made goods ranging from art prints and jewelry to dreamcatchers and textiles, while learning about the cultural significance behind each craft.

This year's event extends beyond commerce, offering a platform for cultural exchange and education. Attendees can engage with community organizations, sample Indigenous foods, and listen to stories shared by original inhabitants of the land. The market's commitment to accessibility is evident in its provision of ASL interpretation and live streaming on Facebook for those unable to attend in person.

Following the market, a free Community Dinner and Haudenosaunee Social Dance will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., hosted by Native American Community Services. This extension of the event invites the broader community to participate in an evening of cultural immersion, featuring traditional social dances and shared meals.

The Native Made Market serves a crucial role in increasing Indigenous visibility and supporting Native-owned businesses. By providing a platform for Indigenous entrepreneurs, the event contributes to economic empowerment within Native communities while offering consumers an alternative to mainstream retail on one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

Organizer Angelina Hilton, an enrolled member of the Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri and founder of Native Made, emphasizes the event's importance: "This market is more than just a shopping experience. It's an opportunity for cultural exchange, education, and building connections between Indigenous creators and the wider community."

The event also highlights the collaborative efforts of various organizations dedicated to Indigenous causes. Participating entities include the Indigenous Peoples Day Committee, Our Voices Project, and the Indigenous Health Coalition, among others. Their presence underscores the market's role as a nexus for community engagement and advocacy.

As consumers become increasingly conscious of the origins of their purchases and the importance of supporting diverse businesses, events like the Native Made Market play a vital role. They offer a direct way for shoppers to invest in Indigenous communities while gaining authentic, culturally rich products and experiences.

The return of the Native Made Market for its third year demonstrates growing interest and support for Indigenous-led initiatives in Rochester and beyond. Its success could serve as a model for similar events in other cities, potentially sparking a wider movement to promote Indigenous entrepreneurship and cultural awareness across the United States.

As Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to shop local, the Native Made Market provides a unique opportunity to support not just local businesses, but to directly engage with and support Indigenous creators. This event stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in promoting cultural understanding, economic empowerment, and social justice.