The third annual Native Made Market will take place in Rochester on Small Business Saturday, November 30th, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 60 Brown's Race. This event serves as a significant celebration of Indigenous talent, cultures, and entrepreneurship, bringing together creators from across Turtle Island to showcase their work and share their heritage with the wider community.
The market offers attendees a unique opportunity to purchase Native-made goods while connecting directly with Indigenous artists, activists, and allies. Visitors can expect to find a diverse array of items including art prints, jewelry, dreamcatchers, and textiles. More importantly, they will have the chance to learn about the Nations and stories that inspire each craft, providing deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures that have often been marginalized or misrepresented.
This year's event features an impressive lineup of participants representing all Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, as well as Cherokee, Piscataway, Odawa, Navajo, Sac and Fox, and other Indigenous nations. Among the talented artists and craftspeople are Dawn Doctor, Taylor Bonaparte, Mary Homer, and Jerome Waterman Jr., whose work reflects the rich diversity of Native artistic traditions and contemporary expressions.
The Native Made Market extends beyond commercial exchange to serve as a platform for increasing Indigenous visibility and fostering community connections. Several organizations dedicated to advancing Indigenous causes will be present, including the Indigenous Peoples Day Committee, Our Voices Project, and the Indigenous Health Coalition. These groups work to address systemic issues facing Native communities while promoting cultural preservation and self-determination.
To enhance the experience, attendees can enjoy small samples of Indigenous foods, participate in cultural exchanges, and even win door prizes donated by local businesses. The event organizers have prioritized accessibility by offering ASL interpretation and live-streaming the market on Facebook for those unable to attend in person, ensuring broader participation and engagement with Indigenous cultures.
Following the market, the celebration continues with a free Community Dinner and Haudenosaunee Social Dance from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This extension of the event, hosted by Native American Community Services, invites all members of the public to come together for an evening of food, fun, and cultural exchange, further strengthening community bonds and intercultural understanding.
The Native Made Market represents more than a shopping event; it provides an opportunity for the wider community to engage with and support Indigenous cultures in meaningful ways. By showcasing Native-owned businesses and artisans, the market helps promote economic development within Indigenous communities while educating the public about the rich cultural heritage of Native Americans. This economic support is particularly significant given historical and ongoing challenges facing Indigenous entrepreneurs.
This event arrives at a time of growing recognition about the importance of supporting Indigenous businesses and amplifying Native voices. The Native Made Market serves as a model for how communities can create spaces that celebrate diversity, promote cultural understanding, and support local Indigenous entrepreneurs. Such initiatives contribute to more equitable economic landscapes and challenge stereotypes about Native communities.
The market's success is made possible through support from numerous sponsors including RocGrowth, Envision Productions, Rochester Area Community Foundation, and others. Their involvement underscores a community-wide commitment to fostering inclusivity and supporting Indigenous initiatives that benefit both Native and non-Native residents. For those interested in learning more about the Native Made Market, additional information can be found at https://linktr.ee/nativemadehq.
As Small Business Saturday approaches, the Native Made Market stands out as a unique opportunity for Rochester residents and visitors to support Indigenous artists and businesses while experiencing the richness of Native American cultures. This event not only contributes to the local economy but also plays a crucial role in building bridges between communities and fostering a more inclusive society where Indigenous voices and contributions are valued and celebrated.
