It’s a tough time to be a local entrepreneur in Canada, with COVID-19 still impacting businesses and a recession on the horizon. To make it easier to shop local this winter, we’ve compiled a list of Indigenous businesses in and around Kamloops (Tk’emlúps). Why not check them out for unique gifts to give this holiday season?
The Indigenous Resurgence Project also has a directory of Indigenous businesses to support year-round.
Smoked Smudge Scents
This Indigenous-owned business offers handmade, all-natural soy wax candles infused with the essence of traditional Secwépemc medicines at markets in and around Kamloops (Tk’emlúps).
Whitney Alphonse Manuel, a Secwèpemc woman, hand-gathers the sagebrush, sweet grass, cedar and other traditional plants that make Smoked Smudge Scents smell so good.
“To say I simply like the sweet grass candle would be an understatement. I LOVE it. It smells like the wind on a summer day. It’s so refreshing. I am pretty obsessed. 1,000 per cent recommend,” said a pleased customer in a review.
DiVine Tours
This Métis-owned business offers boutique wine tours to clients while wineries in the area are open and distilled spirit, craft beer and cider tastings as a substitute in the colder months while wineries are closed.
DiVine Tours is recognized internationally and locally as a leader in business tourism.
DiVine Tours offers various tour packages and is committed to working with clients to build the best possible experience. Schedule a tour with your loved ones or buy someone close to you a DiVine Tours gift card this holiday season.
Beadworkx by Raine and Tahira
Mother-daughter duo Raine and Tahira share their love of beading through their work making wristlets, earrings and medallions. They’ve also customized hats — and even beaded the edges of a graduation cap for one client.
You can find them at craft fairs around the region, or on Instagram.
Raven Reads
Help amplify Indigenous voices this holiday season by purchasing a subscription box through Raven Reads. Any one of Raven Reads subscription boxes contains a beautifully curated collection of quality, award-winning Indigenous books.
Raven Reads offers seasonal, bi-annual, annual and monthly adult and children’s subscription boxes, corporate gift boxes and a variety of one-time, non-subscription-based gifts and merchandise.
Kekuli Cafe
300 Columbia St #101, Kamloops, B.C.
Tired after holiday parties, hangouts with friends and family get-togethers? Need a warm coffee and filling breakfast, lunch or dinner? Kekuli Cafe has got you covered.
Since its opening earlier this year, Kekuli Cafe owner Elijah Mack-Stirling says business has been booming. Still, with a recession on the horizon, businesses like Kekuli Cafe could use a little extra cushion to fall back on.
If you’ve yet to give it a try, Kekuli Cafe is open seven days a week and serves a variety of Indigenous foods. Don’t panic, Kekuli Cafe has bannock! Stop by the Kamloops location downtown on Columbia and Third Street to pick up a gift card, Kekuli-brand coffee beans or a selection of local giftware while you’re at it.
Lightning Creations
A beader with over ten years of experience, Kamloops-based Priscilla Stump runs Lightning Creations to help fund her Thompson Rivers University education. The social work student makes intricately beaded earrings, wristlets and medallions.
Find Lightning Creations on Facebook or Instagram.
Red Hummingbird Boutique
Based in Chase, this Secwépemc business recently closed its storefront but still visits craft fairs, selling ribbon skirts, beadwork, accessories and jewelry. Owner Miranda Dick also creates custom jacket designs using thrifted pieces.
Check the business out on Facebook for up-to-date information about craft fairs and sales.
Moccasin Trails Tours
Canoe journeys, shared knowledge, traditional medicines — Moccasin Trails offers teachings through a variety of guided tours in Kamloops and Kelowna.
“We wanted to bring people from around the world on the ancestral paths our people walked, have them taste the food we ate, sing the songs we sang, hear the stories that were passed down orally from generations ago and travel down the rivers we canoed,” the company’s website reads.
Booking a tour for a loved one or a group of family and friends could make a great gift this season.
Want to learn about some other local businesses worth shopping at this holiday season? Check out our curated gift guide for women-owned businesses near Kamloops!
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