how do u feel about settlers purchasing/wearing native-made jewelry? — I think this is a really good question. I'm going to thread a long answer below this, so sit tight! https://curiouscat.qa/butchkunik/post/1097782874

I think that settlers should buy Native-made jewelry. I think you should put your money back into Indigenous communities and into the pockets of Indigenous beaders: you should platform their work to your settler friends, and I would in fact encourage it for a number of reasons.

One such reason is that companies like Forever 21, H&M, etc. make a lot of money off of culturally appropriative jewelry, earrings, etc. “Native inspired” and “Boho-influenced” art has become wildly popular, but its often settlers and major companies exploiting these designs...

...and Native livelihoods to make money, further contributing to a fast-fashion industry that in turn exploits Indigenous and otherwise marginalized women. Authentic beaded work is made with a lot of care and love, and...

100% of the money you pay an artist for is going directly into their livelihood.

Additionally, Indigenous beaders will never sell something online, via Instagram, Etsy, etc. that settlers cannot buy: at least, not without a disclaimer. We know what parts of our art and culture you as a settler can participate in...

...and we won’t leave you guessing over whether something is ethical for you to buy. If in doubt, you can always ask!

I'm gonna link some beaders in this thread that I personally have work from that I think you'd really like!

@celestial_inuk - IG @/fullmoonbeads is an Inuk beader who makes really lovely and colourful beaded earrings. I have a pair I commissioned of white uluuk in black diamonds that she made, and I wear them almost every single day.