Read on Twitter
how do u feel about settlers purchasing/wearing native-made jewelry? — I think this is a really good question. I& #39;m going to thread a long answer below this, so sit tight! https://curiouscat.qa/butchkunik/post/1097782874">https://curiouscat.qa/butchkuni...
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& #39;m gonna link some beaders in this thread that I personally have work from that I think you& #39;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.
