Indigenous Market promotes small business, helps local economy

WhiteKnife Designs owner, Paula TopSky Houtz, sells raffle tickets at her booth during the Indigenous Market hosted at the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel on December 5 and 6.

By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Indigenous Supplies owner, Leah Tindore, hosted the Indigenous Market December 5 and 6 at the Chiefs Event Center at the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel with almost 90 vendors in attendance.

She’s proud of being the first small tribal member owned business to do something of this proportion all on her own and encourages others to not be afraid of doing it either. Many of the businesses set up are owned by people she calls friends. She’s been a business owner for six years.

Tindore felt like the event was a success even though it took place on a Monday and Tuesday.

Bud Perry and family sells hides and CBD products.

“I know what areas I can improve on and I’m excited. I totally would do it again,” she said. She’s even had people ask her to do craft fairs for different seasons and occasions. She received a lot of positive feedback from the vendors.

Tindore said large craft fairs like this provide small businesses several opportunities — for example, exposure; Indigenous Supplies, sells most of their products online, however customers may not know they also have shoes, blankets, and fabric for sale.

TikTok creator Nathan Apodaca "Doggface" sells apparel and met with fans.

It also gives small business owners the opportunity to open doors by meeting new people and networking.

It’s also good for the economy she explains, “Everything we’re doing is giving back – I think it’s cycling and going into small businesses and it’s helping them.”

Makalia Eagle sets out her merchandise.