What we now call Portland and Multnomah County are the traditional lands of the Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Tumwater, Tualatin Kalapuya, Wasco, Molalla, Cowlitz, and Watlala bands of the Chinook, and many other Tribes who made their homes along the Columbia River. Today, the Northwest Native Chamber is dedicated to working to advance the educational and economic opportunities for Native Americans in Oregon and Southwest Washington. November is National Native American Heritage Month. You can celebrate by learning about the history, heritage, and cultures of Oregon’s Indigenous peoples and supporting Native-owned businesses. Here are just a few:

  • Alberta: Make & Mary offers all-natural, potent, cruelty-free, vegan, and low-waste CBD, and other botanical products, along with workshops and community gatherings.
  • Central Eastside: Ice Queen creates delicious vegan paletas and ice cream sold all over Portland and now at their brick and mortar location in SE Portland.
  • Cully: Get your java fix at Bison Coffeehouse, Portland’s only Native-owned coffeehouse that serves a carefully curated roster of Native and local roasters, locally sourced beverages, and a selection of house-made baked goods.
  • Division/Clinton: Check out Coral Story Beauty, an organic makeup and Green beauty store with a large selection of natural, clean brands.
  • Hawthorne: Get some fresh ink at Tattoo 34, a tattoo studio that specializes in both flash art and high-quality, custom-drawn pieces. Some consider this family-owned studio to be one of the best tattoo shops in Portland!
  • Hollywood: Fit Flex Lab combines cutting-edge medical knowledge with the power of fitness, creating a unique and holistic approach to your well-being. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, seeking preventative care, or simply aiming to optimize your fitness goals, they’ve got you covered.
  • Midway: A Bead Source carries sterling silver jewelry, both Native American-style and contemporary. They also feature tumbled stone, crystal specimens, crystal spheres and points, Tarot/Oracle decks, crystal books, greeting cards, and more.
  • Multnomah Village: Get a new do at Revive Organic Salon, an organic, ammonia-free, eco-friendly hair salon specializing in hair, skin, and nails.
  • NE Broadway: You’ll find special objects and clothes with personality, beauty, and style at Parcera Vintage. Check out their Instagram for the latest additions to their selection.
  • Williams District: For all of your naturopathic health and holistic skin care needs, be sure to check in with Peach Skin Portland Healthcare.
  • City-wide: In honor of Pachacutek (the prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor), Indigenous Come Up provides and promotes inspiring opportunities to support healing, economic independence, and community sufficiency for survivors of government and tribal systems.
  • Online: Hózhó Full Spectrum Creations offers incredible herbal bodycare products, specializing in pre and postnatal care. Score some fresh denim at Ginew, a Native-owned denim clothing line that incorporates elements of their Ojibwe, Oneida, and Mohican heritage into their designs.

This is a non-exhaustive list. There are lots of other Native-owned local businesses to support. Check out the Mercatus Buy Native Guide for more listings. Also, consider donating to the Native American Youth & Family Center (NAYA) and the Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA). Both organizations continue to do great work with Indigenous communities.