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 Oregon Native American 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:

  • 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.
  • Lloyd: Find the latest styles at Cultural Blends, a clothing store specializing in local brands, rare vintage clothing, and sneakers.
  • 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.
  • Overlook: Stay well with Seven Circles Natural Medicine, which integrates Naturopathic, Chinese, and Primary Care Medicines and has an on-site pharmacy with tinctures, salves, topicals, and supplements.
  • Portland International: Check out No End Of (NEO), a clothing brand that combines Neo-Contemporary and traditional Indigenous designs to create gender-neutral pieces for all.
  • St. Johns: Thunderbird Tattoo is a blend of time-honored tattoo traditions, Native American decorative arts, and a dynamic approach to lines, shading, and colors.
  • Williams District: For all of your naturopath health and holistic skin care needs, be sure to check in with Peach Skin Portland Healthcare
  • Online: Rose Alchemista is a skincare apothecary that offers perfumes, bath soaks, body polish, balms, and more. Find the perfect gifts at Indigenous Come Up, which sells Indigenous-made and designed arts, crafts, and jewelry. 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. Warm up with some hot tea from Aesthete Tea, an organic, loose-leaf tea and herbal blend brand. 

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 of these organizations continue to do great work with Indigenous communities.