November’s Top 13
Indigenous Roots
Welcome to November’s Top 13! Each month, the Noise 13 team curates a themed list of our favorite finds—from the latest trends and must-try products to unexpected inspiration and insights. This is where we share what’s sparking our creativity right now, so dive in and let it fuel your next big idea or shopping spree!
November is National Indigenous History Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the history, cultural heritage, resilience, and contributions of First Nation people. Educating ourselves about the unique traditions, cultures, and lived experiences of Indigenous people is best when learned from Indigenous voices. This month, we are sharing 13 First Nation-owned brands and businesses that our team recommends and supports. We know this list only scratches the surface, so we encourage you to check these out and share your favorites with us!
Dava’s Picks: Founder and Chief Creative Officer
Crystal Wehpepah, a member of the Kickapoo nation of Oklahoma, founded Wahpepah’s Kitchen in Oakland to reclaim and educate the health benefits of Native food ways. She chooses Indigenous food sources and honors the seasons with changing menus.
IG: wahpepahskitchen
Ramona Farms located on the Gila reservation in Arizona has an extensive line of food products including wheat berries, wheat/corn pinoles, cornmeal, corn flour/grits, polenta and tepary beans. All crops are “heirloom” grown without pesticides, herbicides and genetically modified seed stock.
IG: ramonafarmsBraiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer is part memoir/storytelling, part scientific writing. Kimmerer, a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, explores the relationship between humans and the land with a focus on the role of plants in Native American traditions.
Andre’s Picks: Associate Creative Director
Thunder VoiceHat Co. I’ve been eyeing their hats for quite some time. Can I pull it off? Maybe. Do I want to be able to pull it off? Most definitely. A Dine’ & Totonac owned business creating hats that are vintage hand-sourced, steamed and shaped, creatively visioned, and lovingly made. A company that has sustainability at its core for future generations and invests in reclaiming materials. Perhaps for now I stick with their Serape.
IG: thundervoiceco
Séka Hills. If their other products are as tasty as their honey glazed walnuts, you should run and stock-up for the holidays. The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation of Northern California’s Capay Valley is keenly aware that sustainability and stewardship require a long-term plan, and are committed to educating future generations about conservation. From wine to olive oil, they will definitely have something delicious for your table.
IG: sekahills
Suzanne’s Picks: Operations Leader
Café Ohlone by Mak-’amham — meaning “our food” in Chochenyo, one of several native Ohlone dialects — serves up traditional foods such as acorn soup, chia seed pudding, venison meatballs, and acorn-flour brownies. Located outdoors in Berkeley, the cafe uses a pop-up model, opening one or two afternoons a week and the occasional evening announcing dates and times beforehand on social media.
IG: cafeohlone
Acorns are known as a superfood across Indian Country. The Tribal Youth Ambassadors of the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center (Pomo & Miwok tribes) developed Acorn Bites, a gluten-free, protein-packed snack bar to support their community food efforts.
IG: acornbitesThe first Native American-owned denim collection, Ginew focuses on creating premium small-batch apparel. This family business was founded by Amanda Bruegl, Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe, and her husband Erik Brodt, Ojibwe Tribe. Ginew incorporates family symbols and teachings into the garments as well as focusing on made-in-USA construction.
IG: ginew_usa
Elaine’s Picks: Designer
B.Yellowtail is a fashion brand founded by Bethany Yellowtail, a Northern Cheyenne and Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation citizen, that blends Indigenous heritage with contemporary design. The brand is dedicated to empowering Indigenous youth through education and community-building initiatives via its Rez Girls Fund.
IG: @byellowtail
Kótah Bear is a brand founded by sibling duo Kótah and Missy, both members of the Diné (Navajo Nation) tribe. They collaborate with Navajo and Pueblo artisans across the Southwest to offer a curated collection of jewelry, blankets, and other handcrafted goods.
IG: kotah.bear
Xiaoxiao’s Picks: Junior Designer
Indian Pueblo Kitchen is high on my list to visit! Located within the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, it offers more than just a meal. You can savor authentic flavors from Native communities through homemade stews, fresh breads, baked goods, and savory sauces. Beyond the delicious food, you can also learn about Indigenous cuisine and immerse yourself in the tradition of Pueblo hospitality, all while dining surrounded by Native American art.
IG: indianpueblokitchen
Javelina, an Indigenous-owned traveling food and catering pop-up located in Portland, Oregon. It serves Native American comfort food like rye bread tacos, Sonoran hot dogs, fry bread burgers, roasted squash boats, and potato soup. Follow Javelina on social media to catch their next pop-up.
IG: javelina.pdx
Sol’s Picks: Junior Designer
8thGeneration, is a Seattle-based art and lifestyle brand owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe. In 2015, it became the first Native-owned business in the U.S. or Canada to sell Native-designed wool blankets, reclaiming a market dominated by non-Native companies. Now led by CEO Colleen Echohawk, the brand continues its mission to support Indigenous creators through its Inspired Natives™ Project.
IG: eighthgeneration
As always, if you’d like to collaborate with us, we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to info@noise13.com to connect. And to read previous Top 13 posts, visit our site at noise13.com