By Jenn Hall
Driving west on Lake Street toward the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis, traffic slowed as marchers strolled along in the cold holding signs protesting the current ICE occupation. Those of us crawling the other direction beeped our horns and waved at the dedicated citizens from all walks of life, thanking them for showing up for their neighbors and exercising their freedom of speech. I was heading over to check out the Native Market and Cultural Celebration that NATIFs, Midtown Global Market, and the Indigenous Food Lab collaborated on Saturday, December 20.
Inside the market, smooth sounds of piano came from musical guest Wenso Ashby and vocalist J. Michelle. Next to the stage, Chef Sean Sherman signed copies of his cookbook. Shoppers milled about checking out the handmade goods, art, and jewelry. Delicious food smells wafted throughout the main hall as people visited and checked gifts off their holiday shopping lists.
I picked up a pain soothing salve, a handmade purse, and even brought home a beautiful bag of heirloom black beans from an Arizona farm. There was a community clothing giveaway, hosted by Tommie Taylor.
Enterprising kids helped out at their relatives booths, handing out business cards and pointing out their favorite pieces of jewelry. What struck me is the contemporary themes woven throughout the booths – aliens and pop icons on hand-beaded earrings, cheeky t-shirts centered around frybread and modern slang.
Every vendor I spoke with seemed to be doing brisk business, the atmosphere was cheerful and determined. The Native Market and Cultural Celebration was a beautiful reminder of the entrepreneurial spirit of Native people and it brought people together in an open, welcoming environment for the holiday season.
