Where to Find Authentic Indigenous Art, Gifts and Souvenirs in Vancouver

Looking to bring meaningful souvenirs home from Vancouver with a deeper connection to place and culture?

Across the city, Indigenous-owned businesses, makers and artisans are crafting artworks and gifts that celebrate the diverse peoples and stories of this region, alongside galleries that showcase works by Indigenous artists.

Here on Coast Salish territory, shopping Indigenous-made and Indigenous-owned allows you to find something truly distinctive while directly supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs and locally-owned businesses.

How to Buy Authentic Indigenous Art

Just because an item features Indigenous-inspired designs or motifs, that doesn’t always mean it’s Indigenous-made. When you buy directly from Indigenous artists and Indigenous-owned businesses, you’re making sure that your purchase supports the people behind the work.

Look for pieces that clearly identify the Indigenous artist or maker who made them, and, if provided, their Nation or community. When buying a reproduced design, check that the artist is credited and the work is licensed or authorized.

Not sure where to start? Here are some places in and around Vancouver to find Indigenous made art, gifts and keepsakes while supporting Indigenous culture in Vancouver.

Indigenous Art, Jewelry & Homewares

Wickaninnish Gallery

Operating in the heart of the Granville Island funky artist’s district, this Indigenous-owned gallery and gift shop was founded in 1987 by Patricia Rivard (Nuu-chah-nulth). At Wickaninnish Gallery, you’ll find from hand-engraved sterling silver jewelry to clothing and housewares.

While you’re shopping, be sure to keep an eye out for the work of revered Nuu-chah-nulth jewellery artist Ivan Thomas, who is known for his intricate carving work on gold and silver and his innovative approach to formline and Northwest Coast design.

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art

The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art is the only public Gallery in Canada dedicated contemporary Indigenous art of the Northwest Coast.

In addition to showcasing the works and legacy of the master Haida artist Bill Reid, this gallery hosts special Indigenous Artisan Markets alongside their gallery shop, which is open year-round.

Cedar Root Gallery

A fantastic place to find Northwest Coast artwork in Vancouver, Cedar Root Gallery is a 100% Indigenous-owned business that has been operating for thirty-three years. Whether you’re looking for wall plaques, fine silver and gold hand carved jewelry, or a t-shirt with a unique design you won’t find anywhere else, this gallery has a reputation for high quality gifts and Northwest Coast Indigenous art.

Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery

Next time you find yourself strolling down the iconic cobblestone streets of historic Gastown, stop by Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery.

A great option for buying Indigenous art in Vancouver, this reputable art gallery has long-standing relationships with Indigenous artists and makers, showcasing a diverse range of stunning artworks to locals and visitors alike.

Spirit Gallery

A little further out of town in Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver, you’ll find Spirit Gallery. This Indigenous-owned gallery is run by Erin Sam and her husband, renowned Squamish/Kwakwaka’wakw artist Klatle-bhi.

If you’re looking for West Coast Indigenous Art, be sure to browse the carvings, jewelry, prints, and clothing stocked here from renowned and emerging Indigenous artists.

Indigenous Self-care and Wellness Products

Sḵwálwen Botanicals

Treating yourself to some self-care can be as simple and meaningful as starting with the body you’re in. Sḵwálwen Botanicals truly embodies this ethos, incorporating sustainably harvested and sourced botanicals to unite ancestral traditions with the contemporary beauty world.

With a flagship store steps away from the Squamish Estuary, this small batch, Indigenous-owned skincare shop was founded by Dr. Leigh Joseph, whose ancestral name is Styawat.

Be sure to check out their luxurious items like Kalkáy Wild Rose Refreshing Toner, Tewin’xw Cranberry Rose Glow Facial Serum, and Rejuvinating Rainforest sets.

Sisters Sage

Exploring the shops along the vibrant and eclectic Commercial Drive strip? Sisters Sage has just opened a brand new wellness shop in the heart of this funky neighbourhood.

The Tsimshian-owned wellness brand, founded by Lynn-Marie Angus from the Gitxaala, Nisga’a, and Métis Nations, creates self-care products with First Nations knowledge and traditional ingredients like Sage, Cedar, and Sweetgrass.

Indigenous Food & Drink to Take Home

Raven and Hummingbird Tea Co

Raven and Hummingbird Tea Co is a handcrafted, small-batch Indigenous-owned business run by mother and daughter Cease Wyss and Senaqwila Wyss from the Squamish Nation.

You can find their products in many places across town, including the SLCC Gift Shop in Whistler and Museum of Anthropology at UBC. With tea blends like “Strengthen Me,” “Love Me,” and “Nurture Me,” these teas are as delicious as they are nourishing.

Sriracha Revolver

Feeling hot, hot, hot! Operating with the belief that food brings people together, Sriracha Revolver is a proudly Indigenous hot sauce brand that makes the perfect gifts for lovers of spicy food.

With flavours like Jalapeño Ginger Hot Sauce, Beets and Tequila Hot Sauce, and astrology-themed options like their Scorpio Season Hot Sauce, these mouth-watering hot sauces can be found at lots of businesses around Vancouver, including Meinhardt Fine Foods, and Welk’s general store.

Nk’Mip Cellars

We’re lucky to be able to find wines from North America’s first Indigenous winery here in Vancouver. Owned and operated by the Osoyoos Indian Band, Nk’Mip Cellars crafts award-winning Merlots, Chardonnays, Rosés and more.

Stop by the nearest BCLIQUOR location to grab a bottle for the wine connoisseur in your life!

Mr. Bannock

An Indigenous cuisine list wouldn’t be complete without bannock. This is one treat you’ll want to savour in the moment, since it’s best enjoyed fresh!

Squamish Nation member Chef Paul Natrall’s food truck, Mr. Bannock, has been serving up delicious bannock since 2018 as Vancouver’s first Indigenous food truck.

This food truck travels across Turtle Island (North America), cooking with traditional ingredients from the Squamish Nation like juniper berries, smoked wild salmon and meats.

Keep an eye on their Instagram to find out where you can catch them next.

Looking to Try Indigenous Food?

Vancouver’s Indigenous artisanal food scene is so vibrant that we couldn’t possibly list everything here, so be sure to check out our full write-up on where to find more Indigenous cuisine and artisanal foods in Vancouver.

With so many unique finds, the hardest part of Vancouver shopping might be picking just one gift to bring back for friends and family. If you want to discover even more locally crafted treasures, explore our favourite places to buy local artisan-made goods across Vancouver.

In the end, these items are more than just keepsakes. Choosing to shop Indigenous gives you something meaningful to remember your visit by while supporting the makers behind the work.