Shopping indigenous this holiday season

Aboriginal appropriation has been in the newsfor the past couple of years, and we have seen the follies from large retail chains, small boutiquesand independent designers.

If you like the "native look" but have hesitated to purchase goods because you want to be sure you are supporting authentic indigenous artists and companies, this is your answer.

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Here are the top five online shops to purchase the work of authentic indigenous artists for your family, friends, or maybe even to spoil yourself this holiday season.

1.Shop Indigenous

This e-commerce site for indigenous artisans has been dubbed the Native Etsy.It'sa site where Indigenous sellers big and small can feature their goodsfrom their own galleries or their galley kitchen offices. Hereyou'll discover beaded jewelry and unique handbags that you wont find at your local mall.

2. Manitobah Mukluks

This company is aboriginal owned and most of its signature products are made at theheadquarters in Winnipeg.

The firmworks with local aboriginal artists, invests in aboriginal education and employment, raises aboriginal community program awarenessand helps to keep traditional arts alive with itsStoryBoot program.

Oh, and did I mention that they also make fashionable and fun mukluks and moccasins? These makelovely gifts for men,womenandthe kids on your list.

3. Northwest Coast Gifts

This hip online shop is the brainchild of Vancouver-basedLattimer Gallery, which is dedicated to selling museum-quality Northwest Coast First Nations art to support local artists. Northwest Coast Gifts offers everyone the opportunity to acquire their own piece of themuch-loved Northwest Coast style.

From sunglasses andsilver jewelryto spirit boots, this store hasaccessible artwork for every lifestyle.

4. Edzerza Gallery

This online shop was created by Alano Edzerza, a Tahltan multimedia artist, based out of Vancouver. He is a successful artist who made a lasting mark when he designed the outerwear for the Dutch Olympic team for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

But you need not be an Olympian to obtainhis gear. His casual clothing emblazoned with Northwest Coast art is both contemporary and cool. There are pieces for men, womenand children that will make hearts skip a beat this holiday season.

5. Beyond Buckskin Boutique

This U.S.-based site is a platform where emerging and established artists can bring their work to new audiences anddemonstrate that native fashionandstyle aremore than just a trend.

One of theCanadian artists featured is Jamie Gentry (Kwakwakawakw), who designs unique upcycled baby booties for her line, Love is Everything. Another Canadian artist on the site is Candace Halcro(Mtis/Cree), who recently collaborated with Paul Frank. She specializes in sunglasses with a beaded band. Now thats native chic!