Selected
2023 Indigenous Communities Fellowship

Shawish Market

Shawish is a virtual Indigenous marketplace. Unlike other marketplaces Shawish does not charge vendors different fees making it affordable and accessible

Team Leader
Amanda Bernard
Shawish is a virtual Indigenous marketplace. Unlike other marketplaces Shawish does not charge vendors different fees making it affordable and accessible

The Problem

Shawish was created as an online platform that is accessible and affordable while honoring Indigenous Ways of Knowing. The platform not only encourages Indigenous people to become entrepreneurs and promote economic growth but the marketplace also prevents fraudulent Indigenous art.

The Solution

Shawish is a Virtual Indigenous Marketplace where Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs can create their own shop and upload their own products. Unlike other marketplaces Shawish does not charge Indigenous vendors a monthly, transaction or listing fee, therefore making the platform affordable and accessible to help Indigenous economies grow. Buying Indigenous-made products instead of just "Indigenous-inspired" items is a way to become an ally to Indigenous people. Shawish verifies that every purchase comes directly from an Indigenous vendor.

Stats

Shawish Market has onboarded 260 approved vendors onto its platform.

What is the name of your organization?
Shawish Market
What is the name of your solution?
Shawish Market
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
Shawish is a virtual Indigenous marketplace. Unlike other marketplaces Shawish does not charge vendors different fees making it affordable and accessible
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Toronto
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
—
What type of organization is your solution team?
For-Profit
Film your elevator pitch.
—
What specific problem are you solving?
Shawish was created as an online platform that is accessible and affordable while honoring Indigenous Ways of Knowing. The platform not only encourages Indigenous people to become entrepreneurs and promote economic growth but the marketplace also prevents fraudulent Indigenous art.
What is your solution?
Shawish is a Virtual Indigenous Marketplace where Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs can create their own shop and upload their own products. Unlike other marketplaces Shawish does not charge Indigenous vendors a monthly, transaction or listing fee, therefore making the platform affordable and accessible to help Indigenous economies grow. Buying Indigenous-made products instead of just "Indigenous-inspired" items is a way to become an ally to Indigenous people. Shawish verifies that every purchase comes directly from an Indigenous vendor.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
Shawish currently accepts Indigenous vendors across the United States and Canada. Launched in August 2022, Shawish has already attracted over 250 Indigenous vendors. and over 1000 authentic Indigenous items. Each vendor has expressed gratitude for an affordable platform so that they can continue with their businesses and feed their families. We also strive to encourage Indigenous people to start a business of their own if they have not done so. Additionally, beading is considered a form of cultural healing, and encouraging Indigenous people and youth to carry on this tradition is beneficial for community healing.\nMany Indigenous communities are systematically marginalized from economic opportunities. Indigenous art is also appropriated into mainstream brand designs. When choosing to spend, why not support Indigenous communities instead?

Organization Type:
For-Profit

Headquarters:
Toronto, Canada

Stage:
Growth

Working In:
Canada

Solution Website:
https://www.shawishmarket.com

Solution Team:
Amanda Bernard
Amanda Bernard
CEO