The Studio in the Cornwall Centre is the temporary home of an Indigenous Christmas Market, allowing Indigenous entrepreneurs a space to showcase and sell their products.
The market is the first of its kind and will be at the Cornwall Centre from December 5 to 11.
Vendors include Bubba B’s Baking, One Race Health, Jayda Delorme Creations, CreeHearts Design, and many more. Available at the market are handmade paintings, artwork, beadwork, baking, clothing.
The market was organized by Geneen Sparvier, Founder and Owner of One Race Health.
“The general manager of the studio at Cornwall reached out in the summertime and they wanted to partner with different indigenous organizations for if they wanted to do programming, or marketing, or whatever it was,” Sparvier said. “I asked them on the side if they would be open to doing a Christmas market like an Indigenous Christmas market so different vendors and businesses could have an opportunity to share their products. They were interested in it and that’s when we booked it.”
Sparvier explains the importance of Indigenous businesses being accessible.
“I think the market is needed. There’s so many successful Indigenous businesses that are located not only in Regina but in Saskatoon and across Canada.” Sparvier said. “It’s important to allow space for our Indigenous businesses to be recognized and for them to showcase their products.”
Jenn Creeley is a beadwork designer for CreeHearts Designs. Creeley has been an avid beader for years, with many of her pieces of beadwork travelling to Scotland, Japan, and Australia.
“It’s important for sure to show our culture to the masses,” Jenn said. “Some of the items include spirit beads and people look at me and ask “What’s a spirit bead?” and I explain that to them.”
A spirit bead is an intentionally placed bead that does not match the colour or pattern of the surrounding beads. The spirit bead is typically used to recognize imperfection and as an act of humility.
CreeHeart Designs consists of Jenn and her daughter, Janna, who create handmade beaded items including lanyards, medallions, keychains, and earrings.
“I hope to see more. People have been grabbing my business cards and contacting me outside of the market.” Jenn said. “They’ll send me a message and ask if I still have a specific item. If we could have a local market every weekend and Christmas time, we could just have more Indigenous markets.”
