A new store that features clothing, jewelry, and accessories crafted by a dozen local Indigenous vendors has opened inside London’s White Oaks Mall.
“From my teachings, I understand that the creator gives us these gifts and it’s our job and our purpose in life to really explore them and understand them, and eventually let them guide us,” said Guided by Our Gifts owner Kathleen Doxtator.
“We want to showcase our gifts, our skills and our talents … because I think that’s not always understood or noticed because of the lack of visibility of Indigenous people and the misunderstandings that are out there,” she added.
Guided by Our Gifts, located on the east side of the mall across from Sport Chek, had its soft launch on Monday but will have its grand opening on Saturday, September 5, featuring vendor appearances and refreshments.
WATCH | A look inside Guided by Our Gifts:
Looking to shop Indigenous? This mall storefront has you covered
Guided by Our Gifts is an Indigenous-owned store at White Oaks Mall in London, Ont. A dozen vendors from nearby Indigenous communities are displaying their artwork under one roof. CBC’s Kendra Seguin speaks with owner Kathleen Doxtator about why this shop is important for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities alike.
Kathleen has been running Guided by Our Gifts along the Pow Wow Trail for 5 years, selling her own beadwork at community markets and events.
During this time, she said she met many Indigenous vendors whom she wanted to bring together under one roof.
After selling her items in brick-and-mortar stores, Kathleen wanted to create a similar model that prioritizes fellow Indigenous vendors.
Her shop features artists from the nearby Oneida Nation of the Thames, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Munsee-Delaware Nation, as well as some artists from farther north.
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Guided by Our Gifts offers a variety of Indigenous-made products like ribbon skirts, stickers, beaded earrings, pins, and orange shirts. (Kendra Seguin/)
Artist Mik Stevens sells beadwork and screen-printed clothing under the name Flourish and Grow. He mentioned it’s hard to find shops focused on Indigenous culture in London.
“Having those spaces within non-Indigenous spaces gives us a lot more visibility and also a chance to highlight our culture in a space that it’s not traditionally seen,” said Stevens who also manages the storefront.
Stevens noted there’s already been positive feedback from local Indigenous community members.
“On our first soft opening day, there was a younger girl just walking by who got really excited because she saw ribbon skirts and different beaded earrings,” Stevens said. “I thought it was really cool because it mirrored how I felt about [the store].”
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Artist Rebecca Doxtator (left) poses with Guided by Our Gifts owner Kathleen Doxtator (right) after setting up an earring shelf in the store before its grand opening. (Submitted by Rebecca Doxtator)
Kathleen explained that vendors pay $35 per shelf display while keeping all profits from their sales.
“We know that cost can be a barrier to entry for many people so trying to create a space that was accessible was kind of a main mission,” she said.
As for customers , she hopes increased foot traffic at this popular mall will draw attention to Indigenous businesses.
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Guided by Our Gifts owner Kathleen Doxtator is also a vendor at her shop. Among her products are ribbon skirt teddy bears. ( Kendra Seguin / )
Rebecca Doxtator , owner , and artist at Otsí: tsi’designs , expressed having previously sold her items online or at markets but believes there’s demand for traditional face-to-face shopping.
“I think people really like seeing a product and being able to visualize what it will look like one [them],” Rebecca said.
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Guided by Our Gifts will host several events within its storefront location throughout September including its grand opening , a beading workshop , and community roundtable discussions. ( Kendra Seguin / )
“It’s a space for people to feel seen , supported, and connected , and I think that aligns with the values we want uphold here,” Kathleen stated.
She shared she’s committed to operating at White Oaks until late 2026.
“Having kind of a home base feels really comforting and exciting especially going into winter season, and I’m open wherever it goes.”
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Looking to shop Indigenous? This mall storefront has you covered
Guided by Our Gifts is an Indigenous-owned store at White Oaks Mall in London, Ont. A dozen vendors from nearby Indigenous communities are displaying their artwork under one roof. CBC’s Kendra Seguin speaks with owner Kathleen Doxtator about why this shop is important for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities alike.
Kathleen has been running Guided by Our Gifts along the Pow Wow Trail for 5 years, selling her own beadwork at community markets and events.
During this time, she said she met many Indigenous vendors whom she wanted to bring together under one roof.
After selling her items in brick-and-mortar stores, Kathleen wanted to create a similar model that prioritizes fellow Indigenous vendors.
Her shop features artists from the nearby Oneida Nation of the Thames, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Munsee-Delaware Nation, as well as some artists from farther north.
Making Indigenous products more accessible
Kathleen emphasized it’s essential for Indigenous people to see themselves represented in shopping spaces like malls-especially for those who can’t easily travel to reserves or community Pow Wows. In her role as an educator, she encounters many young people searching for more options for traditional Indigenous clothing like ribbon skirts.Weekly community events
In anticipation of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation , the shop plans small group discussions centered around reconciliation every Sunday. Kathleen will also lead a beaded pin workshop on Sept. 16 followed by another community conversation event on Sept. 23.Source link
