It’s that time of year again—back to school!
Whether you're gearing up for your little ones or heading back yourself, this is the perfect opportunity to show off some style while supporting Native artists and businesses. Why not fill your backpack with items that not only look good but also uplift our community?
Here are several Native American-designed products that’ll keep you organized, hydrated, and stylish this school year. Plus, they all showcase our rich culture and craftsmanship!
Native American Beaded Lanyards
Whether you’re carrying an ID badge or a set of keys, a beaded lanyard is both practical and beautiful. These handmade lanyards come in various traditional and contemporary designs, letting you carry a piece of culture with you every day.
Native American Notebooks and Journals
Journals and notebooks with traditional Native patterns are a fantastic way to make your notes pop. Whether you're jotting down homework or writing poetry, these unique designs add a cultural flair that connects you to your heritage. Eighth Generation partners with Native artists to design these notebooks.
Feel the inspiration of fresh ideas blooming forth when you write in your new Spring Sunrise Notebook by world-famous tattoo artist Kira Murillo (Shoshone-Bannock).
And check out the Pow Wow journals right here on PowWows.com!
Backpacks with Indigenous Designs
Why settle for a plain backpack when you can showcase vibrant Native designs? These backpacks come adorned with patterns and symbols that represent the beauty and resilience of our cultures, turning something as simple as carrying books into a statement.
Designed by Sarah Agaton Howes (Anishinaabe-Ojibwe), the Otter Steps design is a merger of classic beadwork colors, traditional Ojibwe loom patterns, and modern making practices. The bag's design incorporates a traditional Ojibwe pattern called, appropriately, “otter steps.” This customary pattern is coming back into popularity with modern Ojibwe artists, including Sarah.
2025 Wall Calendar
Stay organized with all teacher conferences, sporting events, holidays, performances, and Pow Wows on a wall calendar!
- Marshall, Joseph M (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 24 Pages - 07/09/2024 (Publication Date) - Amber Lotus Publishing (Publisher)
Water Bottles with Native Art
Stay hydrated while supporting Native artists with reusable water bottles featuring stunning designs. These bottles not only keep you refreshed but also show off artwork inspired by Native cultures. It’s an eco-friendly, stylish choice!
Water bottle trends come and go, but good design stands the test of time. Eighth Generation's new Our Ancestors' Gifts Water Bottle designed by Shirod Younker (Coquille/Miluk Coos/Umpqua) makes sure you look great while you hydrate.
Educational Books on Native History and Culture
For those looking to dive deeper into Native history, pick up some of these educational books that span a range of topics and age levels. They’re perfect for inspiring young readers or deepening your own knowledge.
- Dunbar-Ortiz, Roxanne (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 312 Pages - 08/11/2015 (Publication Date) - Beacon Press (Publisher)
- THE SIZE: Spy Camera has the smallest size in the world (0.87in, 0.7oz cube).
- SUPERIOR HD QUALITY: With a 1080P sensor, this camera captures over 12 million pixels (4032x3024), allowing you to see every detail without risk of detection.
- MOTION DETECTION: When detecting the object moving, the mini camera'll be activated, follow the object's trace, and record automatically.
- Dee Brown (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- Marshall III, Joseph M. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 336 Pages - 09/27/2005 (Publication Date) - Penguin Books (Publisher)
Indigenous Artwork Stickers
From laptops to notebooks, stickers are a fun way to personalize your gear. Indigenous artists have created stunning designs that you can stick anywhere, adding cultural significance to everyday items.
I love Kassie John's designs!
And Suite 1491 also has catchy designs!
Don't miss OUR Pow Wow Stickers too!
These items are not only practical for school but also a meaningful way to support Native artisans and businesses. As we prepare for another school year, let’s make sure we’re uplifting our community with every purchase. By buying Native-designed products, you’re not just getting something cool and unique—you’re contributing to a thriving Indigenous economy.
What Native-designed items are you adding to your back-to-school shopping list this year?
Let us know in the comments!
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Ksiistsiikomiipiksaakii Theresa McDonnell
says:Thank you very much for showcasing our Indigenous Floral coffee tumblers, and supporting small Indigenous businesses!
-Thunderbird Gifts, Etsy
Paul G
says:You’re welcome! Love you designs!