Makers United:
Native + Indigenous Artisans
Makers United works with Native and Indigenous makers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs across the US to overcome the barriers they face to accessing the resources needed to expand their craft businesses.
With the guidance of our Native Advisory Council, Nest is gaining a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to Indigenous American maker populations. With this knowledge, Nest articulates ways to increase access to these tools and opportunities, and identifies other gaps our programming can fill.
Community-Led Program Design
Nest partnered with Hope Nation, a Native woman-owned company providing strategic services to organizations and entities working in Indigenous and rural communities, to concept and develop our Native and Indigenous-focused programming. Cecily Engelhart (Ihanktonwan/Oglala Lakota), Hope Nation’s Director, and Dawn Spears (Narragansett/Choctaw), a Native artist, organizer, and Director of the Northeast Indigenous Arts Alliance (NIAA), led this effort.
As implementing partners, these women have helped Nest to reimagine program design and brand collaborations in ways that are grounded in community voice. Nest is committed to prioritizing ethical partnership, cultural appreciation and investment in Native-led efforts in these programs.
Meet the Indigenous Artisans Collective
Through the Indigenous Artisans Collective, a facet of Etsy’s Uplift Makers Program, Nest helps amplify Indigenous and Native artisans who are bringing greater attention to their generational craft traditions. Collective members honor their culture through beautiful handcrafted jewelry, prints and designs, and home decor.