November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich histories, traditions, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples throughout our region. Here in downtown Spokane, we’re proud to celebrate the Native American–owned businesses that bring creativity, culture, and community to the heart of our city. From artisans and entrepreneurs to restaurateurs and service providers, these local business owners embody the spirit of resilience and innovation that continues to shape Spokane’s story.
Join us as we highlight and support Native-owned businesses making an impact downtown this month and beyond.
Indigenous Eats
Located in the heart of downtown Spokane in the food court of River Park Square (3rd floor), Indigenous Eats brings contemporary Native American comfort food to the city center. They have crafted a dining experience that celebrates Indigenous recipes, cultural storytelling, and modern flavors. Whether you’re grabbing a hearty lunch at River Park Square or looking for something meaningful to share during Native American Heritage Month, Indigenous Eats is a must-visit.
Kauffman & Associates Inc.
Kauffman & Associates, Inc. is an American Indian and woman-owned management consulting firm founded in 1990 and headquartered in downtown Spokane. Dedicated to uplifting American Indian and Alaska Native people, the firm partners with tribal and urban Indian communities to advance wellness, education, and self-determination. Guided by Indigenous knowledge and community-led solutions, Kauffman & Associates blends lived experience with data-driven insight to create lasting, positive change across Indian Country.
Moeckel Studio
Moeckel Studio is a Native American–owned art studio in Spokane, led by Sonny Moeckel, a member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation and the Navajo Nation, and his wife Lisa Moeckel. The duo creates layered acrylic and mixed-media paintings that blend abstract and realistic styles, reflecting Indigenous heritage and storytelling. Their award-winning work honors culture and resilience, while their studio and The Artist Collective provide a platform for Native and local artists to share their creativity with the community.
Indigenous Chic
Blending culture with contemporary style, Indigenous Chic redefines what it means to wear and live Indigenous art. Nestled on the second floor of River Park Square, this Native-owned boutique offers a curated selection of fashion, jewelry, and home décor that showcases the skill and vision of Native creators from across the region. Each piece carries its own story, from intricate beadwork to bold modern designs, celebrating the diversity of Indigenous expression. More than just a shopping destination, Indigenous Chic is a celebration of heritage and creativity, empowering customers to connect with and support Indigenous artistry in meaningful, everyday ways.
As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, we encourage everyone to take time to learn about the region’s Indigenous history and to support the Native-owned businesses that help make downtown Spokane vibrant and diverse. Every purchase, visit, and connection strengthens our community and honors the generations of Native people whose cultures continue to thrive here today. Together, let’s celebrate, support, and share the stories that make Spokane’s downtown truly special.
Do you know of a Native American-owned business in downtown Spokane that is not listed here? Please email LSchmidt@downtownspokane.org and we can get the list updated. Thank you!
The Spokane Tribe, known as the “Children of the Sun,” are the original inhabitants of the Spokane River region, whose ancestral lands once spanned more than three million acres across eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and western Montana. For generations, the Spokane Falls stood as the heart of their homeland, a sacred gathering place where tribal members and neighboring nations came together to fish for salmon, trade goods, share stories, and hold ceremonies. The falls symbolized abundance, community, and spiritual connection, anchoring a way of life deeply tied to the rhythm of the river and the land itself. The tribe’s presence and traditions continue to shape the region’s identity today.
One of the most influential leaders in the tribe’s history, Chief Spokane Garry, played a vital role during a time of immense change. Educated at the Red River Settlement in Canada, he returned home fluent in English and French, serving as a bridge between cultures. Chief Garry advocated for peace, education, and the preservation of Spokane lands and sovereignty, leaving a legacy that endures in the community to this day. The strength and resilience of the Spokane Tribe remain woven into the very landscape of the falls, a living reminder of the people who have called this place home since time immemorial.