Indigenous-owned businesses host downtown Rapid City “Lakota Holiday Shopping Extravaganza”

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Coinciding with Main Street Square’s Winter Market and “Small Business Saturday,” a group of native-owned businesses is coming together for a Lakota Holiday Shopping Extravaganza.

At the center of the event, the Bird Cage Bookstore and Mercantile, which is hosting several indigenous female artisans all selling their handmade goods. They opened the doors early Friday morning.

“We just kind of decided to do it a day early so we can get more people in the door to kind of experience what we have here in the bookstore, and to be able to support and purchase from our indigenous women,” says Lily Mendoza, owner of the Bird Cage Bookstore and Mercantile.

Cindy McCrea, the owner of Whitehorse Circle, brought a collection of her hand-sewn goods, like small bags, wallets, and cell phone holders – more than the traditional items you might expect.

“Being a woman – an indigenous woman – I think they expect that everything should be native items – and I branch out,” McCrea says. “I love the native materials but I always I like to branch out and make other things.”

Organizers say the event is a great way to get out, get some shopping done, and meet some local artisans.

“Just come and enjoy and visit – take some time to visit with us,” McCrea says. “Get out and about – don’t stay at home.”

The event just in time for your holiday shopping, and a perfect way to bring Native American Heritage Month to a close.

The Lakota Holiday Shopping Extravaganza continues at the Bird Cage Bookstore and Mercantile all day Saturday, November 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other participating businesses include Dakota Drum Company and Tusweca Gallery, both located in downtown Rapid City.