Native Trade

Native Trade: a logo trademarked by Sister Sky

“Markets and commerce were not invented in Europe. When Columbus made shore, Indians…had already developed a broad and complex commercial network.” - Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary of the Department of Interior, 2007.

Native American trade and commerce with Europeans has earliest recordings in the late 1400's to early 1500's.  Such business transactions created economic sustainability for both parties involved in the trading process.

Native American trade created personal and communal wealth within tribal communities.  In addition Native American trade created robust commerce and a healthy thriving business market.

Federally mandated forced-relocation of millions of Native Americans, to far removed lands of desolation, made extinct the robust business market of Native American trade.  Thus, sorrowfully creating a socioeconomic tragedy.   Native Americans where once skilled, experienced, dedicated entrepreneurs who contributed to a healthy trade commerce in North America.

For Native Americans in the 21st century ''Native Trade' equals:

• Revival of healthy trade industries.
• Individual and community wealth building.
• Entrepreneurship.
• Employment.
• Home Ownership.
• Healthy Families.
• Economic Sustainability.
• Tribal self-governance.

Global nations require healthy trade environments in order to establish and maintain economic wealth, for their citizens and government.  Tribal nations are no different than global nations, a healthy trade environment is required to establish and maintain economic wealth for tribal citizens and tribal governments.

Be a Native American game-changer!  Consciously practice fair Native Trade today !

Marina TurningRobe
Sister Sky  

About Sister Sky Brand

About Our Brand

Native American products are moving into mainstream retail due to consumer demand. Sister Sky is a 100% Native American owned company; we develop, design and commercially produce Native inspired products.

Sister Sky is not an artisan brand; our products are not hand made.  Native American artisans, making one-of-a-kind pieces, occupy that industry.  Sister Sky highly respects traditional artists; although we do not compete in that industry.  

Sister Sky is a Native American company moving past the "cottage industry" model to the "commercial industry" model in an effort to:

• Respectfully represent Native American culture, in the commercial industry.  
• Fill a gap in the commercial marketplace by providing Native inspired products supplied by Native American business owners.  
• Provide retailers an affordable and reliable supply of culturally-respectful Native         inspired products. 
• Create employment and model small business ownership in our tribal communitues. 

Sister Sky started as a hobby based business in 1999.  We have grown since and our branded product categories include natural bath and body care products, hotel amenities and fashion accessories.  Visit us at www.sistersky.com 

We value and appreciate your friendship and support!

Marina & Monica

Sister Sky

Encouragment is Critical for Entreprenuers

 

When we started Sister Sky 16 years ago, I worked out of my basement and I would go to Office Depot to make copies of  product flyers and brochures.  There was this sweet lady named Gerri who worked there. She would look at my marketing material and say with such confidence, "Oh, your company will be successful.  There isn't a doubt in my mind."  At a time when I really needed to hear those words of encouragement, Gerri provided them. It's tough and terrifying to start a business but those nudges along the way in the early years are priceless.   Today, Gerri is retired and I moved out of my basement into an actual office.  I would say we are both successful.  Thanks Gerri for taking the time to lift me up along the way.  Keep keeping on my fellow entreprenuers.  The world needs each and every one of us small business owners!   - Monica