National Day for Truth & Reconciliation | Indigenous Thrift & Vintage Shop Highlight
Land Acknowledgement
Fashion Takes Action acknowledges that the land where FTA is headquartered is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples, and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.
Below you’ll find a selection of Indigenous-led secondhand and upcycling shops from coast to coast:
Ontario
Adawegamig
A First Nations–owned vintage and antiques shop located on the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (Port Perry). Originally online via Etsy and eBay, Adawegamig opened its brick-and-mortar store in April 2023.
Wildflower Goods
Toronto’s first Indigenous co-owned vintage and gift shop, located in Kensington Market.
Offerings: True vintage clothing, housewares, vintage artwork, stickers, knick-knacks, and products from new Indigenous-owned brands.
Alberta
Repeat Vintage Store
An Indigenous woman-owned small business in Edmonton. The shop curates a mix of vintage clothing, home décor, and unique finds.
British Columbia
Indigenous-run small business featuring vintage clothing, accessories, and a curated selection of home décor.
Nunavut
A long-standing community thrift store in Iqaluit, run by the Piviniit Society. It provides affordable secondhand clothing and housewares, while supporting the local community.
Saskatchewan
Hazlewood Vintage
Curated vintage and contemporary secondhand pieces, founded and owned by Michaela Michael, an Indigenous entrepreneur (Treaty 6 / Métis homeland).
Manitoba
Métis Branded
A Métis-owned upcycling label in Winnipeg that repurposes vintage wool blankets and coats into new, one-of-a-kind garments—an incredible example of circular fashion in action.
Why Support Indigenous Thrift & Vintage Shops?
Shopping secondhand is one of the most impactful ways to reduce fashion’s environmental footprint. By supporting Indigenous-owned thrift stores and upcycling brands, you are:
Extending the lifecycle of garments and keeping textiles out of landfill.
Contributing to Indigenous economic empowerment and cultural resilience.
Participating in a more equitable and sustainable fashion system.
On this National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, and every day, we encourage you to learn, reflect, and take action by choosing where and how you shop.
Share More Indigenous-Owned Thrift & Vintage Shops with Us
We know this list is just the beginning. If you know of other Indigenous-owned thrift stores, vintage shops, or upcycling brands in Canada, we’d love to hear from you. Fashion Takes Action is working to expand our Secondhand Shopping Guide with a dedicated Indigenous section, and your recommendations will help us highlight and support even more amazing businesses.
Please add your suggestions into THIS FORM.
Together, we can grow this resource and strengthen the connection between sustainable fashion and Indigenous entrepreneurship.