Honoring Indigenous Culture in Business w/ Tawny Cale

The Sell it, Sister! Podcast

In this episode I talk to my friend Tawny Cale about how her business was born out of a desire to learn an art and skill that is a part of her heritage. Sister Beads started because she had been learning Indigenous beadwork and was beginning to get requests. Then she convinced 2 of her 4 sisters to join her to keep up with orders. She's also an outspoken activist for various causes that are close to her heart, and knows you don't have to be perfect to make a difference. In this episode she shares the difference between appreciation and appropriation and shares some great Native makers you can follow. This is a jam-packed episode and I know it's going to leave you feeling super inspired.

Tawny (Trottier) Cale is an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe as well as a descendant of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and the Spirit Lake Nation. After graduating from Rugby High School, she earned a bachelors degree from Mayville State University and taught high school English for 1 year. Tawny previously served on 3 non-profit boards; 2 statewide and 1 local to Minot. Tawny is an avid beadwork artist and loves to share her culture with others. Tawny, her husband Tyrel, and their 4 children currently live in Great Falls, MT.

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/sisterbeads4

https://www.instagram.com/sisterbeads4/

https://www.tiktok.com/@sisterbeads4

Organizations and People mentioned in the episode:

Organizations:

• Illuminative

• National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition

Artists:

• Hillary Kempenich

• Holly Young

• Bunky EchoHawk

• Steven Paul Judd

• Sings in the Timber Photography

Authors:

• Louise Erdrich

• Denise Lajimodiere

• Vine Deloria Jr.

• Joy Harjo (Poet Laureate)

Fashion:

• Bethany Yellowtail

• Red Berry Woman

• Lauren Good Day

• 49 DZine

• NTVS

• Wakage by Shauna

• Beyond Buckskin

Beadwork/Quillwork:

• Jamie Okuma

• Elias Jade NotAfraid

• Sweetgrass by Heather

• Bear River Creations

• JD Creations

Additional Links mentioned in this episode:

Plan for Profit