Indigenous Vendor Program

Making Space for Indigenous Businesses at Vancouver Farmers Markets

The Indigenous Vendor Program is one of the ways Vancouver Farmers Markets (VFM) is taking intentional steps on its reconciliation journey.

Launched in 2025 in partnership with Indigenous Tourism BC(ITBC), the program creates opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to participate in one of Metro Vancouver’s busiest public marketplaces. By welcoming Indigenous-owned businesses to the Downtown Farmers Market, the program supports greater visibility, economic participation and meaningful connections between Indigenous entrepreneurs and the thousands of shoppers who visit the market each week.

For VFM, this work is about learning, relationship-building and making space. We know reconciliation is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to working alongside Indigenous partners to continue learning and growing together.

Why This Program Matters

Farmers markets are more than places to buy food. They are gathering spaces where communities connect with the people behind the products they purchase.

The Indigenous Vendor Program helps create opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to:

  • Access one of Vancouver’s busiest weekly marketplaces.
  • Introduce their businesses to new customers.
  • Build relationships within the local food and small business community.
  • Share Indigenous creativity, culture and entrepreneurship through their products.

The program is delivered in partnership with Indigenous Tourism BC, whose guidance and collaboration have helped shape the program from the beginning.

Meet the 2026 Indigenous Vendor Cohort

We’re proud to welcome the following Indigenous-owned businesses to the 2026 Downtown Farmers Market season:

Creations by Antee

Ali Muldoe-Wells is Gitxsan from Wilps Nisto’o of the frog clan. Her parents are the late Myrtle (Jones) and Simon Muldoe. She is married into the Tsimshian Nation and is the mother of three boys; Jordan, Dennis Scott and Clay. She grew up in the Hazeltons in northern BC and has lived in many parts of the province.

Learning from the teachings of her family, Ali works with cedar bark from harvesting, stripping, preparing and weaving beautiful roses, jewelry, …etc. Ali has been working with cedar bark for the last 13 years

Learn more: https://www.instagram.com/creationsbyantee/

Sabian Arts and Crafts by Michael “Sabian” Rawcliffe

Michael “Sabian” Rawcliffe is of Algonquin heritage from Quebec and was raised in Ojibway territory in southern Ontario. His work combines beadwork, dream catchers, drum and rattle making, Coast Salish design and leather craft.

Michael relocated to BC where he developed skills in drum/rattlemaking and Coast Salish art design and most recently he is developing skills in leather craft.

Michael shares the teachings and techniques he has learned/developed with regular classes in the GVA.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/p/Sabians-Arts-Crafts-100069452492000/

Salmon n’ Bannock

Vancouver’s Indigenous-owned restaurant, celebrating Indigenous ingredients, traditions and contemporary cuisine. Inez Cook, Co-founder and Owner of Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro, grew up in Vancouver B.C. and is a proud member of the Nuxalk Nation in Bella Coola B.C.

She is also the author of the children’s book ”The Sixties Scoop” When she was growing up, she always knew she would own a restaurant.  Her dream is to create a space where you travel to a different place. It’s a place close to the heart and a place close to home. It’s also right in our back yard.

Learn more: https://www.salmonandbannock.net/

The Ivory Kraken

The Ivory Kraken Company is not a brand; it is a movement. Founded by Ojibwe Cree artist Corinne Bolduc, it offers Indigenous handmade jewelry and authentic goods that combine storytelling, craft, and modern design.

In today’s market, shopping is a reflection of taste and values. The Ivory Kraken Company offers a curated selection of Indigenous handmade jewelry, herbs, and authentic goods for customers who demand both beauty and meaning.

Learn more: https://theivorykrakencompany.ca/

 

Our Partner

The Indigenous Vendor Program is delivered in partnership with Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC).

Through this collaboration, VFM and ITBC are working together to expand opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs while helping create welcoming market spaces where Indigenous businesses can thrive.