An Online Boutique Based In Portland, Oregon, Ginew Is A Celebration Of Native American Culture

We often talk about voting with dollars, and it’s true: where you choose to spend your money has the power to affect positive change in lasting and meaningful ways. When we shop locally, we’re supporting the local economy – and, of course, the hard-working owners and teams of these businesses.

Historically, though, business owners in the US have been a homogenous group, with minorities largely underrepresented. Times are changing, though, and more and more BIPOC- and Latinx-owned businesses are opening and, happily, flourishing. Oregon’s Ginew is one such retailer; the first Native American-owned denim collection has transformed into an entire online boutique filled with beautiful clothing made using heirloom processes and generations-old methods. More than merely a Native American-owned and operated web shop based in Portland, Oregon, Ginew is a celebration of Native American culture and history, proudly proclaiming and boldly representing historically underrepresented people through fashion.

Interested to learn about other unique American small businesses? Our Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Maine to Southern California.

Ginew/Facebook

While the design, manufacturing, and marketing of such rapidly produced volumes of clothing makes trends and designers accessible and affordable for consumers, this inexpensive "fast fashion" comes with consequences, especially for the planet.

Ginew/Facebook

A way that produces classic fashion pieces intentionally and with consciousness. A way that fashions heirloom-quality wares built to last and made using sustainable, time-tested methods – from a group historically excluded from the industry, no less.

Advertisement

Ginew/Facebook

Advertisement

Photo by Robert Cuadra (@elcuad) for Ginew

"Erik’s father shot a buffalo for the wedding, and we prepared the hide from the buffalo in the garage," muses the couple. "We wanted to give a meaningful gift to those who helped with the ceremony and decided on belts made from our wedding buffalo."

Related Stories

This Local Artist's Gallery In Oregon Sells A Treasure Trove Of Gifts, Art, And Housewares

Explore The Vibrant Coastal Art Scene With A Day Trip To This Iconic Oregon Town

This Walkable Stretch Of Shops And Restaurants In Small-Town Oregon Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination

Ginew/Facebook

With a focus on heirloom-quality garments and goods – "Native Americana," they call it – Ginew has come into its own since those early days in 2011, transforming into an online store far beyond its owners' vision or expectations.

Ginew/Facebook

"There is an appreciation for Native American [culture] and craft, and our approach to the apparel industry [...] combine this with our focus on using premium materials, a 'made in USA' focus, and intentionality with working with Native artisans to incorporate our tribal symbols and teachings – all of these things resonate with our audience."

Ginew/Facebook

"Part of the mission of Ginew is to transform how Native Americans are represented in the apparel industry," says Erik Brodt – Ojibwe and Amanda Bruegl – Oneida, Stockbridge-Munsee. "We design contemporary Native Americana for everyone to wear, and in the process; our goal is centered on Native Americans uplifting Native Americans."

Photo by Robert Cuadra (@elcuad) for Ginew. Model is David Matoba, @davidmatoba.

"We love seeing people wear our garments! It brings a smile when we are out in public, and we see someone wearing our jackets, hats, shirts…whatever it may be," they say.

"We invite everyone to be part of this journey and to WEAR WITH SPIRIT."

And with clothing this beautifully crafted, timelessly classic, and immensely inspiring, that's an easy thing to do.

Many thanks to Ginew Co-Founders Erik Brodt – Ojibwe and Amanda Bruegl – Oneida, Stockbridge-Munsee, for sharing the story and mission of their amazing Native-American-owned webshop in Oregon. Learn more about Ginew at its website, Facebook, and Instagram pages, and be sure to peruse their holiday shop for gift ideas that are not only beautiful but make a difference.

Of course, Ginew is just one of the many small businesses affecting positive change in Oregon; you can nominate your favorite attractions and businesses for a chance to be featured in an upcoming Only In Oregon article. And be sure to follow Only In Oregon on Facebook and Instagram to learn about the Beaver State’s most incredible places, attractions, and events.