Here at the Seattle Metro Chamber, we have to 2,500 companies across the region and 13 different business sectors, from your favorite neighborhood restaurant to brands known around the world. We have started our new member feature program based on referrals. Please help us welcome Eighth Generation as the first in our member feature series and tell us who we should feature next!
Eighth Generation is the ethical alternative for anyone looking to decolonize their shopping experience. We combat cultural appropriation by sharing authentic, Native-designed products with everyone, ensuring that you don’t have to settle for fake Native-inspired art. Based in Seattle, we work with Indigenous artists across the country and share our products across the globe.
To what do you attribute your business’ success?
Eighth Generation’s success is at the center of several key points. We’re founded on a commitment to service, as well as a responsibility to uplift our artists. We’ve stayed true to our values as a Native-owned business, ensuring that we support our Native community and give back as often as possible. We work hard to share with our global audience the ways you can respectfully purchase cultural art in fun, innovative ways. And we have the support of a community that truly believes in our vision and values.
What’s one piece of advice you have for someone looking to start or grow their business or join your field?
Be fearless and dream big! Our CEO Colleen Echohawk (Pawnee, Athcabascan) says “You have to fail often to succeed sooner,” and that spirit of playful experimentation and not being afraid to try new things has been a big part of our success.
What does an equitable and inclusive regional economy look like to you?
Eighth Generation is at the forefront of Native success in the arts industry. That said, the regional and global economies have a long way to go in terms of equality and inclusion. Native and BIPOC voices and businesses need to be uplifted and supported, and our voices need to be amplified by our allies. One way Eighth Generation supports true representation in our economy is through our Decolonizing Partnerships Model. Through a Decolonized Partnership, Eighth Generation works with a partner business in a way that uplifts both businesses in culturally responsive, sustainable, and mutually beneficial ways.
Thank you to Eighth Generation for being part of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce network.
If you would like to learn more about how to be featured in our member features series, please contact Cori Lumens.
