There will be something special for everyone at a market showcasing Indigenous handcrafted work.
The eighth annual vendor expo is back at the Timmins Native Friendship Centre on Sunday, Dec. 5.
It will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.
Friendship centre worker Caitlyn Kaltwasser said the event will be giving local entrepreneurs a chance to make some money since the pandemic has affected their ability to sell their goods.
“We’re providing local artisans an opportunity to sell and showcase their beautiful work,” she said. “And give the community of Timmins the opportunity to purchase some of that handcrafted traditional stuff.”
About 12 vendors will be selling their handmade crafts such as moccasins, hide mittens and beaded earrings. There will also be one booth selling spices and another one selling Scentsy.
There will be Indian tacos for sale for $5. Proceeds will be going toward the friendship centre’s programming.
“This year, I’m happy to be able to do some mingling with some old friendly faces that I have encountered during my time with the expo,” Kaltwasser said.
She has been organizing the expo for five years now.
“It’s a wonderful time to get together, have some good laugh and see what kind of beautiful artwork is out there,” she said. “I love that it’s a good day with my coworkers and some community members. We just have a good time together.”
The market is being held in partnership with the Mennonite Central Committee and Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre.
The museum will also be holding an Indigenous craft market a day earlier, on Saturday, Dec. 4.
“We’re doing this the first week of December, just in time for Christmas. For anybody who’s looking for something special to get their loved ones, it’s a good place to come check out to do a little Christmas shopping,” Kaltwasser said.
There are a few spots left for vendors. Participating vendors must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Registering for a spot is free but the centre is accepting monetary donations, which will also go towards TNFC programming.
For more information, contact Kaltwasser at [email protected] or 705-268-6262, ext. 389, or Mukti Gautam at [email protected] or 705-268-6262, ext. 363.
