Update: This business is permanently closed.
Golden now has a place to go to find authentic Aboriginal artwork and gifts, since Tribal Memories opened on 9th Avenue North.
“I was here a couple of years ago, went hiking up the mountains. I met a bunch of people here, and I thought the people were really super. It’s a good, beautiful environment. I said that one day I would come back and open a store,” said Dakota Brant, who opened his store this past week.
A member of the Six Nations in Brantford, Ontario, Brant learned some traditional art forms from a very young age.
“Everything in here I made myself, except for those prints,” he said.
Tribal Memories carries carvings, paintings, peace pipes, beading, regalia, and so much more. Brant also does commissioned work and has a few orders from the community already.
But the store is about more than just the products. Brant cares a great deal about history, community, and education.
“I’ve had some stores before, and usually in the summer, every hour we do a little demonstration inside the shop… The tourists usually love that,” he said.
“I do a lot of workshops too. So people can come here and learn how to make dream catchers, moccasins, and that sort of thing.”
He is also interested in bringing First Nations culture into Golden’s community events.
“National Aboriginal Day is June 21, and they haven’t done anything here with it. It’s a really good location because you have the mountains and the spirits here… I think the community would really benefit to learn the culture and seeing what it’s all about,” he said.
The store, located beside the Moon Cafe, is having its official grand opening on Saturday, May 11, starting at 10 a.m. The Golden Taps and Rockwater Grill and Bar will be catering the event.
