About the Trading Post

The Trading Post has been established in an effort to connect our supporters directly with many of the creative and enterprising Lakota People from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The pandemic has effectively shut down a mini-economy for many artists and entrepreneurs on Pine Ridge; our aim is to provide a platform to artists who will do custom orders and to regularly promote them and their unique, handcrafted products. We invite you to peruse this page often and will update and add artists regularly!  Please reach out directly to the artist, to purchase or custom order anything. All proceeds from the sale go directly to the artist.  

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Featured Artisan

Kevin Poor Bear

Kevin is a self-taught Lakota artist who has been painting and drawing since age 8.   Kevin uses vivid colors and symbolic Lakota imagery to tell the story of his People through his art. Kevin also creates smaller pieces using soft pastel. Kevin- a bi-lateral amputee from the Pine Ridge community-  hopes his art and his story can be an inspiration to young people on the reservation. 

Kevin is eager to talk with you and to share more about his work and life.  Please connect with Kevin directly by phone:

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605-867-5382

More in the Trading Post:

Please note that these are SAMPLES of work shown below. Connect with a vendor to see more of their work and discuss custom orders.

Painted Trays by Gayla Weasel Bear

Gayla is from the Payabya community and has worked and played alongside Tipi Raiser's Volunteer groups regularly over the past couple of years.  Gayla also creates these colorful, Native designs on canvas.

​Facebook Messenger is the best way to connect with Gayla, see and learn more about her work or custom order a piece:

Gayla Weasel Bear

Hi my relatives, I offer you a heartfelt handshake. My name is Good Shell woman. My English name is Jo'Ella Red Willow. I am 21 years old from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Wanblee South Dakota. My family is originally from lips camp that is where wanblee is established. I am a direct descendant from Chief lip. I am a first time mother to a beautiful baby girl and soon-to-be wife. I started recently making soap so that I can heal the body naturally with the products I make. I am also going to be making all natural body Salve and Balm from my "Healing Garden" that are nutritious to the skin and organic. All spark my interest 2 years ago and I tried to find a way to help my body naturally heal when I had kidney stones instead of using medicine that is chemically made. So I wanted to make my own stuff that will help others too. I am starting out with soaps then eventually will make the salves then on to tincture and tonics. ​

See my products and contact me below:

Shooting Arrow's Goods

Moccasins by the White Butterfly Family

The White Butterfly family, from the Manderson community, makes custom ordered moccasins in all sizes and designs. 

Please contact Lesley at the number below to order your one-of-a-kind moccasins!

(605) 867-6208 ​

Intricate Bead Work by Lesley White Butterfly

Lesley makes medicine bags, earrings, dream catchers, ink pen holders,  necklaces and more! Lesley, from the Manderson community, is a self-taught bead worker who started as a young girl. She loves designing her own creations. Lesley is the mother of two small daughters.

To purchase and see more of  Lesley's work, contact her at the number below (other family members may handle the transaction if Lesley is unavailable):

(605) 867-6208 ​

Star Quilts by Jodie Spencer

Jodie is a single mother of two toddlers from the Kyle community. Sales from her beautiful Star Quilts helps her provide for her family. Jodie makes custom ordered Star Quilts and can make traditional quilts or shiny ones like the one pictured called "Mermaid" Star Quilts.

The best way to contact Jodie and custom order a quilt is to send her a message on Facebook Messenger: 

Jodie Spencer

Beadwork and More by Miya Takes War Bonnett

Miya is one of our Gen7 Youth Ambassadors, many of you may know her from her beautiful hoop dance! In addition to beadwork, Miya does pottery and paintings using watercolor, acrylic and charcoal.

Email at the link below is the best way to connect with Miya, to see and learn more about her work or custom order a piece:

Miya Takes War Bonnett

CHECK BACK FREQUENTLY FOR NEW
​ITEMS AND ARTISTS!