Indigenous gifts for Christmas: Cultural appropriation or revitalization?

As Christmas approaches, shoppers are hurrying to snap up last-minute presents and that might include Indigenous-made or Indigenous-themedgifts.

In Saskatoon, items from Indigenous designers and artisans are increasingly available. In November,for instance, WanuskewinHeritage Park set up a seasonal store on Broadway Avenue.

But after another year of controversial stories of cultural appropriation fromCoachellato the Washington Redskinsnon-Indigenous shoppers are asking themselves whether it's ever appropriate to wearIndigenous-themedgifts like clothing and jewelry.

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Well, it depends, said Robert Innes.

"When the items are created by Indigenous people, and clearly marked as being made by Indigenous people, this wouldn't fall under cultural appropriation," said theprofessor of Indigenous studies at the University of Saskatchewan.

It's about common respect and courtesy.- RobertInnes,University of Saskatchewan professor of Indigenous studies

Speaking to CBC Radio'sSaskatoon Morning,Innessaid gifts made by Indigenous artisans can help support revitalizing traditional culture.

"They're supporting thosecraftspeoplein making those itemsand that means that person can continue making those items," he said.

Innesadded he's glad the issue of cultural appropriation has become prominent. While he said there has been some pushback from non-Indigenous people,Innessaid the topic is very important for everyone to consider.

"You wouldn't be doing something to someone you knew or loved that they didn't appreciate," he said. "Why would you do that to other people? It's about common respect and courtesy."