About Us
How it all began
Being the only business of color or the only Indigenous vendor at events sparked an idea in the mind of Lluvia Merello (Business Owner of Indigenous Come Up). To create another inclusive space where businesses of color and Indigenous origin will feel at home, and to create a space that supports creativety and culture.
Determined to create such a space, Merello founded the Portland Indigenous Marketplace in 2018.
Our Story
Over the Years
2018
Founded
Indigenous Come Up contracts with PBOT to host 3 Native Markets at the Last Thursday events on Alberta St
2018
First Black Friday
Indigenous Come Up partenrs with the Rockwood center for the first Black Friday Indigenous Marketplace
2019
Wide Spread Marketplaces
Indigenous Come Up partners with Great Spirit for Metro’s Community Place Making Grant for a series of events called the Portland Indigenous Marketplaces
2020
Becoming a non-profit
Portland Indigenous Marketplace becomes a 501(c)3 non profit
2022
Expansion and Move
Portland Indigenous Marketplace continues to grow and moved to a new location in November
Our Mission
Portland Indigenous Marketplace supports Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs by providing barrier-free, culturally respectful spaces that encourage cultural resilience and economic sustainability by promoting public education through cultural arts.
As an organization made of and serving primarily local Indigenous and Black artists and entrepreneurs, though this organization may not serve a particular Tribe or community, this Indigenous community is very connected with the Native American community in the Portland Metropolitan Area and beyond. Portland Indigenous Marketplace is proud to serve diverse Indigenous vendors through the Indigenous Marketplace programming with heritage from Shoshone-Bannock to Dine (Navajo) tribes, Warm Springs to North Dakota, Mexica, Haitian, Fulani, Quechua and so on.
These last few years have shown us all how the Portland Indigenous Marketplace as a unique organization made up of and serving Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs can truly play an important role in supporting our community’s vitality via community spaces, resources, and respect. See you soon!
What We Do
Portland Indigenous Marketplace strives to strengthen our Indigenous Community in any way we can, though the programming we offer and in everything we do as a community
Our Programs
Portland Indigenous Marketplace offers a variety of community enriching programs like regular newsletters, workshops and fundraising in addition to organizing markets.
Support
Please extend your support to Portland Indigenous Marketplace by participating in our markets, contributing to our programs, buying raffle tickets or by directly donating to us.
Our Artists
We partner with more than 100 Artists (plus counting). Each of the artists are given the opportunity to be a vendor at the markets organized.