Tribe to Expand Largest Native-Owned Art and Lifestyle Brand
The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe has purchased Seattle-based Eighth Generation, the leading Native-owned art and lifestyle brand in America, from acclaimed Native artist and entrepreneur, Louie Gong. Under the new ownership the Snoqualmie Tribe plans to expand distribution, visibility, and market penetration for Eighth Generation’s 100% Native designed products, including blankets, fine art, apparel and jewelry.
“This is another values-driven investment for the Snoqualmie Tribe,” said the Tribe’s Chairman Robert de los Angeles. “With this purchase, the Snoqualmie Tribe will provide resources and strategic support of Eighth Generation’s mission to provide the largest and best possible platform for Native American artists.”
“I’m excited to see what we can do when we have some real muscle behind the hustle,” said Gong, a member of the Nooksack Tribe whose hard-won path to success began with a childhood in a house with no running water. “I’m looking forward to working with the Snoqualmie Tribe to elevate Eighth Generation from an iconic Native American brand to an iconic American brand.”
The Eighth Generation purchase is more than an economic investment for the Snoqualmie Tribe – it is part of the Tribe’s larger effort to safeguard indigenous cultural resources. Earlier this month, the Tribe announced its purchase of the Salish Lodge & Spa and land surrounding its most sacred site, Snoqualmie Falls.
“It’s important that Tribal stories and culture are appropriately and accurately shared, as so many enjoy our traditional lands,” said Jaime Martin, Snoqualmie Tribe’s Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Special Projects. “Millions of dollars are spent in the United States on fake Native art labeled as ‘Native-Inspired,’ which misappropriates and disrespects the culture of America’s Indigenous people. Eighth Generation provides consumers with the opportunity to purchase culturally-appropriate art and home goods, which is critical.”
The business is also gearing up to expand its in-state manufacturing operations, which will allow Eighth Generation to provide even more opportunities for Native American artists and professionals in the Pacific Northwest.
“While supporting and elevating the very best in Native American art, Eighth Generation will be administered to reflect the cultural values of the Snoqualmie People,” said the Tribal Council Treasurer Christopher Castleberry. “Every purchase made at Eighth Generation will support the mission of the Snoqualmie Tribe to safeguard sacred sites like Snoqualmie Falls and support the preservation of Native culture.”
PRESS ALERT: Washington State Governor Jay Inslee will join Snoqualmie Tribal leaders and Louie Gong at Eighth Generation’s flagship Pike Place Market location at 1:40 p.m. on Monday, November 25 for a major announcement.
The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe is a federally recognized tribe in the Puget Sound region of Washington State. Known as the People of the Moon, Snoqualmie were signatories to the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1855. For more information visit www.snoqualmietribe.us and https://eighthgeneration.com/