This biannual market features a lineup of more than 30 Indigenous makers

When Josie Rios started selling her beaded jewelry, she struggled to get into artisan markets.

“I couldn’t afford the fees, I didn’t have tables, displays, table cloths — all that stuff,” says Josie, who is the maker behind Beads Over Diamonds. “I knew if I was having problems, other people were having the same or more.” 

And when Josie did get into markets, she could see the lack of Indigenous representation.

She knew her fellow artists were facing a problem — and she wanted to help create a solution. 

And then the Historic Fourth Avenue Coalition, the organization behind the biannual Made in Tucson Market, opened a physical venue — a space for community members to host creative events of their own.

“I had a conversation with the people from the Coalition and Made in Tucson and then it was like — bam! The Indigenous Market happened,” Josie says. “Weeks later, there I am making a video (about it). I was like, ‘If you want to be part of this, come on down.’ And we never looked back.”

The first Indigenous Market — a market featuring a full lineup of Indigenous-owned businesses — took place in 2023. Since then, more than 50 Indigenous businesses have been represented from about 20 tribes and communities.

“I think it’s the wanting — the needing — to feel safe,” Josie says. “I wanted to provide a space that was safe, accessible and fun.”

That first market was a blur for Josie. She was meeting Indigenous artists for the first time. She was saying hello to ones she had already met. She was selling her own jewelry to a room packed with people.

“It was overwhelming. I remember looking up from my table and seeing heads, seeing people dance,” Josie says. “At one point, I had to walk away because I was just so touched to feel supported.”

Angela Bracamonte, who is the maker behind Body & Sol and now helps Josie plan the Indigenous Market, was a vendor at that first event. 

“It was like a ray of hope. I’m not trying to be dramatic or poetic, but it was like what I’m doing is the right path for me,” Angela says. “It was confirmation that this market was going to be a huge success because it was needed. It proved how much this space was needed for us.”

The next Indigenous Market, which is a biannual celebration, is slated for 5-9 p.m. Saturday, April 25 at the Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St. You can shop from 30-plus Indigenous vendors — about half of whom haven’t vended at the Indigenous Market before. Also expect a DJ, fry bread and coffee.

“For attendees, I want them to know and see there’s no right way to be Indigenous. I think society can have a vision of how we’re supposed to look and what we’re supposed to make,” Josie says. “We might be jewelry makers but we’re making different types of jewelry. We might make pastries, but we’re making different types of pastries.”

Both Josie and Angela talk about the struggle between upholding Indigenous traditions and staying relevant in modern times. It’s a balance that won’t please everyone — you’re criticized if you’re too Westernized, but you’re also criticized if you’re too traditional. 

“Internally, you struggle because you want to respect and promote the traditions and pass them on, but you have to be able to exist in this world,” Angela says.

At the end of the day, Josie and Angela hope vendors feel safe and supported in however they choose to create and share their art.

“I really hope they walk away knowing there are spaces for us,” Angela says. “That’s a wholesome feeling. A huge part of that is the historical destruction of Indigenous culture. It goes so far back.”

“We still see the trauma from that to this day,” Josie says. “We all know it gets passed from generation to generation. I think sometimes it’s our responsibility in a way to end it and because we’re existing in both worlds, it’s difficult to navigate. But I think that’s maybe why (vendors) keep coming back and wanting to be part of (the market) — whether it’s that they make money, they feel safe, they feel connected or they’re with their community, they feel seen.” 

Beyond the laughter, dancing and camaraderie the day of, the best part of the market for Josie and Angela is watching the vendors grow in their businesses. Whether it’s because of the Indigenous Market or not, they’ve loved watching businesses like 1989 Bake House who grew from a pop-up tent to a brick-and-mortar, or The Hungrywolf Bakery who now has her treats on shelves at local stores. 

“Some vendors, this is their first time being at a market, dealing with crowds,” Josie says. “Even though we don’t have Made in Tucson crowds, it’s busy enough that it gives them confidence and experience and strength to go on to do bigger markets and be seen in markets that are not necessarily Indigenous-focused and take back their space. I don’t have kids but I’m a proud mama. I’m a proud auntie.”

About the organizers

When Josie was in eighth grade, she found herself in trouble with the law. As a result, she was required to do community service and therapy. 

But before her group therapy sessions at the Tucson Indian Center, there was a beading class — and that’s how she learned to bead.

Josie later reconnected with the art and started Beads Over Diamonds in 2022. When she showed up to local store Pop Cycle wearing the earrings she created, the owners asked if they could stock her jewelry on their shelves.

“I hurried up and within weeks, I had a collection to give them for Small Business Saturday. A few months later is when I officially signed up for a business license,” Josie says. “When it’s chaotic, beading centers me. I go and bead. All my clothing is black. All my beading creations are so colorful. It calls to me, it resonates with me, it felt right.” 

Angela started Body & Sol in 2021 as a way to help her sister — who runs Flowing Waters Soap Co. — expand her line. 

“Then it morphed into something I really loved to do,” Angela says, adding that her favorite items are her lotions.

“I love it so much. It’s not necessarily the process that I love — that I’m like a scientist using potions and stuff — but I love using (the products),” Angela says. “I wanted something that was safe for people to use and enjoyable and luxurious within my business’ budget. I wanted it to be something that represented the Southwest and where I come from because that didn’t exist.”

💗 For more information about the Indigenous Market, which takes place on April 25, head to their Instagram page. 💗