Vancouver Farmers Markets' Indigenous vendor program returns for second year with four businesses
Four Indigenous-owned vendors — Creations by Antee, The Ivory Kraken, Sabian's Arts and Crafts, and Salmon n' Bannock — join the Downtown Farmers Market in 2026 following a successful 2025 pilot.
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Vancouver Farmers Markets launched an Indigenous Vendor Pilot Program at its Downtown Farmers Market in 2025, welcoming four Indigenous-owned businesses to one of the city's busiest public marketplaces. After a positive response, the program returns for 2026 with another cohort of four vendors.
This year's Indigenous vendor businesses are Creations by Antee, The Ivory Kraken, Sabian's Arts and Crafts by Michael "Sabian" Rawcliffe, and Salmon n' Bannock. Together, they bring Indigenous artistry, food traditions, and entrepreneurship to the downtown market.
VFM executive director Laura Smit said the program started after conversations about whether Indigenous vendors would feel welcome, paired with enthusiasm about the opportunity. Continuity and adaptation have been critical to success, she noted — announcing reconciliation and welcome matters, but continuing to learn and adapt over time matters more.
Creating ongoing space for Indigenous businesses at the market means shoppers can try products from Indigenous entrepreneurs as regular participants in community life, not just during commemorative events. The Downtown Farmers Market operates at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl'e7énḵ Square, the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery.
