On Saturday January 27, AICHO held their first ever love-themed market ahead of Valentine’s Day. Community members took their loved ones through a market of 20 vendors selling a variety of jewelry, desserts and artwork.

Khayman Goodsky is the Indigenous First Co-Coordinator with AICHO. She said the purpose of the AICHO first ever love-themed market event is to make Valentine’s Day shopping less stressful and more meaningful.

“We have a lot of artwork, a lot of jewelry, a lot of ribbon skirts, a lot of candy, kind of sweets, things like that,” Goodsky said. “We really wanted to make it as simple as we can, because I know a lot of people stress for Valentine’s Day shopping. Go have a great experience, do it together and make it less stressful is really important.”

Community members could also connect with and support 20 Indigenous and BIPOC entrepreneurs. Goodsky said if people couldn’t attend the market, there’s another event AICHO is hosting coming up soon.

“February 10th we are having Tasha Hart and Staci L. Drouillard here, indigenous writers doing a free meet and greet,” Goodsky said. You’ll be able to purchase their books, have them be signed by the authors, I think they’re both loved so it seems perfect for a Valentine’s Day gift.”

Community members also enjoyed live music by two Indigenous musicians. The market had a photo booth, a free Valentine gift basket drawing, and face painting.

For more information about AICHO’s events you can read more here. Also for other stories with AICHO you can read more here.