As 2025 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to look back on a year that brought meaningful growth, new partnerships, and continued connection with our community. None of it would be possible without our customers, supporters, and partners, so first and foremost, thank you for choosing to shop with SweetGrass Trading Co. Your support directly helps sustain Native-owned businesses and the work we do as a company owned by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.
This year, our team grew in an exciting way with the addition of Sam Fister as our social media coordinator. Sam has been the creative force behind the scenes on our social channels, helping share vendor stories, product launches, and moments from the SweetGrass community. Her work has helped us stay connected and visible in a space where storytelling matters.
We also welcomed six new vendors in 2025 and expanded our offerings with several new products from existing partners. Growing our vendor list allows us to showcase a wider range of Native-made gifts, foods, and wellness items, while creating more opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs. Supporting these businesses remains at the heart of everything we do.
The holiday season was especially impactful this year. Thanks to your support, we saw strong holiday sales that helped provide meaningful revenue for the businesses we partner with and further support the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Shopping small and Native-owned makes a real difference, and we’re grateful so many of you chose to do that with us.
Giving back also remained an important focus. Our sister company, Tribal Tea Co., made a generous donation to Indigucation, a Native-led organization dedicated to cultural revitalization and mental wellness within the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Supporting organizations like Indigucation helps strengthen community health and preserve cultural knowledge for future generations.
In 2025, we also recertified as a Minority Business Enterprise with the Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council. This certification helps open doors for new partnerships and business opportunities while reinforcing our commitment to economic development in Native communities.
Another highlight of the year was awarding our annual scholarship to Jackson Kennedy, a Winnebago Tribal member studying construction management at the University of Central Missouri and serving in the Missouri Army National Guard. Supporting Native students as they pursue education and leadership roles is an investment in the future of our communities.
As we look ahead to the new year, we’re excited about what’s next — new products, new partnerships, and continued opportunities to uplift Native-owned businesses. Thank you for being part of our journey this year. We’re grateful for your trust, your support, and the community we’re building together.
Here’s to a strong start to the year ahead.