You may have seen dreamcatchers, sage bundles, or those big, bold geometric patterns and thought, “Cool!” What a lot of people don’t know is that tons of the products, practices, and fashion trends we see in wellness, style, and wellness come directly from Native American cultures. Some of them are being used respectfully, and others, not so much. So here are 15 Native-inspired practices, symbols, and products that have become popular in mainstream culture.
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Powwow-style drumming in music festivals
The kind of loud, full-circle drumming circles at some modern festivals, especially at wellness or spiritual gatherings, usually mirror the set-up of powwows. These are specific and ceremonial in Native culture.
Use of sage bundles in yoga studios
Burning sage, often called “smudging,” is a sacred purification ritual from tribes like the Lakota and Dene. Today it’s used casually in yoga and wellness spaces, often without acknowledging its cultural roots.
Sweat lodges at wellness retreats
Some wellness retreats offer sweat lodge experiences as detox therapy. But these structures, and the ceremonies inside, are spiritual rituals practiced by tribes like the Lakota, meant for prayer and healing, not spa day vibes.
“Totem pole” décor in coastal tourist shops
Mini totem poles you see at tourist stands come from the rich carving traditions of the Haida, Tlingit, and other Northwest Coast peoples. Totem poles tell personal and ancestral stories—they were never meant to be just something pretty to look at.
Moccasins as everyday footwear
Popular for their comfort and “earthy” vibe, moccasins were originally made by a number of different tribes like the Cree and Ojibwe. But the specific style of beading and sole was meant to be matched to the terrain you’d be walking.
Tipi (teepee) tents at glamping resorts
Luxury campgrounds and “glamping” resorts love to set up these accommodations for their “stylish” appeal. Tipis are specific to the Plains tribes, such as the Lakota and Cheyenne, and functional for their nomadic life.
Navajo-inspired patterns in fashion and home decor
Bold, geometric prints on sweaters, rugs, or throw pillows? Straight-up lifted from Navajo weaving tradition, often without credit.
Turquoise jewelry as a fashion trend
Turquoise rings, necklaces, and cuffs have been big in boho fashion forever. But they’re actually sacred to Southwestern tribes, such as the Zuni or Navajo, and symbolize protection, healing, and the sky.
Dreamcatchers in Bedrooms and Cars
The Ojibwe people originally used dreamcatchers to keep children safe from nightmares, but now they’re sold as decor in every mall gift shop. Most people don’t even know they were once powerful spiritual tools meant to ward off evil.
Hoop dancing on TV and live shows
Indigenous hoop dancing, which was originally created by the Anishinaabe and other tribal nations, can be seen as part of modern circus or TV performances. But it originally started as a sacred dance using the circular hoops to tell stories of life cycles.
The “vision quest” trope in movies and retreats
Spiritual retreats that are super popular in mainstream culture, along with movies where someone “finds themselves” out in nature? This is mimicking an Indigenous rite of passage known as a vision quest, which is a solo journey people go on for guidance.
“Warrior” mascots and team names
Not as popular as they once were, but they still show up in team names and logos; for example, names like the Braves, the Chiefs, or Warriors. These are drawn directly from Native imagery and stereotypes.
Medicine wheel symbols in wellness apps and guides
Ever seen that circular symbol sometimes used to represent “balance”? These are often used in mental health guides or infographics. It’s rooted in the Medicine Wheel. This is an ancient guide used by Indigenous communities to understand life, direction, and keeping things in balance.
Intricate hair braids at music festivals
Festival-goers often braid hair in elaborate styles. But what they don’t know is that for many Indigenous people, especially in tribes like the Blackfeet and Apache, braiding is a ceremonial act, not just fashion.
Beaded earrings and accessories on Etsy
Beadwork is huge right now, especially fringe earrings. Bold designs like these come from centuries of Native craftsmanship and each color and pattern means something. They are not just “boho” style.
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