TIĀNQUIZTLI

How it started

I remember the sweet scent of my Nana’s tamales steaming in the pot every holiday. Cousins running around, playing hood-ball, aunties laughing, and listening to oldies. I did not grow up fully connected to my culture, but there are some aspects I look back on and realize that we still had fragments of our history all around us. That’s where it all started for me, a reconnecting Native woman, yearning to reclaim the flavors of my heritage. Food ignited a spark, a journey back to my roots. But how could I find others on the same path, those creating and sharing our traditions?

Existing search engines felt cold, impersonal, filled with faceless links and corporations who continue to displace and harm our communities. What I craved was a warm hearth, a community of kindred spirits. So, I dreamt of a different kind of search engine, one woven with the threads of our culture. No more links, but a tapestry of Indigenous-owned businesses, each stitch a connection to something bigger.

Imagine searching for “jewelry” and instead of impersonal websites, you discover artisan shops run by Native creators, their stories echoing in every bead. Picture searching for “homemade frybread mix” and finding cafes owned by your people, the aroma of home wafting through the screen.

This search engine wouldn’t just be a tool, but a bridge, a celebration. It would amplify our voices, showcase our talents, and weave a brighter future, stitch by stitch. This is my dream, a reflection of yours, a place where culture thrives and connections blossom. Are you ready to join me on this journey? Let’s search together, reclaim our heritage, and build a community where every search feels like coming home. 🪶✨