Native America Gallery — Attraction in Athens-Clarke County Unified Government

Suprisingly, the Native America Gallery in downtown Athens has nothing to do with Native Americans! It actually makes a mockery of hundreds of ancient cultures. The store contains boho-chic white people clothes such as flowy "tribal" patterned dresses, "moccasin" leather booties with three inch heels, and basic jewelry mostly sourced from India and Bali. When asked, the employees could only assure the Native validity of the small collection of turquoise pieces. In the entire gallery, this is all that is vaguely Native American. The rest of the merchandise is, in my opinion, quite racist. Native Americans are done a disservice by the existence of this store. It is quite terrible marketing to name your store Native America Gallery when only one of your items are made by actual Natives, and none of your profit supports any Native Americans whose cultures you are mocking.

If you want to support imperialism and the continued gentricification of indigenous people, shop at Native America Gallery. This store is once again taking what belongs to Native Americans- the right to share and teach others their own cultures. Once again, white...

I give two stars because the girl that actually took care of my purchase was super nice, otherwise I would give 1 star. I was in town visiting because my dog was at the UGA vet and I was waiting to pick her up. I was wearing my favorite gemstone ring that I literally wear all the time. While I was looking at these little carved figurines, one of the attendants (not the cashier) complimented me on my ring but immediately asked if it was mine. “Your labradorite ring is beautiful, is it yours?” It took me a second to realize that she was low key asking if I had taken the ring because she has similar rings for sale on display. I was so shocked I didn’t even know what to say. I told her, “yes, it’s my ring. I wear it so often it has a lot of scuff marks and scratches.” She followed up with something under her breath that I didn’t quite catch. I purchased my little carved figurines and left. I was so shocked and bothered by that experience that I can say I won’t be coming back in. And to that rude employee, you aren’t the only store that sales labradorite gemstones rings, if you’re so worried about theft, set up cameras and...

I absolutely love this store! Ever since I first walked into Native America Gallery 30 years ago, it has been my go-to place to find beautiful, high-quality jewelry and gifts for friends, family, and myself. The shop and its staff are always warm and welcoming and the store is filled with thoughtfully selected items in all price ranges. From the smallest to the largest items the quality is exceptional—most of the jewelry I own was purchased there and when I wear it I constantly get compliments and people asking where I found such beautiful pieces. It’s the first place I go when I need a gift and don’t know what to buy, because the staff is extremely helpful in asking questions about the recipient and helping me identify the best options. Their free gift wrapping is also a wonderful benefit, saving me time and producing unique and beautiful packages. Native America Gallery is a true Athens institution; I always recommend it to visitors as a not-to-be-missed gem in downtown Athens and to locals who need to find the perfect gift for...