Sundogs has grand reopening in new location

Havre Daily News staff

A Havre store focusing on Native crafts has finished its move to a prime location in the Ryan Building and is having a grand re-opening this week.

Owner Margaret Standing Bear opened Sundogs, A Native Touch, a Native craft galleryin the Ryan Building in downtown Havre in 2012. She now has moved the retail space to the front street location in the building at 48 Second Avenue, which afforded window availability and has allowed more opportunity for advertising and promotion.

Standing Bear said in a press release that local clientele come from the Havre and surrounding areas, with Fort Belknap, Rocky Boy, First Nations and Canadian visitors who provide a steady flow of traffic.

"I've always thought about opening a retail shop with the goal in mind of dedicating the store to displaying correctly, proudly, and showcasing Native arts, crafts, and creations.," Standing Bear said in the release. "One of Sundogs' other visions was to create a platform for local artists and craftspeople to promote their art to the public, which could result in economic opportunity for their efforts. It also allows the store to promote a positive image of Native artists in a more contemporary light.  

" ... I've found that the Native persona is interesting to non-Native people and Sundogs caters to those seeking original and unique Native made pieces," she added. "Sundogs' inventory carries newly created and crafted items meant to be proudly worn or gifted, not put in a museum or as a side show.

Standing Bear said she tries to provide an inventory that showcases a wide variety of items which represent the tribes of Montana. Sundogs also stocks inventory which highlights Native works from the southwest, plains region, Canada, Alaska Natives and the northwest.  

Sundogs provides unique and original crafts and works that stay close to and reflects the heritage and culture of Native people and also to protect the artists' interest by not allowing photography of their work displayed, she said. This protects the unique designs and workmanship and limits exposure on social media, where oftentimes reproductions are made or family designs copied.

"One of the greatest experiences I've had is taking the time to visit with customers and do my best to answer the many questions they have regarding Native art, crafts, styles, cultures, and people," Standing Bear said. "There is a genuine curiosity among my many visitors seeking to learn more about a particular item or how it is fashioned, the materials used and, most importantly, the story behind the artist.  Native culture and history is intriguing to most of us and there are people here who maintain a lifestyle that mirrors the Native culture."

Sundogs' Grand Re-0pening is running Wednesday through next Monday to earmark the move from the original suite to the new location.

Unless otherwise specified, Sundogs business hours are Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday by appointment. Call 265-3340 to make an appointment.

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Online: http://www.406Sundogs.com, https://www.facebook.com/SundogsANT