About The Potlatch Lake Tahoe
A Tahoe Tradition for 55 Years
For more than five decades, The Potlatch has been a trusted destination in North Lake Tahoe for artisan jewelry, Native American designs, Tahoe-inspired home décor, and one-of-a-kind gifts.
Family-owned and led today by Lisa & Aaron Nelson, the store continues a long tradition of celebrating craftsmanship, supporting local artists, and curating unique, high-quality pieces.
Meet the Owners – Lisa & Aaron Nelson
Lisa Nelson grew up immersed in The Potlatch, learning the importance of artistry, quality, and community from her mother, Lynn Brown, who ran the store for decades. Together with her husband, Aaron, Lisa carries on that legacy today.
As owners now since 2010, they combine a passion for Native American and local artistry with a dedication to serving both the Tahoe community and visitors.
The Potlatch, named after a Native American gift-giving ceremony, first opened its doors in 1970 on Ski Way. Founded by the Ross family, the store drew inspiration from Northwestern Native American cultures and introduced the iconic totem pole that still stands outside today.
After a brief ownership transition, Edward and Beverley Wurtele expanded the store’s Native American jewelry offerings, building strong connections with artisans across the West Coast.
In 1987, ownership passed to Lynn Brown, Lisa Nelson’s mother, who relocated the store to the Raley’s shopping center in 1997 and established the annual Artie Yellowhorse Jewelry Show, a beloved Tahoe tradition. Since 2010, Lisa and Aaron Nelson have carried on the store’s legacy, celebrating community connection and artisan craftsmanship.
Our Story – Honoring Legacy & Tradition
Our Offerings:
Every item at The Potlatch tells a story.
From authentic turquoise jewelry handcrafted by Native American artists to locally made décor inspired by Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty, each piece reflects a spirit of artistry and place.
Whether you’re looking for a meaningful keepsake, a gift for anyone on your list, or a rustic accent piece for your home, you’ll find something truly unique here. Stop in to see the latest arrivals!
Handcrafted Jewelry, Gifts, Artwork, Home Decor & more.
Our Commitment to Community
The Potlatch is more than a store, it’s part of the fabric of Incline Village and Lake Tahoe. We proudly support local events, showcase the work of Native American and Tahoe artisans, and give back to causes that enrich the community. For both residents and visitors, The Potlatch has become a landmark for discovering treasures that are personal, meaningful, and rooted in Tahoe’s culture.
Visit us in Incline Village to experience our full selection, or call us for questions about availability, pricing, or shipping requests. We're here to help!
Celebrating 55 Years in Business!
"The Potlatch is one of my most favorite things in Tahoe, it's truly a gem. The humans that run this business are beautiful souls."
-Shanna S. (Incline Village)