About Us — Our Story

Who We Are

Welcome to the Ysleta Mission Gift Shop (YMGS) — a family-rooted, heritage-driven shop nestled along El Paso's Historic Mission Trail. Our story is woven from the threads of the Tigua people's enduring legacy, the sacred walls of La Misión de San Antonio de Ysleta del Sur, and a deep commitment to artisan craftsmanship, community, and the earth.

We are more than a marketplace. We are a bridge — connecting visitors to the living history of the Ysleta Mission, uplifting local artisans, and giving back to the community that surrounds us.

Our Mission

At YMGS, our mission transcends the conventional concept of a marketplace. It's a heartfelt commitment to make a positive impact on the lives of both artisans and consumers, while building bridges between diverse communities and cultures through the medium of extraordinary art.

We aspire to create a legacy, one lovingly handcrafted product at a time — because a world that uplifts its artisans is a better world for everyone. We champion local artists, educate visitors on the significance of the Mission and the Tigua Tribe, and serve as a gateway to the rich cultural tapestry of the entire Historic Mission Trail.

Rooted in Tigua Heritage

La Misión de San Antonio de Ysleta del Sur was established in 1680, born from the Pueblo traditions, Franciscan missionaries, and Spanish Colonial life of Northern New Mexico. Built by the Tigua (Tiwa) people who carried their faith and culture through forced emigration, the Mission stands today as one of the oldest continuously active parishes in the United States.

The Tigua people still identify deeply with the Mission, observing sacred ritual days with dancing, drumming, and chanting — most notably the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua on June 13th. Their spirit of resilience and cultural pride is the heartbeat of everything we do at YMGS.

Read the full history of the Ysleta Mission and Tigua Indians →

Our Inspiration

Our deepest inspiration is the resolute spirit of the Ysleta Mission itself — a historic haven built by people who exemplified courage, strength, and unwavering tenacity. Whether you're stepping inside for the very first time or returning as a cherished friend, every visit connects you to the past and offers comfort in the embrace of this remarkable place.

Here, history breathes. Stories from the past come to life. And you can carry home a piece of that narrative to share with others.

Our Eco-Friendly Commitment

Sustainability is not an afterthought — it's woven into how we operate. We've embraced paperless operations, digital payments, and e-billing to reduce our paper footprint. We partner with local artisans to repurpose water and minimize waste, encourage eco-friendly transportation for visitors, and prioritize energy efficiency throughout our space.

We also chose Shopify as our platform partner because of their shared commitment to climate initiatives and a greener future. Every conscious choice we make adds a new chapter to our story of positive change — for our customers, our community, and the planet.

Learn more about our Eco-Friendly Efforts →

Our Charity Work

Giving back is at the core of who we are. We collect monetary donations from our guests and pass them on to the Order of Conventual Franciscans, actively participating in the church's fundraising events and those of its many groups.

We've organized online and in-person auctions to help raise funds for a migrant and refugee center — providing temporary housing and support for those navigating the path to legal status. We also donate products to a wide range of nonprofits, including the Lions Club, Women's Spiritual Conferences, Veteran Organizations, Annunciation House, UTEP Catholic Campus Ministry, Mt. Carmel Friars, Ysleta Education Foundation, El Paso Elks Lodge, and many more.

Read more about Our Charity Efforts →

Our Goals

We are dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment that encourages cultural appreciation and provides visitors with a genuine taste of what El Paso has to offer. We work diligently to offer dependable tourist services, spotlight local artists, and serve as a guide to the fabulous shops, eateries, and museums along the Historic Mission Trail.

Together, let's embark on a journey of cultural discovery — exploring not only our gift shop, but the tapestry of historical treasures that lie ahead.

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Explore More:
Our Mission, Goals & Inspiration  |  Ysleta Mission & Tigua Indians  |  Eco-Friendly Efforts  |  Our Charity Efforts