Siera Hancharyk | Inaabiwin Wiigwaas 

Siera Hancharyk Inaabiwin Wiigwaas Long Beaded Earrings

Siera Hancharyk

Siera Hancharyk

Anishinaabe, Wiikwemkoong

Beading is my passion, wearable artwork. Buy Indigenous made - not Indigenous inspired. Siera is from Wiikwemkoong, Odawa and Potowatomi. Siera currently resides in Treaty 13 territory- Toronto. Siera works and lives on the traditional territory of the Wendat, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Anishinaabek, including the Chippewas and the Mississaugas of the Credit.

Siera Hancharyk Inaabiwin Wiigwaas Profile

I am a 2-spirit beadwork artist whose ultimate goal is to start and fund a self-sufficient centre for Indigenous youth in Toronto to gather and grow as entrepreneurs. “To improve the future, I think it’s important to consider the seven generations before and beyond us.” I describe beading as a medium through which I can express myself and the Indigenous culture/tradition in a form that can be worn.

Cultural appropriation versus appreciation. When you shop from Indigenous retailers or Indigenous artists you are supporting the community and the artists themselves. Appreciation is when someone seeks to understand and learn about another culture in an effort to broaden their perspective and connect with others cross-culturally. Appropriation is when you are taking an aspect of a culture that is not your own and using it for you own personal interest. When purchasing beadwork, learn about the artists, listen to the stories, learn about the background behind the piece and learn about them as well. Cultural harmony is achieved through knowledge. This creates awareness and understanding, which leads to an appreciation rather than appropriation of cultures. Some items are sacred and are never to be sold or worn by other people outside of the culture. Speak with the community and people and learn 🪶

Chi-miigwetch (thank you)

Workshops...

Siera is a teacher and facilitator of:

  • Beadwork workshops (beginner-advanced).
  • Cultural workshops (medicine teachings and medicine bags).
  • Water color painting workshops.

Please contact artist for details, pricing, and availability.

Buy their work at...

Please visit Inaabiwin Wiigwaas Designs to purchase Siera’s work, or contact them for any inquiries.

Membership Identification Status

Anishinaabe, Wiikwemkoong