ninêhiyawiskwêw : I am an Indigenous Woman
Why Honey Willow?
Honey Constant-Inglis nitisîyikasôn, ninêhiyaw-iskwêw. pakitahwâkan-sâkahikanihk ochi niya. I am Honey Constant-Inglis (They/She) and I am Plains Cree woman from Sturgeon Lake First Nation.
I always dreamt about owning my own business and when that dream became reality, I needed to think of a name. I would not be here without my connection to my culture and my family. I grew up hearing the sounds of nohkoms sewing machine at the crack of dawn, searching nimosoms house for cookies only to find tins of beads, and helping my mom facilitate beading and sewing projects in her classroom.
As Honey Willow I stand as an Indigenous Archaeologist, Artist, Heritage Educator, and advocate.
As an intergeneration Residential School survivor, beadwork and Indigenous crafts was the firestarter to my reconnection. I honour the survival and resiliency of my grandparents who continue to dedicate themselves to their artwork.
I carry the name Willow as a reminder that I am connected to my nicapan who I have never met. He had gifted nimosom with the teaching of the Red Willow, who has since passed down the knowledge to my mom, who has passed it down to my sister and I. It i a reminder of my grandparents who harvest and weave baskets of the sweetest aroma. nimosom will face our greatest fear - SNAKES - in order to make the Red Willow necklaces for the next craft sale. Red Willow is very much part of our family, its wâhkôhtowin.
I chose Archaeology when I was just 16 years old. After an underwhelming museum experience, I researched the education requirements to become a curator at this museum and have dedicated my voice to this endeavour since. It is my own personal mission to advocate and accurately reflect the stories or diversity of our Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island.
Why Archaeology?
My Masters thesis is “Archaeological Interpretive Design from the Indigenous Perspective” where I explore Indigenous and Plains Archaeology as a learning tool in Saskatchewan classrooms. I am working with Grade 4 and Grade 6 teachers to create learning resources and programming that are reflective of our worldview and ways of knowing - in a meaningful and responsive way to the lasting impacts of colonialism.
I use archaeology as a way to reconnect to my Plains Cree identity and share the story of the Northern Plains Indigenous Peoples.
It has been an honour to share my story and how I reconcile the field of Archaeology across North America and further! If you have time and would like to learn more about my thesis, visit the Media tab for podcasts and blogs.
Indigenous Artist
I learned how to bead from my nikâwiy (my mom) and nohkom. I remember watching the women in my life sitting around one lamp and beading for hours. As a small child, I wanted to bead too. I remember using a pipe cleaner and large plastic beads.
I started making beaded mitts and porcupine quill earrings as a teenager. Then in the Summer of 2019 I started beading every day. With support from my niwâhkôtowina, my family, I got better and learned new skills. My heart is happiest when I make beaded lanyards, earrings, and ribbon skirts but over the years I have done a little bit of everything.
Im very proud to say that I am able to support myself through my traditional crafts. I have built a sturdy base to my career as a workshop facilitator and artist. If you told 16 year old me that people would recognize my artwork around Saskatoon, she would not believe you. I am truly humbled to have the support of my Honey Willow Community where I can make beading a full time job.
I share my journey with everyone over on my Instagram page if you would like to join us (@HoneyWillowCreations)
