Herstory

Bear Woman is a name gifted to me during the first months of my time here on Mother Earth. I carry this name with pride and let it guide me through this journey of life. Awahsuki (Menominee) and Yakohkwali (Oneida) are the First Nation spelling of Bear Woman. I was born and raised on the Menominee Reservation as an adopted descendant where I was raised under the traditional structure of Menominee and other Big Drum communities. In my adult years, I moved to Oneida, WI, which is the nation I am enrolled in, to raise my children under longhouse tradition. It is important for me to create access for my children to understand the Oneida history, language, and culture of the nation that they are enrolled in. However, I too grew from the learning of Haudenosaunee ways and have found a grounding and balance in life that has allowed for me to recognize the gifts and knowledge that I am able to share with others to also help find balance, grounding, and growth in their professional and/or personal achievements. 

   

Bear Woman LLC is a consulting and training service that advises on various First Nations topics. Over the years, I have gained educational, personal, and professional experience in higher education advising, curriculum design specific to First Nation culture and language, sustainable development, reciprocal restoration, First Nation studies, youth mentoring, non-profit, community education, historic/generational trauma, and other areas of speciality. Growing up I was raised under the influence of leaders/activists that inspired me to pursue opportunities in various pathways that served the purpose of giving back to the community and creation. My passions in life stem from the purpose of giving back to First Nations people, my family, community, and all of creation to educate about restoring balance.