Preserving Heritage, Sharing Culture: Walking Sky - An Indigenous Brand That Embraces Tradition

Shé:kon (Hello),

Native individuals often get asked the same three questions: Do you still live in Tee-pee (tipi)? Don’t you have a casino? Why don’t you have a name like running with horses (or anything else they come up with)? To set the record straight, we don’t still live in Tipi’s and many tribes, like my own used long houses instead. Not all tribes or reserves believe in having a casino or even allowing gambling. Finally, I do have a name. It is Karoniakeson, which means Walking Sky.

I named this brand after myself because it is a reflection of myself and my heritage. My great-grandfather gave me this name when I was born; he said I was heavenly. While this isn’t the traditional way of naming a child in Mohawk culture, my mother thought it was sweet and she gave it to me as a middle name. When making this line I wanted to not only share my culture but also pay respect to the people I’ve come from. My great-greats and my ancestors. 

I come from a long line of entertainers and teachers. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s my family toured in Wild West shows all over the country and even into England. While they were exploited through much of this and had their culture on display to be ostracized - they never lost their pride. They smiled through it all and let it be an opportunity for them to show who they are and what they are. I do much of the same when I share my culture and heritage on my Tiktok (@recycldstardust) where I hope that I am making them proud.

I also want to make you proud. I want you to feel pride that you are able to buy authentic indigenous items. I want you to feel my culture, my heritage, and my ancestors' knowledge with every candle you light and every soap you lather. These are the things that keep us all connected even if we come from different cultures. 

One last thing I am always asked - Can I, as a non native, use/buy/partake in using something that has sweetgrass etc? The answer - yes, you can as long as you are using it respectfully!  Buying from a native means you’re getting something that has been ethically sourced and we are happy to share the knowledge with you so that you can enjoy native culture without worry of appropriation. Everything I have for sale is perfect for appreciating the culture.

I hope you will enjoy Walking Sky products as much as I have enjoyed creating them!

Nái:wen,

-Nikki