A Blending of Resilient Indigenous Tradition and a Changed, Modern World
Aanii! Welcome to Ozhitoon! The word means “make it” in Anishinaabemowin, the language traditionally spoken by the Native American nation I belong to: I am an enrolled member of the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma.
Our clan (the Otter Clan) was originally from the Great Lakes region, before the Indian Removal Act forced us to Kansas, and then ultimately to Indian Territory in Oklahoma during the 1800s. Many of our people did not survive Removal. Those who did, like many other Indian nations, continued to pass down our traditions and culture, often when it was illegal and dangerous to do so. Because of their bravery, we the descendants of those who survived can continue to reclaim and revive our traditions, many of which are infused with great meaning, and which are a testament to our survival as a people.
The way we make our artwork is one of those traditions: as I bead and create, I pray for and think good thoughts for whoever will wear or receive my creations. I seek to honor my ancestors and people as I follow their example of resilience and adapting to a changed world by incorporating traditional aspects into modern art and jewelry. It is my honor that you are here!
The feathers I use are always ethically sourced, and I do my best to purchase beads and jewelry elements from Native-owned shops. A portion of my proceeds always goes to help Indigenous people in need.
FAQ
Can I wear your jewelry even though I am not Native American?
Yes! The jewelry I sell is not ceremonial or sacred so it is appropriate for anyone to buy, wear, and appreciate.
Do you do custom orders?
Yes! Send me a message using the "request custom order" button on my shop's storefront.
Is Ozhitoon eco-friendly?
I do my best to package my products with eco-friendly packaging and minimal plastic use while ensuring your purchases arrived undamaged, and will continue to move more and more in an eco-friendly direction. I also often reuse and upcycle different elements in my creations.
Why poultry feathers?
Under the North American Migratory Bird Act, it is illegal to possess or sell art made with feathers from protected birds in the United States. Domestic poultry do not fall under this act.
https://fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/laws-legislations/migratory-bird-treaty-act.php
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, “The Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits the take (including killing, capturing, selling, trading, and transport) of protected migratory bird species without prior authorization by the Department of Interior U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.”
Here is a guide to legal and illegal feathers that another artist has helpfully put together:
https://www.featherfolio.com/blog/guide-to-legal-and-illegal-feathers-in-the-usa-updated
What’s with the name?
“Ozhitoon” is an Anishinaabemowin/Ojibwe word. You can listen to the pronunciation here:
https://ojibwe.lib.umn.edu/main-entry/ozhitoon-vti2
This language and its dialects are spoken by the Anishinaabe group of people that include the Potawatomi, Ojibwe, Algonquin, and Adaawe/Odawa (Ottawa) Native American people groups.
