In an exclusive interview with Indigenous-SME Business Magazine, Siera Hancharyk, Founder and Creative Director of Inaabiwin Wiigwaas and Founder of the Three Sisters Indigenous Crafts Market, shares how creativity, culture, and community come together in the work behind Inaabiwin Wiigwaas and the Three Sisters Indigenous crafts market. Through hands-on artistry and teaching, Siera is not only preserving traditions but also creating space for Indigenous voices to be seen, respected, and valued in urban settings.
Interview By Darian Kovacs
Siera is a First Nations 2-spirit she/they Kwe/Nini from Wiikwemkoong who grew up in Sault Ste. Marie(Baawaating) but now resides in Toronto(Treaty 13, Dish With One Spoon). Siera is Migize indoodem (eagle clan).
Siera is the founder of the Three Sisters Indigenous crafts market; the founding vision is to Indigenize urban spaces with authentic Indigenous representation of resilience and community.
Inaabiwin Wiigwaas is deeply connected to culture and creativity. What inspired you to start this journey, and how does your identity and community influence the way you create and run your business?
Indigenous people have been trades people since per contact we had passageways, trade systems working with other nations and tribes so to me running a business has been in my blood since the very start.
I believe that making something handmade is much more precious as a gift than something bought from the store. So being able to be creative and carry traditions on is something I’m deeply passionate about and have a great honour to be able to continue to do.
Sharing cultural work requires care and respect. How do you share your creations with a wider audience while protecting traditions and knowledge that are important to your community?
I like to teach about cultural appreciation versus appropriation. There are certain things that I will not teach, and I will not share as that is something that is sacred, and only meant to be shared within ceremony..
But what I’m able to share, I share in a respectful manner and in an open manner because I am a strong believer that in order for somebody to respect your culture they have to understand your culture. So I never turned somebody away who is open to learning.
Many Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs face challenges with access to markets, funding, and visibility. What challenges have you experienced, and what kind of support would help Indigenous creatives grow and succeed?
As you know, I have been running a successful Indigenous market within Toronto for the last three years, and we operate fully without funding, grants or sponsorship. It was a challenge at the beginning, but we have learned to work with organizations and companies to be able to put on these markets and as of now we are the only indigenous run market within Toronto that is consistent. Meaning we operate more than once a year we sometimes hold up to eight markets in one year.
I think from my personal experience, Indigenous creatives would grow and succeed if we had proper mentorship and proper access to things such as capital funds and to business incubator spaces.
Your work reflects a strong connection to land, materials, and story. Can you share a moment when something you created had a meaningful impact on someone, and what that experience meant to you?
Everything I’ve created has a story and has a history to it because I try to incorporate natural materials into all of my beadwork and creations. I believe that handmade items are a luxury item, but I also believe that our people should have access to it without having to decide on spending that money on groceries or being able to look beautiful at the powwow or round dance or an event that they’re going to. Quite recently I actually had a friend say that I make affordable, beautiful work for our people and honestly that touched my heart because that’s at the very core of everything I do.
For young Indigenous people who want to start a business rooted in their culture, what advice or encouragement would you give them as they begin their journey?
My advice to somebody looking to start a business rooted in culture is take a look at what fills your cup. What makes you happy and what serves our people at the same time.
As human beings we have basic needs, and if we can meet those basic needs and fulfill those basic needs for somebody then I believe that right there should be at the core of your business. Look for your mentors and look for people to support you in your journey. We’re not in competition with each other, but we’re working together to create a better future for our people.
Disclaimer:
Indigenous-SME Business Magazine is committed to providing insightful interviews that highlight the successes and challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses. The views expressed in this interview are those of the guest and may not reflect the opinions of the magazine or its affiliates.
