Moccasin Spotlight: The Art and Soul of White Bear Moccasins by Shauna White Bear
An Indigenous Artisan's Ethos in a Modern World
In the realm of artisan-made footwear, there's something undeniably powerful about a pair of White Bear Moccasins. Shauna White Bear’s creations are more than just footwear; they're a story, a piece of heritage, and a tactile connection where cultural tapestry is woven into each pair of moccasins. In this article, we delve into the world of Shauna White Bear, a notable artisan hailing from the Arikara & Hidatsa tribe, whose native lands ranged across the Missouri River basin extending from present day North Dakota through western Montana and Wyoming.
The Artisan Behind the Craft
Shauna White Bear embarked on her moccasin-making journey in February, 2018, in Bozeman, Montana, inspired by a profound desire to be closer to the earth and her ancestral roots. Her first creation, fashioned from Buffalo Hide with antler buttons and lined with a repurposed thrift store top, was the beginning of a legacy of indigenous craftsmanship and environmental consciousness.
White Bear started her moccasin making career crafted in the cobbling corners of Carter's Boots & Repair Shop in Bozeman. Since then, she has gone full force into female entrepreneurship, having forged a unique moccasin making identity in White Bear Moccasins. Her moccasins are a testament to traditional living—a harmonious blend of history, culture, and modernity. Made with carefully selected, eco-friendly materials like Whiskey Buffalo hide, and adorned with antler buttons and toggles, each moccasin resonates with the mindful ethics of the maker. As White Bear explains on her Instagram,
I am not interested in laying claim to cultures that I did not grow up in, regardless of the fact that we share blood. I see that as being incredibly disrespectful to those who have been raised within their tribes - indeed to do so would be the definition of appropriation. I only seek to dive deeper into the rabbit hole of what speaks to my spirit, where certain voices that speak inside of me come from and listen to parts of me that are trying to speak. I am already confident in who I am. Learning more about my ancestors and my living relatives whom I have not known for most of my life is most likely going to be a messy, painful, joyful process. I have my medicine with me and my spirit to guide me.
Shauna’s moccasins are a reflection of her tribal heritage and her respect for the majestic American Bison. Calling attention to the importance of using materials conscientiously, she celebrates the animals that provide the leather, ensuring that none of their beauty and resilience go to waste.
Female Entrepreneurship and Woman Owned
Shauna White Bear, or White Bear as she's affectionately known, is a self-taught moccasin artisan with a visceral connection to her craft. From Buffalo Tobacco Hide to Black Cherry Bison, her choice of materials is as deliberate as it is inspired. In her own words, the Black Cherry Bison hide gets her lost staring at the grainy texture—a translated marvel from nature to the art of moccasin making.
Having honed her skills in the male-dominated environment of Carter’s Boots & Repair Shop, where she first started moccasin making, White Bear has since developed into a female owned business. Now as a full-time business owner, White Bear runs her own studio, employing local college students to help with production and moccasin making. As White Bear explains,
Moccasins making maybe didn’t come naturally to me at first. I struggle with the instructions. I basically, tossed them aside and figured it myself. That’s how I learned. To pass on, my knowledge to others is really rewarding. I enjoy spending time with these young women and listening to their stories. Most of the time it’s hard for some to capture my attention. But I find their stories captivating, because I share similar experiences.
White Bear leads her team, collectively crafting moccasins that speak of inclusivity, uniqueness, and the beauty of customization. She takes pride in providing a nurturing training ground for indigenous college students, who learn the trade and leave their own unique imprint on the art form.
The Moccasin Making Process
Shauna's path from handcrafting moccasins to launching her own brand is paved with trials, triumphs, and an unwavering dedication to integrity and authenticity. She insists on maintaining the integrity of her creations, steadfast upon handcrafted artistry and top-tier materials.
A labor-intensive process that blends passion and precision, making a pair of White Bear Moccasins is a commitment to perfection.
A lot of work goes into a pair. Starting from getting pattern together, cutting leather, punching holes, glueing wool, stitching wool, stitching moc, and setting eyelets/rivets. It depends on the size, but it takes about 2 hrs to stitch a pair of Mocs. I do not punch holes, but use a diamond shaped awl, so it makes smaller holes. Which means, it takes a little more hand strength & patience to stitch. My time is precious these days.
White Bear Moccasins stand out with distinctive features. Revivall Clothing, fabric scraps, vintage wool blankets, and eco-friendly Vibram soles come together under her skilled hands. Intricate accent stitching, lamb's wool-lined heels, copper rivets, and rolled cuffs are just a few of the design elements that make each pair exceptional.
From the pattern making to the stitching, and from setting eyelets to rivets, Shauna White Bear dedicates roughly 4-8 hours to each pair, depending on the complexity and customization required. This intense process underscores White Bear's respect for time-honored techniques, eco-friendly materials, and, most importantly, her devotion to the craft. They are not only comfortable – they are symbolic, each bearing the individuality of the maker and the mark of bygone traditions.
The Path Forward
Shauna White Bear has transformed a deeply personal venture into a flourishing business that anchors itself in indigenous methods, sustainability, and artistry. As she continues to create and expand her moccasin repertoire, White Bear is also considering how best to share her work—understandably protective of her distinct style yet yearning to inspire others. On becoming a fully operational business, White Bear explained,
Once I decide[d] to officially become a full-time business, White Bear Moccasins morphed into something meaningful with a magnitude of possibilities. It butterflied into so much more. My purpose is to bring people together, teach, and educate. I hope to continue to educate myself & my loving community, while evolving as an artist, maker, and woman.
White Bear Moccasins invites you to experience the unrivaled quality, cultural depth, and timeless aesthetic of artisan-made footwear. Each step in these moccasins is a journey through history, an embrace of tradition, and a stride towards a conscious and sustainable future.
Conclusion: The Footprints of White Bear Moccasins
White Bear Moccasins serves not just as footwear but as custodians of cultural heritage, where every step taken in these artful creations echoes the wisdom of generations past. As Shauna White Bear says, hand-made is not fast-made—it's a reverent process that crafts not just a product, but a legacy.
Her narrative intertwines personal anecdotes, cultural history, and the intricate process of moccasin-making into a spellbinding tapestry. Captivating stories surround her craft—from selecting the perfect hide to the moment her hands weave the final knot.
Indulge in your own pair of White Bear Moccasins and wear a piece of indigenous artistry steeped in sustainability, heritage, and authenticity. From the plains of Montana to the streets of the fashion-forward, walk in a legacy that transcends trends—a step closer to Earth, a stride towards heritage.
Interested in owning your own pair of White Bear Moccasins? Visit the website, and follow on Instagram.