Agency

While the bear paw quill box's primary function is that of an educational tool, it also stands as a testament to the agency of Indigenous women. As an important cultural craft, the art of quill working has been passed down for centuries, even in the face of colonial persecution. This box, along with all other existing quill work, stands then as a reminder of Indigenous women’s fight against denials of traditional and resources (Green 231). The box represents a physical manifestation of cultural inheritance, as well as Indigenous women’s role in maintain and fighting for that inheritance against centuries of systemic cultural theft and destruction. Cherokee artist Kay Walkingstick observes how artists often produce art which has been inevitably shaped by the lives and circumstances of the artist (15). This includes many Indigenous artists whose work inevitably responds in some way to the tastes of the dominant culture. However, work like the bear paw quill box, illustrates Indigenous women’s agency to create, and teach traditional crafts, utilizing subjects of relevance to Indigenous culture. In spite of the repeated efforts by colonial powers to suppress Indigenous culture, including language, arts, resources, and more, the bear paw quill box is physical evidence of the power of Indigenous women to preserve and practice their traditional culture.