Boozhoo! (Hello) My name is Sophie Manitowabi, I am Anishinaabe (Potawatomi/Odawa), enrolled in the Hannahville Indian Community in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and a direct descendant of the Wiikwemikoong First Nations Indian Reserve in Ontario, Canada. I am an Indigenous Artist specializing in the ancient, pre-contact Indigenous art form, Porcupine Quillwork. 

 

My journey within the Indigenous Arts & Crafts community began at an early age. I grew up attending and  dancing at pow wow's and other cultural events around the Great Lakes region since I could walk. This has motivated me to learn how to sew and practice different beading techniques, such as peyote stitch, flat-stitch, and lazy stitch throughout the years to make my own pow wow regalia. 

 

I then learned the delicate wrap technique of Porcupine Quillwork from another Indigenous artist, sparking my passion for this particular rare indigenous art form. I started creating contemporary styles of porcupine quillwork earrings as simple gifts for family and friends because of how rare and expensive quillwork can be, to eventually getting custom order inquiries.

 

My work and passion as an Indigenous Artist specializing in quillwork has opened doors for many amazing opportunities to travel and represent Anishinaabe people across the United States, France, & Germany to sell this rare indigenous craft and share our history. 

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