Made by Medicine Bear Arts
Jadeon Rathgeber, known as Medicine Bear (Maskihkiy Muskwa), is a First Nations artist, storyteller, and grassroots advocate born and raised in a large northern Manitoba First Nations community. A proud descendant of Wâpusk-Okimâw (the White Bear Chief) and Legendary Birch Bark Biting Artist Halfmoon Woman.
Jadeon is a band member of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. Jadeon’s journey has been one of profound transformation — from surviving a life marked by gangs and addiction to reclaiming his cultural roots through art, ceremony, and advocacy. His work uplifts authentic Indigenous traditions, reflects a matriarchal worldview, and calls attention to the urgent environmental and social justice issues facing Turtle Island.
Turtle Teachings
In Cree tradition, the turtle carries deep spiritual meaning and represents truth, one of the Seven Grandfather Teachings. Its shell, marked with 13 large plates symbolizing the 13 moons of the year, reflects our relationship to time, the land, and the sacred cycles of nature. The turtle teaches us to move through life with patience, humility, and quiet strength — always grounded, always present.
This piece, titled Turtle Teachings, was created to honour those life lessons. The original was carefully hand-carved in silver using traditional engraving methods that emphasize texture and form. It was then digitally scanned to allow for precise reproduction and refinement. The final piece was produced through the lost wax casting process, preserving every carved detail in sterling silver. Our chains are made of high quality sterling silver.
Turtle Teachings is a wearable reflection of ancestral knowledge — a reminder to walk with intention, speak with honesty, and live in rhythm with the earth.