The Bear Walks With You
The meaning behind the claw.
Years ago, while serving in the United States Marine Corps, I was stationed in Springfield, Massachusetts, working in a federal building. During that time, I had the privilege of developing friendships with members of several Native American communities.
I attended powwows and traditional dances, listened to elders share their stories and traditions, and developed a deep respect for their culture. I even had the opportunity to display an extraordinary collection of Native American artifacts on loan from a museum so that others could experience and appreciate their history.
One encounter from those years has stayed with me ever since. A respected Native American elder and retired chief was coming to meet with me at the federal building. When he arrived, security stopped him because he was wearing two eagle feathers in his ponytail. After confirming his authorization, I told security to let him through.
Knowing I was meeting an elder and a chief, I put on my Marine Corps dress blues and waited for him outside the elevator. When the doors opened, he stepped out, looked me up and down, and almost immediately said:
I never forgot that moment. The bear claw came to represent something deeply personal to me — strength, courage, protection, resilience, honor, and integrity. It became a reminder to stand strong through adversity, protect what matters, and leave an honorable mark on the path behind you.
The first tattoo I ever chose was a bear claw. Decades later, that same symbol became the foundation for Bear Claw Custom Hats.
Every hat I create is shaped by hand, but I want it to represent something more than craftsmanship. I want it to carry individuality, character, and a little of the same spirit the bear claw has represented throughout my life.