For this week’s Native Narratives feature, we’re talking to Inuvialuk model, influencer, and aspiring social worker, Willow Allen (she/her). Those who follow Willow know she lives in the Arctic and documents her experience for nearly 700k followers on TikTok. Apart from sharing her culture online and helping her community through social work initiatives, Willow’s also on her way to becoming a new mom. We spoke to her about wearing multiple hats, advocating for her community, and representing her culture in the modeling industry.

You got discovered as a model through social media. Can you tell us a bit about that?
When I was living south of my home community attending school, a modeling agency found my Instagram profile and reached out to me. It piqued my interest, so I filled out an application online, and that week I signed with my current agency Mode Models. They have since signed me in six different cities and three different countries around the world.

What work are you doing outside of modeling and content creation?
I’m currently a full-time student at the University of Manitoba to get my degree in social work, but I spent last year working for the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation as the regional youth coordinator in my community of Inuvik. I’ve spent every summer for the past six years working in various social work roles such as child and family services, probation services with the department of justice, and as a community wellness worker for mental health and addictions.

While you grew up in Inuvik, you’ve also lived in Singapore and New York. What was the biggest culture shock you experienced when leaving your hometown?
The biggest culture shock leaving the North would probably be everything. These places are so different from home, and nobody knew about life in the Arctic. New York and Singapore were so big, and they were a lot busier than what I’m used to since they both have a lot of people. Life in the Arctic is a lot more peaceful, simple, and the people are all very connected.

You’ve been very vocal about how important it is to represent your community. What’s one thing about your culture that you’d like everyone to know about?
I find that many people who don’t know us have stereotypes about Indigenous people and there can be a lot of racism, but my community and family are the most gentle, loving, and peaceful people I know. I look up to them as leaders, parents, and honest hardworking people.

Is there a career moment that you’re the most proud of so far?
There have been many moments that I have been very proud of, but one of my favorites has been the cover of ELLE magazine for an Inuit Canada Goose campaign. It’s my favorite because of how pivotal it was for me in my career. I had only been modeling for three years, and this was the first job I felt that I was hired for as an Indigenous person. It was the first time I publicly got to share my story, culture, and background for a job. It also made me realize I wanted to do more of this and that was how I decided to become an influencer.

You eloped last year and now you’re on your way to becoming a mom—congrats! What are you most excited about for motherhood?
The most exciting thing about motherhood is building a family with my husband Cale. I grew up with a big family and they make up so much of who I am, so I hope to have a big family of my own as well one day. I’m also excited to pass down the knowledge that was passed down to me about our culture and traditions.

Is there anything else you’d like to share? Any exciting projects in the works?
I’m currently the most excited for our little one to arrive in January and focus on being a mom and spending quality time with my family. I’m excited to continue documenting my journey, culture, and how I’m incorporating my culture into raising our child!