Pow wow season is something many people look forward to, from the talented dancers to delicious food choices, there is always plenty to see and do.
With the Coronavirus Pandemic continuing on with uncertainty, most pow wows that were set to take place this summer across Indian Country have been cancelled.
The annual Gathering of Nations, the U.S.’s largest pow wow that garners tens of thousands of visitors and participants, is among many that had to cancel their events.
On a local level, Akwesasne’s very own International Pow Wow is cancelled as well.
The pandemic has taken a toll on indigenous artists that rely on art markets and pow wows to sell their work, and small business owners have been hit hard, with many having to close store fronts in response to quarantine guidelines.
In an effort to adapt to these sudden changes, they’re making the pivot to online shops.
Here is a list of Indigenous artists from Akwesasne who are creating crafts ranging from jewelry, beadwork, paintings, to wood-burning. Support small businesses and discover new artists!
Beadwork by Waves – Waverli Thompson
Waverli is from Akwesasne and began beading in the 10th grade. She picked up beading in her Mohawk Class and was later encouraged by her mother, who also beads, to keep going.
“My inspiration for when I bead actually comes from my mom. I love beading in the sewing room and looking at the colors of her materials, I feel that’s when all the color combos hit and ideas start to spark. My boyfriend helps with a lot of the ideas also when it comes to laying out ideas and colors he’s there when I need his honest opinion on things”
Waverli doesn’t currently have an online shop but sells her beadwork through Instagram and Facebook, so be sure to click that notification button for any updates on new products because they go quick!
Alchemist.29 – Jessica Sargent
“Science but make it fashion!” Jessica Sargent, from Akwesasne, creates electroformed copper jewelry. She describes her work as organic and geometric, and says choosing stones is hard since customers sometimes request specific stones as they believe they have different metaphysical properties.
“Sometimes people will ask me if I have anything for anxiety (amethyst or sodalite) or strength (carnelian or citrine) then I’ll build a design around the stone.”
Jessica’s process of creating her jewelry is unique and involves a lot of science! From anodes and electrical currents to hand polishing them herself. She attaches chains and findings at the end of the process.
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Two House Design-Crafters
Two House Designs is a Mohawk Owned, Akwesasne Business Excellence Award winning team of talented artists located in Akwesasne. Ian Clute manages and also handles the designs of projects and is the primary graphic artist, his twin brother Lelan Clute is an expert in woodworking crafting drums, horn rattles, and fans while Tania Jacobs specializes in beading. Her skill sets also include looming replica wampum belts and bands for Kastowas. They also do Graphic Design and have been designing logos for local businesses and non-profits.
Recently, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne commissioned Two House to create 200 garden boxes out of the 300 that MCA gave out, which they made at their own saw mill. Rowisaketskwas Montour has a construction background and facilitated the larger project that Two House Design-Crafters took on. This was in response to the pandemic, as it was a push toward food sovereignty so that the community of Akwesasne could learn to grow and sustain their own food source.
They have a wide range of products and services and are ready to take on large orders.
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Website
tsitsiman@yahoo.com
If you’re an artist looking to be added to our list, shoot an email to brittany@akwesasnetv.com to be featured!
Dukon Harris
Dukon Harris is a Comanche and Sac and Fox originally from southern Oklahoma but now located in Akwesasne. His mediums range from aerosol, woodburning, woodcarving, and paint. He attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Sante Fe, New Mexico.
“That’s where I met my wife. I came here to Akwesasne and at that time I was just doing charcoal drawings. We were having our first baby and we needed extra money, so I would thought I’d try and sell my artwork to a local gift shop. The shop I went to was run by a lady who wasn’t very friendly, she turned me away saying “people don’t buy charcoal drawings! Go buy some canvas and paint and come back and show me what you got.” So I did. I didn’t really paint because I was so used to drawing with pencil and charcoal. It was overwhelming trying to blend colors and having the patience to sit down for hours creating a painting. But I forced myself to out of necessity because we needed extra money for our family. So I did a painting, brought it back to the gift shop and she liked it and bought it off me. Then I knew I could make money from my artwork.”
Harris’s carvings, paintings, and more are heavily embedded in his rich culture. A lot of his imagery feature animals such as bears, which he says are used to portray strength.
“My Sauk name is “wahpemuk”, which means light grey bear. I belong to the bear clan of the Sac and Fox people of Oklahoma, and a direct descendant of Chief Issac GreyEyes who led the Sac and Fox people to Oklahoma.” Dukon writes in the caption of one of his wood-burned creations. His Facebook page is constantly updated with any projects he has currently and it’s where he makes most his sales.
Wahia Art and Design – Victoria Ransom
Victoria Ransom is another Akwesasronon and graduate of Bachelors of Fine Arts, with a Minor in Aboriginal Studies Cum Laude at the University of Ottawa. Her illustrations feature bold and very clean linework, achieved with simply a pen and paper. Look closer and you’ll see small intricate details, most of which is inspired by beadwork, pottery designs, and wampum belts. Before the pandemic, Victoria could be found at art markets, local craft fairs and pow wows. She says it’s a great way to network with other artists. Despite the virus and it’s cancellations, Victoria has some plans in mind.
“I found that online markets through Facebook have been really successful and beneficial for artisans in the community. I would like to help organize another community wide online vendor market sometime this pow wow season.”
Follow Victoria and keep an eye out for when she releases prints.
Arihhonni David
Arihhonni David, or Honni, is a storyteller and illustrator. Most of his work on his Instagram feed is digital illustration, with some native traditional themes throughout mixed with nerd culture. He is very active on the Star Wars hashtag with fanart and occasionally adds an Indigenous flair to his works.
Honni’s illustration is heavily inspired by storytellers, sci-fi fantasy and action movies such as Alien, Lord of the Rings, and of course Star Wars.
David had a table at the Akwesasne International Pow Wow last year and although he says he is an introvert, he switches to an extrovert when sharing stories about Mohawk legends like the Flying Head or Stone Giants. However this year, it looks like he will have a lot of time to create more artwork thanks to the Coronavirus.
“I was sad to see this year’s Powwow cancelled but knew it was for the best with the current situation we’re in. Nobody expected COVID to reach the rez but it’s important we isolated ourselves when we did for the sake of our families and especially our elders. I hope this all can clear up soon and we can get back together next year, for now like many artists in our community I’m isolated at home drawing, glancing at the prints that I’ll sell next year.”
Follow Honni David on Instagram. Make sure to check out his IG stories as he posts any prints he’s going to be selling on there!
Tumblyn.Arts – Tommie Sunday Oakes
Here is the youngest on our list! Tommie Sunday Oakes is 9-years-old and already putting in work on the daily by sculpting, painting, drawing and exploring different forms of abstract art. She loves sports but spends a lot of time attending art classes at BeeCreative Art studios in Akwesasne and participating in the Little Artist Program in Cornwall, Ontario.
Tommy’s work is vibrant and full of trippy liquefying texture with bold color palettes. She prides herself on every piece being completely unique and never the same thing twice.
“I like paint pouring right now because I like to see what it makes. It always comes out different, no painting I do is the same.”
Not only is this young budding artist talented, she is also charitable. The painting pictured above is one that was raffled off, which helped raise funds for a local community member who lost their house in a fire.
During quarantine, Tommie says she has found the time off to really work on her skills. Her mother, Kierstyn Sunday fully encourages Tommie’s creative expression and helps manage her pages.
“But when school let out because of the pandemic she started getting overwhelmed with the school work and would shut down on me time to time. We all struggle mentally but with mental health issues in our family. Art has calmed her mind. Helps ease her. Also she came across a Tik-Tok artist and was inspired by his work. That’s when she started paint pouring.“
Message Tommie’s Instagram page if you would like to purchase one of her pieces!
Chill Baskets – Carrie Hill
Carrie Hill is one of Akwesasne’s top basketmakers. Taught by her aunt, the art of basketry has been passed down from generation to generation in her family but Carrie has learned to create her own unique pieces, not only by making baskets but vases, earrings, and as of recently, face masks. Hill is also asked to teach workshops from near and far. She loves sharing her knowledge of weaving black ash splint and sweetgrass.
But, with the new reality of the effects from the Coronavirus, Carrie had to make adjustments.
“It definitely moved most of my sales to online. Even my classes are shifting online. It’s unfortunate in some aspects because I miss seeing people at the art markets, especially people who frequent the markets I attend.”
Carrie can be found on Instagram and Facebook, where she does most of her sales. She is currently accepting custom orders with half the payment down.
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Laura Thompson – Chick-a-bead
Chick-a-bead is located in Saint Regis, Akwesasne. It’s a bead supply and gift shop owned by Laura Thompson, who is also a beader herself. The shop has a large variety of beads and material suited for any of your beading or ribbon dress projects. She is the mother of Waverli Thompson, who is also featured on this list. Many of the outfits that Laura designed have been used for ceremonies, award shows, pow wows, and other precious events so her work is held in high regard.
These are tough times for everyone, especially artists and small businesses so please check out the artists mentioned in this article. Many rely on their craft as their main income and to support their families. Buy native, buy local.
If you are an indigenous artist or have a native owned small business, e-mail brittany@akwesasnetv.com to be featured in future artist lists and spotlights!
Love this! Well done, Brittany!
Niawen, Jade
Beautifully written and very inspiring.