Tiffany Vanderhoop

Tiffany Vanderhoop is the creator of Huckleberrywoman designs. Her maternal ancestors are Haida from Masset, Haida Gwaii, from the Gaaw Gitaans Git’nee eagle clan. Her paternal ancestors are Aquinnah Wampanoag from the island of Noepe, now known as Martha’s Vineyard, MA.

On her maternal side, she comes from a family of weavers, an unbroken lineage that goes back from time immemorial. She started her career in art learning Raven’s Tail and Naaxiin weaving, two forms of traditional northwest coast textile weaving techniques. These textile arts are rich with geometric patterns and beautiful Northwest coast formline art. This art is so complex and has so much history and power, it deserves to be held in high esteem and to be known and celebrated. After a number of years weaving, she wanted to incorporate her Aquinnah Wampanoag culture into her art so she started beading. She also wanted to create a product that was wearable for everyone. When she began incorporating weaving patterns into her beadwork, it created a balance between her east coast and west coast cultures. In this way she shares the brilliance of her ancestors. She carries these ancient designs forth in a contemporary way that can be worn by all. Her earrings can be just pretty and fashionable but they also have a deeper meaning and history that is beautiful to learn about, they are a wearable tribute to the survival of the textile art forms and the resilience and vitality of Indigenous Peoples.