Manitoba Aboriginal Artsit Archive

Tammy is a Mohawk, originally from Kahnawake, Quebec. Since the age of thirteen, Tammy has been designing Aboriginal clothing. Her work has been greatly influenced by her families connection to the Longhouse, where traditional ways of life, customs and culture have never been broken.

A fourth generation professional designer, Tammy's sense of style comes naturally to her, thus enabling her to incorporate the unique beauty of the symbols that represent the Iroquois people's way of life.

Tammy's goal is to raise awareness of the rich and beautiful culture of her people through her designs.

Image Loading... Satin Scarf

This satin scarf carries the Hiawatha belt motif. The historic belt was created by two great leaders of the Iroquois Confederacy, the Peacemaker and Hiawatha. The belt symbolizes the unification of 5 nations, living under one law,"The Great Law of Peace". The heart of the great tree of peace (in the center) represents the Onondoga Nation. Each of the squares represents the nations, Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, and Seneca. The two lines that draw out from each side of the squares symbolize the path of peace; by which other nations, are accepted to come and live under " The Great Law of Peace".

In addition, each scarf is decorated with either a turtle, bear or wolf, which is the three main clans within the Mohawk Nation. The Iroquois people are a matriarchal society, therefore, the clans are passed down from the mother, to her children.

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