Vickie Schenandoah belongs to the Oneida Nation Wolf Clan, and comes from a very culturally oriented family devoted in preserving the Onyota'a:ka (People of the Standing Stone) heritage and traditions. She is the daughter of Maisie Schenandoah, Oneida Nation Wolf Clan Mother, and the late Clifford Schenandoah, former Chief of the Onondaga Nation. Ms. Schenandoah learned her beading and handcrafting skills from her mother and her late grandmother Gertrude Schenandoah as a small child. She has grown in her talent throughout the years and has developed her own distinctive style. These signature pieces have become collectables. Many people anticipate her next artwork to add their private collections.

Ms. Schenandoah is skilled at creating traditional, raised Iroquois beadwork and various hand crafted jewelry. Her unique talent at combining quahog shells with semi-precious stones into contemporary jewelry with a traditional flair has brought her rave reviews and many awards. Ms. Shenandoah's applique beadwork reflects the stories and legends of the Oneida people.

Some of Ms. Schenandoah's work has been featured or is currently on display at: Bersani Gallery in Syracuse, New York, South West Trading Post in Skippack, Pennsylvania, Dream Catcher in Skippack, Pennsylvania, Iroquois Artists in Columbus, Ohio, Iroquois Indian Museum in Howes Cave, New York, and the Museum of Indian Culture in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Artist Statement

Through my beadwork I use the quahog shell which wampum is made from because the purple part of the shell represents the truth and the white represents what is pure. This quahog shell is sacred to my people. I like to combine the shell with purple or complementary colors of crystal and sterling silver or antique glass beads. I often used the turtle symbol in my designs because it represents the earth/turtle island as in our Creation story. The turtle is special as it was the first place that Skywoman rested and gave birth to her twins. To me, the turtle symbol honors the earth and the feminine side of life. I also use leather and many other natural stones/metals as they are the gifts of Mother Earth.

Awards:

Otsiningo Pow Wow 2001: 1st Place: Beaded wampum and quahog shell earrings

Otsiningo Pow Wow 1998, 2002, 2003: 2nd Place: Beadwork category: Various types of beaded quahog pendants

Paumantauke Pow Wow, 1998: 2nd Place: Beaded shell pendant

Paumantauke Pow Wow, 2007: 3rd Place Arts Competition: Traditional raised beaded "floral" neckpouch

Schmitzun 2007: 3rd place "Regalia Category": A traditional Iroquois raised beaded strawberry leather pouch

Mohican Wigwam Pow Wow 2001: 2nd place: Wampum and cut glass beaded earrings.

Ridgefield Native American Arts Festival, 2007: 3rd Place "3-D": A traditional Iroquois raised beaded strawberry leather pouch