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Tammy Owens – Awastí`
Kissimmee, FL - Juneau, AK
I was born and raised in Juneau, Alaska. I currently reside in Orlando/Kissimmee, FL. I am a member of the Southeast Alaska Tlingit Tribe. Historically my family originates from Angoon, AK. I follow my mother’s lineage, which means I am Eagle/Killer Whale Clan, from the Killer Whale tooth house. One of my Tlingit names is Awastí`, there is no direct translation for this name, only referencing that it belonged to one of the two old women that my clan sent underneath the glacier to find a way back to the coast for our people, after the great flood.
My father is renowned, Tlingit silversmith and jeweler Gene W. Chilton. He taught me how to design, then later how to carve silver, gold, and copper, solder, and set stones. Growing up with artistic parents, and family, art was always a part of my life. I started by sewing traditional woolen button blankets, regalia, and bead work, and grew from there.
Now that I live so far away from home, art has become even more important. It has become a way for me to stay connected to my culture. As well as allowing me to teach my children our traditional art, and keep them connected to their home.
Kissimmee, FL - Juneau, AK
I was born and raised in Juneau, Alaska. I currently reside in Orlando/Kissimmee, FL. I am a member of the Southeast Alaska Tlingit Tribe. Historically my family originates from Angoon, AK. I follow my mother’s lineage, which means I am Eagle/Killer Whale Clan, from the Killer Whale tooth house. One of my Tlingit names is Awastí`, there is no direct translation for this name, only referencing that it belonged to one of the two old women that my clan sent underneath the glacier to find a way back to the coast for our people, after the great flood.
My father is renowned, Tlingit silversmith and jeweler Gene W. Chilton. He taught me how to design, then later how to carve silver, gold, and copper, solder, and set stones. Growing up with artistic parents, and family, art was always a part of my life. I started by sewing traditional woolen button blankets, regalia, and bead work, and grew from there.
Now that I live so far away from home, art has become even more important. It has become a way for me to stay connected to my culture. As well as allowing me to teach my children our traditional art, and keep them connected to their home.
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