Lani Strong Hotch (Chilkat-Tlingit)
“The name Taproot indicates an intense grounding in the earth. My tribal elders use a phrase in the Tlingit language: “Aan yatku saani,” which was often used in addressing a crowd. The phrase means “Honorable people of the earth.” I think that is why Taproot resonates with me so much, because it connotes that strong connection to the earth.”
Lani Strong Hotch
All Weavers Intertwined Shawl. Photo by Lani Hotch
Generationss Robe - Photo by Lani Hotch
Berners Bay Robe. Photo by Lani Hotch
Photo by Jones Hotch Jr.
Photo by Jones Hotch Jr.
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Five generations of Chilkat weavers
Lani Hotch was born in Klukwan, Alaska and has lived there most of her adult life. She comes from a line of Chilkat weavers that currently spans five generations. She is committed to keeping the weaving tradition alive in Klukwan and has worked hard to teach others through group projects and apprenticeships. She is currently working with four apprentices on a two year project that should be completed by June 2026.
Lani helped to weave three group projects in Klukwan and has done many solo projects including seven robes and one dance tunic. Her work is in several museums including the Alaska State Museum (Juneau AK), Sheldon Museum (Haines AK), and the Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center (Klukwan AK). Lani’s weavings have also been in several international art exhibits— two in Vancouver BC- the Manawa Pacific Heartbeat exhibit 2005 at the Spirit Wrestler Gallery, the Time Warp exhibit 2010-2011 at the Bill Reid Gallery, and the Spirit Wraps Around You—Chilkat and Ravenstail Weaving Exhibit at the (Juneau) Alaska State Museum 2021. Awards/Recognition include: Community Spirit Award from the First Peoples Fund in 2011, the Alaska Governor’s Award for the Arts in Business Leadership in 2017, Native Arts and Culture Foundation Mentor Artist Apprentice Fellowship in 2017, United States Artist Fellowship in 2020. In 2017, A SHIFT Grant Awardee with the Native Arts and Culture Foundation in 2023 and the Chilkat Indian Village, her tribe, proclaimed Lani as a Culture Bearer for her tribe.
What does the Taproot Fellowship mean to you and how will it affect your practice?
It is an honor to be counted among the fellows chosen for the Taproot Artist Fellowship. The name Taproot indicates an intense grounding in the earth. My tribal elders use a phrase in the Tlingit language: “Aan yatku saani,” which was often used in addressing a crowd. The phrase means “Honorable people of the earth.” I think that is why Taproot resonates with me so much, because it connotes that strong connection to the earth. I also appreciate the purpose behind the Taproot Fellowship, to support traditional artists who are culture bearers and agents of social change. Art, I believe, has the power to affect change and communicate at a depth that words, whether written or spoken
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Raymond Wong
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Omar Santiago Fuentes
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Manuel A Delgado
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Lani Strong Hotch (Chilkat-Tlingit)
Chilkat/Ravenstail Weaver & Textile Artist
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Kewulay Kamara
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Karen Ann Hoffman (Oneida Nation of Wisconsin)
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Inna Kovtun
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Dena Jennings
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Billy Branch
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Brett Ratliff
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Bruce Bradley
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Alejandro López
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Wayne Henderson
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Willard John
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Veronica Castillo
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Theresa Secord
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Stan Rodriguez
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Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto
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Pedro Adorno Irizarry
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King Khazm
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Juan Longoria, Jr.
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