Tara's interest in Native technologies and crafts grew out of her work as an archaeologist and Ph.D. student at UConn. Eventually, Tara's interests broadened beyond the study of New England prehistory, stone tools and pottery to include involvement with living Native American communities and individuals. Currently, while continuing her archaeological field research, Tara is a Board of Director for NativeWeb, Inc., a 501-c3 non-profit organization providing resources for Indigenous peoples around the globe. Tara also does graphic design and Internet publishing, including development of a website for the Nipmuc Indian Association of Connecticut, N.I.A.C., Inc. a non-profit membership organization based in Thompson, CT).

Tara has also lead educational workshops for the CT State Museum of Natural History, National Audubon Center, N.I.A.C. as well as other local Native organizations and educational groups. Tara authors the educational web site Native American Technology and Art, which emphasizes the Eastern Woodlands and includes hundreds of pages of researched history & technical instruction for Native American craftwork.

The other past co-founder of the company is an unenrolled Native American with Ojibwe and Western Cherokee heritage. Brad was born in Indiana and spent time in Michigan with other Ojibwe Natives. Working as a counselor and mentor with Indian and Native Youth Retreats in Michigan, and as staff at the Woodland Indian History and Cultural Conference, Brad was a co-founder of Supporters of North American Indian Rights (S.N.A.I.R.). He powwow danced across North America in the U.S. and Canada as both a Fancy and Traditional Dancer and Singer. During his decade in Connecticut he sat with Pine Needle Singers, a local drum, continued Powwow dancing, and started the business, Waaban Aki Crafting, with Tara. In 2006, Brad returned to the midwest and is no longer active with the company.

Nearly all the items shown here on the website are custom made at the time you order. Please plan ahead and allow two to six weeks to complete most orders.

Waaban Aki Crafting is the sole manufacturer of our affordable simulated wampum beads. Our individually hand-made acrylic beads actually look like Native-made wampum beads of the 1600's. We started making the beads ourselves after many frustrating attempts to reproduce woven wampum belts for local Natives using the other types of imitation glass or shell wampum beads available today. We also make wampum belts, bands, bracelets, bandoliers & bias weave collars in traditional and custom designs. Patience and quality are part of every hand-crafted piece.

Various local plant and animal products are used in our craftwork, all legally obtainable and saleable in the state of Connecticut. However, when purchasing from Waaban Aki Crafting, it is your responsibility to check on and comply with the legislation in your area.