Vivien Hailstone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vivien Hailstone
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Detail of Vivien Hailstone from photograph of Buck and Vivian Hailstone at 4th of July Parade (1955)
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| Born |
Vivien Geneva Risling
Humboldt County, California
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| Died | July 8, 2000 (aged 86) |
| Nationality | Yurok;Karok |
| Occupation | basketweaver; jewelry designer |
Vivien Risling Hailstone (October 16, 1913 – July 8, 2000) was an important Yurok and Karok artist and leader. She was a skilled basket weaver and jewelry maker. Vivien also worked hard to keep Native American traditions alive. She taught people how to weave baskets using old patterns and methods. She also helped change rules in California about Native American history and land.
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Vivien's Early Life
Vivien Geneva Risling was born on October 16, 1913, in Humboldt County, California. Her mother, Geneva Orcutt, was Yurok and Karok. Her father, David Risling, was Karok and Hupa.
Vivien learned many old stories, songs, and basket-making skills from her great-grandmother, Jane Young. Vivien's brother, David Risling, Jr., later helped start D–Q University. When Vivien was 10, she went to a special school for Native American children. This school was in the Hoopa Valley. In 1940, Vivien married Albert Hailstone, who was Wintu. They had a son named Albert Jr.
Her Work and Advocacy
Vivien Hailstone worked hard to keep traditional basket weaving alive. She taught these skills in her community and at local colleges.
Promoting Basketry and Art
In the 1940s, Vivien helped start a group that used Native American basket designs on pottery. In the 1950s, she led the College of the Redwood Extension Board. She also taught basket weaving classes at D–Q University. In 1959, Vivien opened her own shop called I-Ye-Quee Trading Post & Gift Shop. This shop helped people become interested in Native American basketry again.
Vivien was also very good at making and designing jewelry.
Fighting for Native American Rights
Besides her art, Vivien was a strong voice for education and Native American issues. She helped start a group in Redding, California, called the California Indian Education Association.
In the 1970s, Vivien became the first Native American person to join the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Commission. This was a big step! She pushed for new rules to return Native American remains to their tribes. She also worked to give Native American names back to parks.
Legacy and Impact
Vivien Hailstone passed away in 2000. In 2003, a group called the California Indian Basketweavers Association made a video about her life. The video showed her amazing basket weaving skills.
Vivien collected many baskets throughout her life. Her son, Albert, also collected pieces. Their collection was given to the Clarke Historical Museum in Eureka, California. This collection helps people learn about Native American art and history.
