Mariah Stapleton is a Native Alaskan Sugpiaq/Alutiiq artist from Kodiak, Alaska, carrying forward the artistry and traditions of her ancestors through beaded jewelry, skin sewing, weaving, regalia making, and a variety of other art and textile mediums. She is the eighth generation in Kodiak and the first language speaker and cultural bearer in at least four generations within her family.
Drawing from her rich heritage—with her father’s side rooted in Alaska Native traditions and her mother’s side reflecting Cherokee and Blackfoot Native American influences—Mariah embraces a holistic approach to Indigenous art. Her work goes beyond creation: she actively participates in hunting, harvesting, and preparing traditional foods and materials, ensuring that every piece of art remains deeply connected to the land and the cultural practices that sustain it.
Her craft page, Weaving Traditions, is more than a name; it represents a mission. Mariah is committed to weaving cultural knowledge and practices back into her family and community, reviving traditions that had once been central to her heritage. Her Native name, Liisngaq—meaning “One who Likes to Learn”—speaks to her lifelong dedication to continuous learning and innovation in her craft.
Mariah now operates her own art studio, where she not only creates and sells her jewelry and other handmade items but also teaches workshops that share her knowledge with others.