About ᎢᏯ ᏗᎯ
About Candessa Tehee
Cherokee textile arts have a long, rich tradition. Twining, oblique fingerweaving, warpface fingerweaving, and loom weaving have all been employed by Cherokee artists to create belts, bags, garters, blankets, scarves, jackets and all manner of material works.
Recognized as a Cherokee National Treasure in 2019, Candessa Tehee has been a textile artist since 2000. Explore the Cherokee Weaving site to view Candessa's artistic work, read about Cherokee textiles, and learn about how Cherokee culture, language, and tradition inspire Candessa's weaving.
Candessa Tehee
Instagram: @candessa
Cherokee Nation District 2 Tribal Councilor
August 2021 - 2025
Elected official representing District 2 - Tahlequah North on Cherokee Nation Tribal Council
Sworn in on August 14, 2021
For inquiries regarding Tribal Council, contact Candessa at candessa-tehee@cherokee.org or 918-457-0831. Leave a voicemail message or text requesting a call as I do not return missed calls due to the number of telemarketing and spam calls.
Assistant Professor of American Indian Studies, Northeastern State University
August 2016 - Present
Coordinator of Cherokee Language Education and Cherokee Cultural Studies Programs
Teaches in person and online courses
Selection of courses taught: CHER 1113 Elementary Cherokee I, CHER 2113 Elementary Cherokee II, CHER 2123 Conversational Cherokee, AIS/POLS 4263 Politics and the American Indian, CHER 3813 Current Issues in Language Revitalization
Serves on American Indian Heritage Committee and Advisory Board for Center for Women's Studies
For inquiries related to NSU, email Candessa at teheec@nsuok.edu or call 918-44-3683.
Cherokee National Treasure
Awarded September 2019
Recognized for skill and mastery in oblique and warpface fingerweaving
Second fingerweaver recognized since inception of award in 1988. First was Mattie Drum in 1990.
No commissions are being accepted. For other art related inquiries, email Candessa at cltehee@gmail.com