Liandra Skenandore

Based in Wisconsin, Liandra Skenandore is a traditional black ash basket weaving artist and teacher. Her career as a basket weaver began in 2020 through the Mentor Artist Fellowship Program from the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation where she apprenticed under renowned black ash weaver April Stone (Bad River Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe). When Liandra completed her apprenticeship in 2021, she continued practicing black ash basket weaving and started teaching the traditional art form in her Oneida community. She has since taught black ash basketry in various communities across Wisconsin and at Little Earth in Minneapolis. Knowing her basketry career began as a result of grant funding and programming, Liandra has a personal experience of understanding how impactful grant opportunities are for individuals and communities. In her new role as Development Coordinator at the Native American Community Development Institute, Liandra is excited to help bring about more meaningful impacts for Native communities, strengthen and build relations, and further advance NACDI’s mission of centering Native arts and cultures in building lasting, positive change. Her commitment to uplifting Native culture and serving Native communities is demonstrated through her continued basketry work and advocacy.

Liandra earned her B.A. in English from Northland College. She currently serves as a member of the Native Initiatives Advisory Group at the Milwaukee Art Museum.

When she’s not writing, weaving, or teaching, Liandra enjoys spending time with her family and friends, learning new craft and art skills, reading, traveling, and exploring the outdoors.