Eleanor Ferris Chickaway (Conehatta Choctaw), Conehatta, Mississippi
Eleanor Chickaway comes from a long line of basket makers and grew up immersed in the craft. Her mother, master weaver Janie Shumake, taught her the complicated double weave technique. Eleanor makes a variety of basket types including egg and vegetable baskets, hampers, and decorative miniatures small enough to wear as earrings. In 1993, Eleanor was recognized with the Mississippi Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts.

John Darden (Chitimacha), Charenton, Louisiana
Currently a museum interpreter and assistant curator at the Chitimacha Museum, John remains one of the last four local Chitimacha split-cane basket weavers. Learning the secrets of the trade from his grandmother, the renowned Lydia Darden, John has worked with other tribal members and the National Resource Conservation Service to restore the river cane plant in order to ensure reliable supplies for the future.

Scarlette Darden (Chitimacha), Clarenton, Louisiana
As a young woman, Scarlette Darden learned only one design and the basics of split river cane basketry from her grandmother, Ernestine Walls. After her grandmother's death, Scarlette taught herself other designs and the techniques of dyeing. Today, she specializes in single weave baskets, the most popular being trays, bowl- and heart-shaped baskets. An award-winning exhibitor, Scarlette passes on her basketry knowledge to her children and grandchildren.

Louise Wallace (Choctaw), Bogue Homa, Mississippi
Louise Wallace comes from a distinguished basket making family in Conehatta. She has been active in perpetuating her cultural traditions and sharing her knowledge and skills in basketry. Louise has participated in the Mississippi Arts Commission's folk arts apprenticeship programs and the Pine Hills Community Scholars Program, begun in 1996.