Hill Country Hill Tribers are local artisans with a global perspective. The original HCHT artisans are Karen hill tribers who fled persecution in Burma and lived for years in refugee camps in Northern Thailand. They finally landed in Austin, Texas after the US granted them political asylum. HCHT began as a way to sell their handmade bags. We are currently working to expand our products to help refugees from a variety of countries earn supplemental income. The money that you use when you purchase an HCHT product goes to a refugee artisan right here in Austin.
Responsible
The goal of HCHT is to partner with the refugee community rather than to speak for them. As the refugee community has changed, so have the resources we offer, but our commitment to providing opportunities that reflect their needs and interests remains firm. We are staffed entirely by volunteers; Westover Hills Church of Christ and other groups help buy the supplies for our artisans and provide us space to meet in. This ensures that as much money as possible makes it into the hands of the artisans. Any non-woven bags are made with green supplies when possible. Our goal is to be responsible not just to our artisans but also to the environment and our local community.
Beautiful
HCHT products are all made by hand. That’s why when you buy one of our bags, you receive a tag with the name of the artisan who created it. Not only are the bags beautiful to the eye, they’re also beautiful because they enable women who have fled their home countries in stress and persecution to stay in touch with a core part of their culture. This is primarily true for the Karen hill tribe weavers. The word “Karen” means “weaver”— weaving is a critical part of their hill tribe culture and one that is passed on from mother to daughter. By weaving in their homes, these women are remembering the communities from which they came even as they’re creating a new sense of community in this country. HCHT products are also beautiful because they allow all of the artisans to earn money at a rate that fits their needs while caring for their children and learning to fit into a new culture. These handmade products are as unique and beautiful as the artisans who make them.
