The MVA Tribe Council
Shannon and Kevyn incorporate viking age culture in their lives every day, so much so that they named their 4 children after Norse Gods and Goddesses. Shannon sought out a viking age combat group with SCA 12 years ago and snowballed into becoming the Jarl of MVA, she is on a mission of learning and spreading the teachings of the old ways and stories of their ancestors. Writing three books for children, telling stories on Youtube and interacting with as many people as possible. Creating viking age inspired jewelry, tablet weaving, embroidery, and crafts of all kinds this woman’s drive is endless. Despite Kevyn being all about sharing laughter his knowledge of the Saga’s and Norse culture is unparalleled.
Amazon & Youtube: Happy Little Heathens
Shannon’s right hand and “lawspeaker” of MVA. There is nothing this woman can’t do. Building tents, tables, looms, garb, and a tablet weaving Goddess. A Runic language pursuer, and Shamanistic seeker conversations with Kristen are knowledgeable and fun. Seeing ideas and projects come to life is a mission she does not take lightly. She has been a member of MVA for 3 years and the growth is mostly thanks to her. If the world had half as much passion and compassion as her, it would be a wonderful place to live.
The founder of Michigan Viking Alliance. Eric has been a living history participant for 30 years; his wisdom guides the group to a worldly view of viking age culture and facts. His Airborne Ranger, Sergeant first class experience keeps all the Heathens in line Luana keeps Eric in line. By profession he shares his knowledge as a teacher for Saginaw area schools, by passion he shares his knowledge as a Thyle to fellow Heathens. You’ll find Luana dancing and singing with Hoogin, and by Eric’s side at all our events.
Honoring his ancestors by raising his daughter Nora with the values and family that MVA has adopted. Not only historical knowledge seeking but spiritual seeking within the Norse stories, histories and discoveries. His craft and artistry to his silversmithing is meticulous. Adventurer, artisan and educator true to the viking spirit. There’s no store, Ben’s fine silver replica pieces can only be found at live MVA events.
A couple that does Viking age living history together stays together. A pair of best friends that share a passion for culture and history. They both have researched and developed skills and crafts that have carried over from 1000 years ago. Quickly showing their value and importance to MVA.
Hailing from Battle Creek, these two have dedicated much of their time to participating and being a part of our community for a number of years. John is one of the tribe photographers and Jeny enjoys cooking for the group at events. She is also a practitioner of herbs, healing, and spirituality. Jeny has embraced and incorporated her Native American heritage into John’s Scandinavian heritage to offer a broad understanding of ancient cultures. Full time parents of three teens, a college student, and a house full of dog’s they still manage to make time for the MVA.
A passion for renaissance faire life and the history of their ancestors brought David and Julie into our group. Julie has a gift for cooking and herbs and quickly dove into the Viking age culinary arts, and boy can she cook! David and his warm personality and high energy make educational conversations super fun. A teacher and a craftsman are always handy to have in a living history group.
Best friend to Shannon Carrie was pulled into the lifestyle (not just a hobby) by Shannon. Carrie has extensive knowledge of all kinds of things and is a builder by trade. Garret is Shannon’s brother-in-law and a Heathen for many years. It was fate that they found each other and came to MVA. Garret runs a “Silk Road” merchant booth within the camp. He also participates in combat training. Fated by the Gods and tempted by Loki these two are always up to something at MVA events.
After legitimately going a-viking to Iceland on a cruise, finding their Viking tribe was just a matter of time. They found the MVA and have gone above and beyond to find their place to benefit our little community, even having built this website. Thanks Steve. Alison fits right in with the hearth crafts and socializing with patrons on an educator’s level. We are Vikingrs with an IT team.
Thomas found his home and voice within the living history community of MVA. With a military background and knowledge of Viking age weaponry Thomas is our combat captain. Possibly even prospecting for the world renown Joms Vikings. Looking forward to seeing what kind of army he shapes us Heathens into.
Our youngest and newest member of the tribe was recruited by Garrett. Nik is co-captain of the fighters; he also has been out Viking learning and training with professional Joms Vikings. Crafting and combat, he is eager to build his place in the MVA. With support from his girlfriend Calli (who is soon to join) he is willing to put in the work to be a historical demonstrator.
A naturalist, herbalist, and history lover Jade found her home very quickly within the group. Sandra and Jade have teamed up to produce a line of health care products only available at MVA events. Organic items that would have been used in ancient Scandinavia and many places the Vikings traveled to. Healing balms, tinctures, and teas, thing’s that most likely would’ve been used during the Viking age.
A farmer and textile expert her whole life, all that was missing was cultural history. Susan has been researching everything she has lived from the perspective of our historical mission, and realized how technical and advanced the Viking age really was. From raising the sheep to weaving fabric her knowledge is extensive and ready to share.
A veteran from S.C.A and very well versed in Viking age studies, when a call was made by Jarl Shannon for a tablet weaving teacher, Jayme came in to a live event and gave us hearth ladies a what for on weaving. She instantly felt the tribal community atmosphere and emersion was something she needed to be a part of. Also being a teacher for 30 years, sharing her knowledge comes naturally. She also has a knack for desserts that would bring any Viking home from sailing.
A renaissance faire participant since she came here from Germany, a few years passed before Shannon convinced her to join MVA. Now that she’s here, full steam diving into the healing and medicine side of the Viking age, she’s growing like a weed, but the healthy kind. Not only medicine but cooking as well. You can sample some of her bread at events. Sandra is a tattoo artist by trade and building her portfolio of “stick and poke” method. A controversial topic within the historical realm of weather or not Vikings had tattoos, FACT is, we as “modern Vikings” love tattoos and show our appreciation and interests of Nordic art via tattoos. Maybe not historically accurate but a great conversation waiting to be had.
Images are property of the individual contributors and have given permission to the Michigan Viking Alliance to use them. No other parties may use or reproduce images for any reason without express written permission.
Hoogin is a white collar/brown raven rescued by the washing wench “Daphne longstockings” in 2019. MVA is “Viking daycare” during the Michigan Renaissance Festival in Holly MI, because Ravens are constant interaction and constant care (Hoogin is constant trouble) he comes to be with his Viking family during the weekends. His personality says he’s secretly best friends with Loki instead of Odin. This spoiled feather baby participates in “The birds of prey” show where he gets to show off for the public.
Facebook: Hoogin Odin’s raven
Another school teacher that takes teaching to a higher level. His pride in his family and students carries over into everything he does. A leader and motivator to take on projects to push MVA farther and bigger, Scott shows that being a “modern viking” can do big things for the reenactment community. Scott runs the Patreon for MVA providing information, stories, recipes and a rewards program for subscribers. All of the funds raised from Patreon help pay for all our educational materials to provide an immersive experience at our events.
An offspring of Loki, Timmy bring’s the laughter and fun into the tribe. A long-standing member of the living history community, his knowledge of history and great stories is a key to MVA being a whole group. If you hear a loud horn blowing, a jaw harp jamming, or an infectious laugh Timmy is sure to be nearby.