Tribe: Native Village of Eyak
Chugach Alaska Corporation Shareholder
1: What inspired you to get into your craft?
Raven: I grew up going to the cultural camps around the region, and attending any and all classes held in my community. Keeping your hands busy is a thing in my family.. some knitted, some sewed, some played cards, others cooked or mended. We are always doing something. I just learned to find my craft, my thing that I enjoy, that was skin sewing. What inspired me to start my business was I took an Alaska Native arts class in high school and I was busting out pieces and was gifting them to friends and family. Everyone told me I was good enough to sell my items, that's what got me started!
2: What advice do you have for new Native entrepreneurs?
Raven: We as Indigenous artists, crafters, creators, entrepreneurs are always being inspired by the land, our resources, our heritage, our culture, our family and friends, and our ancestors. Remember to thank the ones who have inspired you, helped, guided, supported, and cheered for you along the way.
3: How do you bring tradition into your craft?
Raven: The land, water, and the subsistence activities I participate in have always inspired me; it connects me to my ancestors. I aspire to revitalize and preserve my Native way of life. It's not just about the skin sewing and the products I make. It's the process that goes with it. My husband and I hunt and trap all our furs, we process the skins and send them to get tanned. We then clean and stretch the furs and then the sewing process begins. There is a lot that goes into it and that's where you see the traditions and knowledge shared.
4: What is the future of Native art or entrepreneurship?
Raven: I see more artists blossoming into the craft and entrepreneurship. It's beautiful to see our work flooding the market. Looking at our future, I hope that entrepreneurs remember that the craftsmanship, authenticity, quality and value is the osy important thing and also remembering where we and the craft came from, what it was for. I hope I see more artists participate in teaching classes, sharing the craft, craft with friends. It's what brings us together, it makes our ancestors proud.
5: What last film, song, or art you experienced that moved you?
Raven: Going to AFN, not anyone specific but seeing all the new creators, it was so beautiful seeing everyone together again. Everyone's beautiful work, left me in awe!
6: What is your favorite traditional food?
Raven: Either boiled herring eggs or smoked hooligan
7: What is something people wouldn't expect about Alaska?
Raven: The Chugach. They don't expect seeing mountains shoot up from the ocean, glaciers in the head of the bays, the wildlife. It's one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Check back every week as we feature a different native artist or entrepreneur from or with ties to the Chugach region of Alaska. Quyana for reading!
