working together
Doyon partnered with Eighth Generation to create custom blankets with inspiration and knowledge from two talented Interior artists: Lacey Sam, of Huslia, and Emma Hildebrand, of Northway.
K’EYEEDZE Blanket by lacey sam
The “K’eyeedze” (biggest bull moose in the Koyukon Athabascan dialect) blanket was debuted at the 2021 annual meeting. Sam’s inspiration stems from the tradition of beading within her family and community, as well as the beauty of Alaska’s wilderness, plants, and animals. Sam’s artwork often portrays Alaskan plants, flowers, animals; as well as the colorful sunsets seen in the Alaska sky.
TRADITIONS BLANKET BY EMMA HILDEBRAND
The “Traditions” blanket highlights Hildebrand’s use of nature, quill work, and earthy tones. Hildebrand takes significant pride in doing her part to perpetuate traditional crafts.
HOW TO purchase
a blanket
There are a limited number of “K’eyeedze” and “Traditions” blankets available to purchase. Blankets are $225 each. Shipping is available.
For more information or to purchase a “K’eyeedze” or “Traditions” blanket, contact Cheyenna Kuplack at 907-459-2097 or kuplackc@doyon.com.
“I am grateful for each opportunity my creations have given me, I hope to pass this tradition onto my children as it was passed to me.”
lacey sam, huslia
Lacey Sam was selected as the 2021 featured artist.
Koyukon Athabascan artist, Lacey Dionne Sam, was born and raised in Huslia, Alaska. Her Athbascan name is “K’its’ahultoona,” which translates to Black Capped Chickadee. Sam is one of ten children.
Sam credits her mother and sisters who have mentored and inspired her from a young age. She recalls her love for drawing, and has used it throughout her life. Sam began beading at age 20, when her first daughter was born. “ There’s a lot of beauty in our wild Alaska, it’s the perfect muse for any artist. When the first concept popped into my head I felt that drawing it onto paper wasn’t enough, so I used it as a pattern to bead on. Most of my designs are Alaskan animals enjoying the sunset in it’s natural born freedom. I see the image clearly in my head so I try my best to add in each detail no matter how small,” said Sam, “Hearing kind words about my work from people all over our region is amazing. I am grateful for each opportunity my creations have given me, I hope to pass this tradition onto my children as it was passed to me.”
Emma Hildebrand, Northway
Emma Hildebrand was selected as the 2022 featured artist.
Koyukon Athabascan artist, Emma “Glazier” Hildebrand, was born and raised in Northway, Alaska. Hildebrand was taught to bead and sew by her mother, older siblings, and other Native artists. She passes her traditional knowledge of skin sewing, beadwork, caribou hair tufting, and porcupine quill techniques on to others through classes and demonstrations. Hildebrand is a master artist in the Interior and was honored in 2011 as an Alaska’s Living Cultural Treasure by the Alaska State Council on the Arts. She takes significant pride in this recognition and in doing her part to perpetuate traditional crafts.
Hildebrand’s art includes traditional materials provided by the land and animals.
Hildebrand is a master artist in the Interior and was honored in 2011 as an Alaska’s Living Cultural Treasure by the Alaska State Council on the Arts.
eighth generatioN
Eighth Generation is a Native-owned and operated company based in Seattle, Washington. It was founded in 2008 when Louie Gong (Nooksack) started customizing shoes in his living room. Now the first Native-owned company to produce wool blankets – with a flagship retail store in Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market – Eighth Generation is a proud participant in the global economy. Through the Inspired Natives Project, Eighth Generation creates opportunities for cultural artists who, like Louie a short 8 years ago, struggle to meet demand for their handmade cultural art.