Where the Trail Returns
Yurok - Hupa - Karuk - Redwood Creek - Pit River - Yuki - Wintun - Pomo - Chetco
Aiy-ye-kwee (hello), nek 'new (my name is) Shayna McCullough. I was born and raised in the vibrant community of Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation, California, and now call McKinleyville, California my home. As a proud enrolled member of the Yurok Tribe and a descendant of the Hupa, Karuk, Redwood Creek, Pit River, Yuki, Wintun, Pomo, and Chetco tribes, my culture serves as a wellspring of strength and inspiration for me.
With a blend of materials including sterling silver, wood, abalone, dentalium, sinew, sea beads, and shells, my fiancé and I collaborate on these unique pieces, our living room transforms into a creative haven, where we gather around a small table, chatting about our days and eagerly brainstorming our next jewelry ventures. Our creations draw inspiration from my tribe's cherished designs, including the Friendship, Sturgeon Back, Butterfly, Frog, Flint, and Bigfoot motifs.
My journey in jewelry-making began with my mother, who, in turn, learned the art from both her maternal and paternal grandmothers, both proud Native women. Creativity runs deep in my family, with my great-grandmothers being traditional basket weavers, and on my father's side, his Hupa mother specialized in crafting ceremonial regalia. I stand as part of a long line of creators, and in each piece of jewelry I create, I reflect upon my family and the places from which I originate.
Creating jewelry isn't just a craft for me; it's a way of staying connected to my culture and sharing this journey with my fiancé. My aspiration is to spread the beauty of Yurok culture to the world by showcasing our art on platforms like Etsy.
In every piece we craft, we infuse love and positive thoughts. My hope is that those who wear our jewelry can feel the love we pour into each creation, experiencing a sense of connection and affection. Wok-hlew' (thank you).
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About the Indigenous Artisans Collective
Etsy and Nest are proud to support the Indigenous Artisans Collective within the Etsy Uplift Makers Program, featuring shops from Indigenous makers affiliated with 10 Indigenous groups across the United States and the First Nations of Canada.
Many of the makers practice craft skills that have been inspired by or passed down from family and community mentors. Product collections include meticulously handcrafted home goods, jewelry and other accessories, in honor of the maker’s culture and heritage. Amongst many Indigenous communities, traditional handcraft continues to hold significant cultural value, as well as economic opportunity.
Through the Uplift Makers: Indigenous Artisans Collective, Etsy and Nest are helping to create digital market access and economic opportunities for Indigenous makers while also providing artisans with resources and tools to help run a successful online business. From expert-led digital marketing training, onboarding support, and a custom resource library, the program delivers a comprehensive suite of programming to participants. Additionally, the program addresses key barriers new business owners face such as providing professional photography to capture the creative content needed to showcase their talent and reach new customers in today’s digital era.