The art of skin sewing has long been a treasured skillset in Western Alaska, especially in Central and Siberian Yupik communities, like Gambell and Savoonga. Gambell seamstress keeps knowledge of ...

Not only is skin sewing a dying art, the Inupiaq language is too. When the missionaries first came to Point Hope in the mid-1900s, the teachers only allowed English to be spoken.

For Utqiaġvik traditional skin seamstress Flora Patkotak, sewing skin boats is a passion that brought her and her husband together. About 11 years ago, Patkotak’s boyfriend at the time invited ...

Skin sewing, or hide sewing, and bead work are vital art forms in Southeast Alaska’s Lingít culture. Pavlik, who is from Yakutat, is blending those art forms with contemporary style.

"He was testing me through sewing skin boats. We've been married for 11 1/2 years." Patkotak said she was happy to share her passion with Wainwright residents, some of whom are her family members.