Strong

When thinking about her cultural values, ‘strong’ was the first word that came to artist Kate k̓yʔk̓ablu Neayuq Ahvakana. In her design, the artist depicts proud people in canoes wearing cedar regalia. They glide through waves of clear saltwater alongside orca, guided by Lushootseed language. Past and present Suquamish pullers know the power of paddling in unison. We are strongest together.

About Kate k̓yʔk̓ablu Neayuq Ahvakana

Kate k̓yʔk̓ablu Neayuq Ahvakana is suq̓ʷabš, a Suquamish Tribal Member and artist. Kate grew up in an artistic home with prominent Native artist parents on the Port Madison Reservation where she still resides. Pulling inspiration from both her suq̓ʷabš and Iñupiaq heritage, Kate creates traditionally grounded meaningful designs for her tribe and community, contributing art to various Suquamish tribal entities. Kate attended University Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and holds a bachelor’s degree in art. Kate currently works for the Suquamish Tribe as the Director of the Culture Department. Kate enjoys working for and with her Suquamish Tribe to promote Suquamish culture and art.