Arctic Ground Squirrel Skin Sewing Workshop with Merna Wharton (Nasektaq)

With generous support from The CIRI Foundation, The Nave and Cook Inlet Housing Authority (CIHA) offered three Alaska Native cultural workshops and one performance event in Fall of 2025, collectively entitled “Preservation and Celebration of Alaska Native Arts and Culture through Community Workshops and Events at The Nave.” This program series brought new opportunities to facilitate connection among Indigenous participants while sharing traditional knowledge.

October 28-30, 2025, Merna Wharton (Nasektaq) facilitated a wonderful Arctic Ground Squirrel Skin Sewing Workshop. Participation was free and all supplies were provided for ten students. We thoroughly enjoyed this class, and look forward to implementing student feedback for future workshop sessions.

Chin'an, thank you to The CIRI Foundation for their generous support of this program, in furtherance of The Nave's mission to support, celebrate, and strengthen community by connecting people and ideas.

What would you like to learn at The Nave? Drop a line and let us know!

Photos by Jovell Rennie.