Maka Monture (Yakutat Tlingit Tribe), 29, was raised in the small village of Yakutat, AK where her family has lived for over 1,000 years. As a child she spent much of her time in museums and their archives as her mother and her grandparents worked to identify artifacts. She was first inspired by the craftsmanship of Northwest Coast Artifacts; the beadwork, weaving and the Formline style of art. Monture sees wearable art as a way to increase Native visibility, and visually show the history and traditions of her culture. Currently, she is working on developing her brand, Moonture, that seeks to create art in the intersection of cultural intention and coherent emotion.

Monture’s Dream is to promote Native visibility and propel visual Native history though wearable art (jewelry) inspired by Lingit and Māori heritage, that explores traditional and family stories, feminine and masculine energies, and pressing issues like MMIW.  This project will explore a new way to merge traditional art practices like formline and silver carving, with contemporary fashion and design. She hopes to build an at-home studio where she can continue to create and explore new designs.