Kateri Masten (Yurok)

Aiy-yu-kwee'. Kateri Masten is a member of the Yurok Tribe. She is a traditional basket weaver and began weaving at the age of six when she picked up her first lesson on weaving under her mentor/great aunt, Josephine Peters. It wasn't until the age of 18 that she became more dedicated to mastering this beautiful, unique, and challenging gift. She weaves rattles, baby baskets, burden baskets, and creative pieces. She is also dedicating to passing on the tradition of basket weaving by teaching weaving workshops. Most recently she led the women's weaving circle for the Trinidad Racnheria and soon she will be leading the Native Women's Collective weaving retreat! She has also assisted in demonstrations/ tutorials with the local youth through summer camps.

"It is my honor and privilege that this practice of tradition has given me the necessary skills to be able to pass onto others. Basketry is a gift given to us by spirituals, and the knowledge was meant to be shared to continue our traditions. Weaving takes me to a place so indescribable, and nothing pleases me more then to be able to pass on this part of our culture to all generations." - Kateri Masten