My name is Nicole Kruger, and I’m a Deg Hit’an Athabascan artist from Alaska. My art is a reflection of who I am, where I come from, and the life I’ve lived. Growing up with a subsistence lifestyle taught me to appreciate the gifts the land and water provide, and those gifts inspire the work I create today.
I enjoy creating one-of-a-kind beadwork and fish skin art using traditional and natural materials. I tan fish skins by hand and incorporate them into my work alongside beadwork and other materials that honor both creativity and tradition. I don’t believe in making the same piece twice—every creation has its own story.
As the oldest of seven siblings, a mother of three, and an aunty to many, family has always been at the center of my life. I also love teaching others, especially youth, because I believe our traditional skills and knowledge become stronger when they’re shared.
My hope is that my artwork reflects the beauty of Alaska, the strength of my Athabascan heritage, and the deep connection between culture, family, and the land. Through every piece I create, I’m honoring where I come from while helping carry our traditions forward for future generations.