I am Christy Ruby, an Alaskan Native Tlingit Eagle from the Keet Gooshi Hit House, Killer Whale Dorsal Fin. My work takes me back to my ancestral roots. The sea otter fur has a familiar sensation that meant life or death to my people and its value has not changed for thousands of years. Using skills taught to us from the past will insure we will never go hungry and we can always clothe ourselves. But we didn’t just hunt; we strove for individual expression in the creation of beautiful clan art. It’s with this sentimental pallet that I create modern looks with glimpses from the past. My creations are inspired from skills passed down to me by my grandfather: a very talented man from Klukwan who carved totem poles and toured the world as a Chilkat dancer. I strive to be as proud of my work as I am of my heritage.