Orca Carving
Measures 19” tall x 9” wide
By Neil Baker, Squamish
Intricately carved with a striking formline design, this orca carving makes a splash!
A self-taught carver and artist, Neil Baker learned a great deal about his culture by listening to the wisdom of his elders and has applied that knowledge to the carvings he creates.
Baker’s detailed carvings reflect his deep connection to his heritage and the natural world.
Thank you to Oscar Arana and Eduardo Puelma
Cedar, paint
Miniature Hanging Canteen
Measures 3” tall x 3” wide
By Arthur and Hilda Coriz, Santo Domingo Pueblo
Arthur and Hilda Coriz made their pottery using the traditional methods of Santo Domingo potters, using only natural clays and the Rocky Mountain bee plant to make the black pigment.
This miniature canteen showcases the skill that this artist couple poured into their work. Precise brushwork, clever design, and a unique size – and it all could be yours!
Thank you to NAYA Community Member
San Ildefonso Lidded Pot
Measures 5.5” tall x 4.75” wide
By Alice Martinez, San Ildefonso Pueblo
From the family of the famous Maria Martinez, Alice works in the polished black style pottery of her family.
This unique lidded pot shows off the artist’s skill in creating smooth rounded forms by hand-coiling clay. The glossy black surface is a beautiful example of this iconic pottery style.
Thank you to Eddie Sherman & Nichole J. Maher
Storyteller Family
Measures 5” tall x 6” wide
By Antoinette Concha, Jemez Pueblo
Antoinette Concha is a third-generation potter who specializes in Nacimientos, Koshares, and Storytellers.
This delightful storyteller family is elegantly painted with precise linework accenting the matching outfits. The expressions of the children as they listen to the story are charming!
Thank you to Myra Donnelley
Beaded Flower Earrings
Measures 2.75” tall x 1.75” wide
By Ameyalli Mañon-Ferguson, Mazahua/Nahua/Osage
Beads, crystals, leather
Spring is the perfect time for vibrant, joyful jewelry! These gorgeous floral earrings, studded with crystals and edged with silvered beads, are sure to brighten your day and your spirits!
Mañon-Ferguson’s beading skill is evident in the delicate color shifts and precise forms that make these earrings a knock-out choice for your next event!
Thank you to Ann Takamoto
Sandia Pueblo Jewelry
Necklace measures 19” long
Earrings measure 2” tall x 1” wide
Spiny oyster, turquoise
Luxuriate in natural color with the rich pink and peach tones of spiny oyster in this chunky threestrand necklace! Disks of turquoise are the perfect accent, and the matching inlay earrings show off the beauty of this natural material.
This gorgeous necklace and earring set was made by a Sandia Tribal member and brought all the way from New Mexico to celebrate NAYA.
Thank you to Eddie Sherman & Nichole J. Maher
Bird Fetish Necklace
Necklace measures 35” long
Earrings measure 2.5” tall x 1” wide
By Lula Begay, Navajo
What a unique find! More than forty delicate bird fetishes float on strands of perfectly tiny green and blue turquoise beads for a true statement piece. Each bird is distinct - carved from a variety of shining shells to create an iridescent fluttering flock!
This fetish necklace is accompanied by beautiful inlay earrings with a stunning assortment of precious stones and gems, each precisely cut and assembled into wearable art.
Thank you to Eddie Sherman and Nichole J. Maher
Horse Fetish Necklace
Necklace measures 26” long with a 1.5” pendant
Earrings measure 1.5” long x 0.75” wide
Calling all horse lovers! This lovely necklace is adorned with sixteen finely crafted horse fetish carvings, and two more on the matching earrings. The large carved pendant skillfully captures an elegantly detailed horse figure, complete with textured mane and tail.
Finely matched pieces of natural turquoise glow against the soft colors of the shell heishi beads, making this a truly stunning set!
Thank you to Ann Takamoto
Mirror Medallion Set
Necklace measures 28” long with a 3” pendant
Earrings measure 2.5” tall x 1.75” wide
This Navajo beaded medallion set is a glittering masterpiece! The artist incorporated mirrors to keep away negativity and attract love and light, encasing them in glossy tri-color beadwork.
Are you ready to shine?
Thank you to Eddie Sherman and Nichole J. Maher
Earring Tree
We’re bringing back a long-standing NAYA auction tradition – the earring tree! A bounty of beads, shells, and stones wait to be added to your collection, with a new pair for each month of the year.
The biggest decision is what you’ll wear next –classic turquoise, shimmering abalone, or colorful beadwork? The choice is yours. Give them as gifts or keep them all to yourself!
TREE DISPLAY NOT INCLUDED
Thank you to Ann Takamoto, Jan Berger, Stephanie Feeney, and NAYA Community Member
Abalone and Scrimshaw Dentalium Jewelry Set
Necklace measures 24” long with 2.5” pendant
Earrings measure 2” tall x 1” wide
By Greg Masten, Karuk and Yurok
This one-of-a-kind set features a scrimshaw dentalium shell, carved with a design of thunderclouds and lightning bolts. More exquisite dentalium shells are threaded on glittering Charlotte cut beads and accented with crystals.
The addition of vintage abalone from Southeast Alaska makes for a look that is truly sublime!
Thank you to Eddie Sherman and Nichole J. Maher
Beaded Horsehair
Necklace
Measures 26” long with 16” pendant
By Jarrette Werk, Aaniiih/Nakoda, and Nika Bartoo Smith,
Osage/Oneida
These two amazing artists came together to create something very special for the Many Nations Academy Celebration! Seed beads in glowing springtime colors create a striped cord, finished with striking horsehair tassels.
Adorned with vintage beads donated from the late and beloved Elder Ramona Soto Rank from the Klamath Tribes, this one-of-a-kind necklace is not to be missed!
Thank you to Eddie Sherman & Nichole J. Maher
Basketweave Necklace
Measures 23-28” long (adjustable), with a 5” pendant
Artist unknown
Woven in three shades of seagrass, this basketweave medallion makes a statement!
A luxurious beaded fringe adds even more drama to this exceptional necklace.
A remarkable piece filled with rich warm tones; this necklace is the perfect companion to any look!
Thank you to Lynn Ward
Spiny Oyster Cuff Set
Cuff measures 1” wide, and 5.75” around plus a 1” opening
Earrings measure 1” tall x 0.5” wide
Cuff is by Rickell and Glendora Booqa, Zuni
Spiny oyster shell is used in the jewelry traditions of many Southwest tribes. Harvested from the waters of Baja California, this beautiful shell would travel inland via trade with coastal tribes. It comes in a variety of colors, including deep purples, rich reds, and vibrant oranges.
The cobblestone inlay technique used in this stunning cuff is the perfect way to show off the natural striations and colors of this traditional material. Paired with the coordinating earrings, this set will beautifully complement your turquoise jewelry, adding a burst of color to your ensemble!
Thank you to Eddie Sherman & Nichole J. Maher
Dentalium Necklace
Measures 31” long with a 3” pendant
By Chenoa Landry, Ojibwe/Puyallup
Materials/Edition
This beautiful necklace was made by an amazing local artist and friend of NAYA. Dentalium, sea-blue beads, and delicate cowrie shells combine for a true statement look.
“I love working with dentalium because it calls for patience and organization. Dentalium is a shell that has been used across Turtle Island since time immemorial for regalia, jewelry, adornment, and other forms of trade. I love to make things with it because it honors our ancestors and looks beautiful!” – Chenoa Landry.
Thank you to Chenobie Designs
Navajo Doll
Measures 8” tall
Artist unknown
Add to your collection with this beautiful Navajo cloth doll carrying her baby in a cradleboard.
Clothed in rich, jewel toned velvet, she is beautifully made with great detail, right down to real beaded jewelry made from tiny seed beads.
The delicately painted faces evoke the special connection between mother and child, making this a perfect keepsake for any mother in your life!
Thank you to NAYA Community Member
Salmon Cycle
Measures 4.75” tall x 11” wide
By Anthony Joseph, Coast Salish
Etched glass
Anthony Joseph’s art reflects the beauty of his surroundings through a wide variety of media. More than twenty years of experience bring a powerful artistry to his work, integrating the strong motifs and artistic traditions of Coast Salish art.
Salmon have long been the symbol and lifeblood of Pacific Northwest Tribes. This stylish etched glass design honors one of the traditional First Foods of our region.
Thank you to Quintana Galleries
Kokopelli Rides the Storm
Measures 11.5” tall x 10” wide
By RIDGE
Hard-shelled gourds have a long history as cooking vessels, storage containers, bowls, and more. This decorative vessel harkens back to that tradition, while also being a gorgeous piece of art.
Etched and painted into the gourd surface is an energetic thunderstorm design, with Kokopelli surfing on the undulating wind that swoops across the piece, culminating in storm clouds filled with lightning.
Thank you to Eddie Sherman & Nichole J. Maher
Inuit Bird Sculpture
Measures 7” tall x 4” wide
Signed SB
The sleek, streamlined form of a seabird is cunningly captured in this Inuit carving. Its elegant simplicity of design allows the natural texture of the stone to shine.
Perched on a rough carved stone base, this graceful bird looks ready to take flight!
Thank you to Dana Siegfried
Fetish Trio
Picasso marble bear by Melvin Sandoval, measures 2.5” long
Serpentine eagle by Prudencia Lunasee, measures 2” long
Picasso marble badger by Ron Lunasee, measures 2.5” long
Each of these lovely little fetishes shows the individual style of their maker. From quietly elegant to dramatically sculptural, each figure has its own energy and spirit. The smallest of details carved skillfully in the stone add personality and tell a story, and delicately inlaid turquoise eyes bring this trio of charming fetishes to life!
Thank you to Stephanie Feeney
Still Making Waves III
Measures 37” tall x 21” wide
By Alano Edzerza, Tahltan Nation
This powerfully graphic print comes from the studio of Alano Edzerza, a key artist in the contemporary Northwest Coast art movement.
“The Killer Whale or Orca is a popular symbol for romance. Legends told that Whales could capture a canoe, take it underwater, and transform the occupants into Whales. For some, a whale near the shore was seen as a transformed human trying to communicate with his family.” – Alano Edzerza
Thank you to NAYA Community Member
Emma Noyes Print Set
Measures 11” tall x 11” wide and 12" tall x 15" wide
By Emma Noyes, Sinixt band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
Emma Noyes is an artist, researcher, and educator who has continued the storytelling traditions of her family by finding new ways to depict characters of chaptix’/coyote stories with an emphasis on coyote’s wife, mole woman. Drawing inspiration from both sides of her family, she incorporates her appreciation for Scandinavian art and design into her illustrations.
Here’s a chance to take home two charming illustrations, brimming with her love and talent.
Thank you to Eddie Sherman & Nichole J. Maher
Hair Study
Measures 28” tall x 23” wide
Signed by artist, artist unknown 1979
The delicate details and subtle layering of color in this print capture a single, intimate moment. A young child, facing away from the viewer, wears two braids that are tied together and a glowing orange shirt.
Thank you to NAYA Community Member
Need Help to Cross
Measures 27” tall x 32” wide
By Mary K. Okheena, Inuit
Edition 37/50
Mary Okheena is a prominent artist whose work is characterized by playful visual narratives. Here she uses printmaking techniques to create an expressive depiction of a hunting team returning home with their catch.
It’s a race against the weather, as the hunters come back to the village to find that the ice has melted, and they can no longer cross on foot. Across the river, others prepare to cross by boat to help the hunters return.
Thank you to Dana Siegfried
Drumming Grouse
Measures 11” tall x 11” wide
By Gordon Wilson, Gitksan
Reproduction Print
Gordon Wilson’s masterful skill is on display in this ornate formline image of a drumming grouse. Widespread across the northern forests, the ruffed grouse performs a rapid wing-beating display that can be heard for a quarter mile or more!
Wilson’s precise and smooth linework perfectly captures the grouse with his wings raised, ready to drum.
Thank you to Barbara Kim
Raven Spirit Dancer and Wolf Dancer
Measures 11.25” x 9.25” each
By Richard Shorty, Northern Tuchone
In this print set, two dancers are depicted with bold, evocative linework. Minimal shading, flowing lines, and precise details capture the movement and artistry inherent in the dance.
Richard Shorty was a self-taught artist who began painting wildlife at an early age. Constantly learning, his work includes carvings, drawings, and paintings.
Thank you to Quintana Galleries
Air Jupiter and The Originativ
Each measures 19” tall x 13” wide
By Christopher Murphy, Gila River
Both are edition 1/20
Murphy is a creative multi-media artist who combines inspiration from his Arizona home, Native heritage, and love of sports to create vibrant and exciting contemporary art.
Images of Murphy’s own custom shoe designs, inspired by the 2022-23 Phoenix Suns City Edition jerseys, adorn a hummingbird and a cactus in these playful prints!
Thank you to Oscar Arana and Eduardo Puelma
Sqanuyt? tanim?
Measures 19” tall x 15” wide
Signed by artist, artist unknown
Edition 6/50
The classic image of a wolf howling at the moon is rendered here in bold colors and striking contemporary design.
The closeness of the figures lead us to ponder the connection between the environment, humans, and nature – does the moon return the call?
Thank you to Jen Matheson
Suckerfish and Eel
Measures 18” tall x 12” wide
Signed by artist, artist unknown
Edition 12/50
This boldly illustrative print depicts Eel and Suckerfish, from a traditional story. Long ago, before the people, the animals could talk to each other. The eel and the suckerfish liked to gamble, and the wager was their bones. The eel began to lose, but he knew he could win, so he kept betting until he lost everything. That is why the eel has one bone, and the suckerfish has many bones.
The artist’s skill is evident in the graphic patterns and strong linework of this hand-pulled print.
Thank you to Paul Lumley
Sound of the Night
Measures 34” tall x 28” wide
By Yukie Adams
Edition 85/90
The owl is a nocturnal hunting bird, a strong and silent flier with acute hearing and vision, and a haunting call. As in other cultures, Northwest Coast people believe that Owl has great powers of wisdom, foreknowledge, and perception.
Yukie Adams was born in Hokkaido, Japan. After marrying Henry Adams (Tlingit) she began studying the Northwest Coast Native arts and culture as a new member of the Tlingit family.
Thank you to Mark Ihrig
I’m Your Huckleberry
Measures 19” tall x 15” wide
By Richard M Gendron (1954-2023), Arrow Lakes
Filled with painterly detail and glowing colors, this piece portrays a moment of tender connection. The elder befriends sinklip (coyote) while picking huckleberries, and is willing to share with her friend.
Gendron created boldly figurative paintings that drew on his life experiences and his unique view of the world.
Thank you to Eddie Sherman & Nichole J. Maher
Blue Wolf
Measures 15” tall x 19” wide
By Richard M Gendron (1954-2023), Arrow Lakes
Guided by his favorite music and poetry, Gendron brought a new universe into being when he put brush to canvas, painting a world that was all his own.
A myriad of colors vibrate and shine in this glowing image of a wolf traveling with his friend, the magpie.
Thank you to Eddie Sherman & Nichole J. Maher
Choctaw Pine Needle Baskets
Baskets measure 1.5 - 2” tall x 3 - 3.5” wide
By Kathleen Thomas, Choctaw
And Becky Meziere, Choctaw
Master weaver Kathleen Thomas’s work is exhibited in museums and community spaces throughout the Southeast. She taught her daughter, Becky Meziere, the traditional techniques of gathering long leaf pine needles and making baskets.
Made with love and intention, these pine needle baskets were exhibited at the New Orleans Jazz Festival. Thomas and Meziere have both won many awards for their basketry, and you have the chance to take home some best-in-class baskets!
Thank you to Eddie Sherman & Nichole J. Maher
Coiled Basket
Measures 3.5” tall x 8.5” wide
Artist unknown
The bold tri-color design shows off the beautiful sheen and depth of color in the natural and dyed plant fibers.
With its organic shape contrasting with a geometric design, this basket will add charm to your display shelf.
Thank you to NAYA Community Member
Purple Double-Wall Basket
Measures 6” tall x 6.5” wide
By Talisha Lewallen, Cherokee
This unique purple-striped basket is not to be missed! Hand dyed by the artist, it is made with traditional double-walled techniques and comes with its very own lid.
“I create traditional Cherokee double-wall baskets using contemporary materials, blending cultural heritage with modern expression. Each piece reflects the beauty and strength of our traditions, reimagined for today.” – Talisha Lewallen
Thank you to Oscar Arana and Eduardo Puelma
Eagle Mask Pin and Heart Ornament
Pin measures 2.5” tall x 2.25” wide
Ornament measures 2.75” tall x 2.75” wide
By Lillian Pitt, Warm Springs/Wasco/Yakama
A lovely pair of ceramic pieces, straight from the heart of world-renowned, award winning artist and good friend to NAYA, Lillian Pitt. Wear this clever eagle pin to your next special occasion and hang the ornament anywhere you need a little more joy!
Lillian Pitt is one of the most highly regarded Native artists in the Pacific Northwest. Primarily a sculptor and mixed media artist, she expresses her artistic vision through clay, bronze, wearable art, prints, wood, and glass.
Thank you to Ann Takamoto
Hopi Bear Pin
Measures 1” tall x 2” wide
Artist unknown
Be inspired by the powerful strength of a bear with this stunning Hopi overlay pin!
Overlay is constructed from two layers of sterling silver, with the top design layer cut out by hand with a jeweler’s saw and soldered to a base layer. This finely crafted bear silhouette is a particularly elegant interpretation of the classic southwest design.
Thank you to Stephanie Feeney
Concho Belt
Measures 33-35” when fastened
Artist unknown
Embrace your Southwest style in this gorgeous concho belt! Perfect for adding a little flair to a casual night out, this one is a winner!
Twenty-three silver conchos span the length of this leather belt, with a matching buckle. Each piece is beautifully stamped with a classic diamond design.
Thank you to Anne Udall
Spirit of the Driftwood
Measures 6.5” tall x 5” wide
By Adam John, Athabascan
Hand carved and wreathed in downy feathers, this delicate spirit mask depicts the Spirit of the Driftwood.
“Where I grew up, everyone was involved with some form of ‘making’ and creation; from snowshoes, to knitting, to moccasins and carvings. Their objects took on special meaning, and the passing of time during their making acted as both a catalyst for intergenerational exchange, and an opportunity for recounting stories of the day. Our community was strengthened in these settings.” – Adam John
Thank you to NAYA Community Member
8th Generation Buffalo Wool Scarf
Measures 22” tall x 67” wide
By John Isaiah Pepion, Blackfeet
This beautiful wool scarf features the signature ledger artwork of Inspired Natives Project Collaborator John Isaiah Pepion. A stellar graphic artist, muralist, and educator, Pepion incorporates traditional design elements with colorful contemporary illustrations.
The buffalo was the staff of life for most Plains Indian Nations. Pepion's design pays tribute to the power and sacrifice of the buffalo. Today the buffalo is still a central part of life, from food to ceremony.
Thank you to Karen St. Clair
TURQUOISE
THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING SPONSORS! CORAL
The NAYA Many Nations Academy Celebration honors our students, their achievements, and their bright futures ahead. We invite you to join us for a week of recognition, as we celebrate our students, showcase their work, and raise essential funds to help them thrive!
ABOUT THE NAYA MANY NATIONS ACADEMY
The Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) founded its Many Nations Academy (MNA) in 2007, in response to the low graduation rates of our Native youth. Operating in partnership with Portland Public Schools, the MNA offers a culturally-focused and student-centered learning environment that approaches its rigorous high-school curriculum through Native ways of knowing.
The MNA offers a positive educational experience that integrates core Native American values and emphasizes academic excellence through student empowerment. With an eye toward college and career readiness, MNA students have access to NAYA’s College and Career services, incorporating post-high school preparation and ensuring that students have the skills, tools and support they need to succeed through college and beyond.
Our project-based learning, small class sizes, and focus on relational learning honors the unique talents each student brings into our learning community.