Vashti Etzel is a Dene artist from Ross River, Yukon. She is descended from Shutuh Dene (Mountain Slavey) and Kaska Dene on her mother’s side and Chipewyan-Cree on her father’s side. She is also influenced by Scottish and German grandparents on both sides.
Inspired by her late grandmother Eva Etzel (Ollie) she blends traditional and contemporary designs using beads, porcupine quills, gem stones and hide to create luxurious earrings, bags,moccasins and other artworks.
Vashti received the 2017 Adäka Cultural Festival Most Promising Emerging Artist award. Today she lives in Kaska country at Faro, Yukon with her children and spouse. She continues to travel on her traditional lands in all seasons with her children to gather materials, ideas and inspiration for her art.
Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association
1-1109 Front Street (White Pass Building)
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A-5G4
Phone 867.667.7698
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