Traditional Sewing Workshops Across Alaska and Beyond
I travel across Alaska and beyond to teach traditional sewing — qaspeq making, nasqurrun (headdress) workshops, sealskin bags, and more.
My goal is to make this work accessible while honoring the time, energy, and knowledge it takes to prepare and lead each session.
Hands-On Instruction & Cultural Storytelling
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Hands-On Instruction & Cultural Storytelling •
Sealskin Crossbody Bag Workshop
This workshop invites participants to connect with ancestral skills through sealskin bag making.
Each bag is hand-stitched using ethically sourced materials and traditional methods.
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4-hour workshop (can be completed in one session)
Materials provided (custom quote may apply)
Cultural overview and respectful handling included
Only open to individuals of Alaska Native lineal descent
Conducted in accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)
Qaspeq Sewing Workshop
In this hands-on class, participants learn to sew a traditional qaspeq — a garment worn with pride throughout Yup’ik communities.
Whether you're new to sewing or have experience, this workshop guides you step-by-step through construction, pattern layout, and finishing touches.
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Beginner-friendly
Adult and youth sizing
1-day or 2-day options available
Materials included or list provided
Great for schools, community programs, and intergenerational groups
Nasqurrun (Headdress) Workshop
The nasqurrun (headdress) is a symbol of strength, protection, and ceremony.
This workshop teaches participants how to sew their own headdress with optional bead embellishment.
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Intermediate sewing skills recommended
8–10 hours total (over 1–2 days)
Materials included or list provided
Can be paired with beading groups or cultural sessions
Culture Camp is where tradition comes alive — one stitch at a time.
Through Sew Yup’ik, Nikki Corbett offers hands-on, heart-centered workshops designed specifically for youth, weaving cultural education with creativity, healing, and identity building.
These offerings support the next generation in reconnecting to their ancestral roots through traditional sewing arts.
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Kakivik (Sewing Kits) filled with prepped materials, patterns, and tools for accessible learning
Skin Sewing Workshops using sealskin, fish skin, and fur (for Alaska Native youth), taught with care, cultural respect, and historical context
Qaspeq and Headdress (Nasqurrun) Projects that honor family traditions and allow each participant to take pride in what they create
Each camp experience is more than a class — it’s a chance for youth to hear stories, learn Yup’ik values, and feel empowered by their cultural knowledge. Nikki’s approach centers generational healing, self-confidence, and joy.
Available across Alaska for schools, villages, and summer programs.
Workshop Rates & Booking Info
Each Sew Yup’ik workshop includes hands-on instruction, cultural storytelling, preparation time, and materials. I travel across Alaska and beyond to teach traditional sewing — qaspeq making, nasqurrun (headdress) workshops, sealskin bags, and more.
My goal is to make this work accessible while honoring the time, energy, and knowledge it takes to prepare and lead each session.
$400/hour of workshop instruction
$300/hour for prep time
Travel, lodging, mileage reimbursement, and per diem added as needed based on location
Materials are not included unless otherwise noted
Sealskin workshops are only available to individuals of Alaska Native lineal descent in accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)
Speaking Engagements
I’m honored to share my journey and teachings through public speaking rooted in culture, healing, and lived experience.
Whether at conferences, classrooms, community events, or podcasts, I speak from the heart about what it means to carry Yup’ik knowledge forward in today’s world.
My talks blend story, sewing, and Indigenous truth-telling — often touching on intergenerational healing, reclaiming identity, and the power of creating with intention.
Topics I Speak On:
Reviving Traditional Sewing in Contemporary Alaska
Cultural Identity & Lineal Descent
Indigenous Mental Health & Generational Healing
The Story Behind Sew Yup’ik
Youth Empowerment Through Ancestral Arts
These are available for keynotes, panels, classroom talks, and community conversations. I travel throughout Alaska and across the U.S.
Quyana from the Community
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![sew yup'ik customer]()
"I’ve purchased many qaspeqs from Nikki with Sew Yup’ik— they are fun, high-quality designs; I’ve had and worn my qaspeqs some weekly since 2020 and the garment still is as beautiful as the day I bought them!"
Rebekah Aagnauruq Arnold
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![quyana chuck norris sticker icon black]()
Have you attended a Workshop or one of my Speaking Engagements?
Send me an email sewyupik@gmail.com if you would like to be featured!
Your testimonial can support us too!
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![quyana chuck norris sticker icon white]()
Have you attended a Workshop or one of my Speaking Engagements?
Send me an email sewyupik@gmail.com if you would like to be featured!
Your testimonial can support us too!
