handmade qaspeq by sew yup'ik green blue and purple fabric pattern in her sewing room
Nikki Corbet wearing nasqurrun (headdress) as an example for workshop

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.

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Hands-On Instruction & Cultural Storytelling

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Hands-On Instruction & Cultural Storytelling •

crossbody bag workshop group with sew yup'ik
Nikki with her Sealskin Crossbody bag as an example for her Sealskin crossbody bag workshop

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.

    • 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 workshop class with nikki corbett

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.

    • 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 (Yup'ik headdress) workshop group with Nikki Corbett

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.

    • 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

student creating a nasqurrun Yup'ik headdress in Sew Yup'ik's workshop
Sew Yup'ik holding item made in Culture Camp hosted by Nikki Corbett

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.

    • 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.

$350/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.

Nikki Corbett owner, speaker, and artist of sew yup'ik
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Quyana from the Community

  • 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

  • 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!

  • 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!