Mercedes Kashatok (Unangax̂ and Yupik) of Chix̂tax̂ Designs is the Nave’s newest studio artist as of October 2023. Mercedes uses traditional methods and carefully sourced materials to create beautiful, contemporary Alaska Native art, jewelry, and fashion designs.

Born and raised on Dena’ina lands in Anchorage, Mercedes learned to bead and sew at the age of 12 from elders and mentors at the Urban Unangax̂ Culture Camp in Anchorage. The experience sparked a strong sense of cultural pride and a creative journey that continues to evolve, more than a decade later! In 2020, Mercedes launched their small business (now called Chix̂tax̂ Designs) as a space for art and community. Beaded earrings and jewelry sewn with dried seal gut and furs, and Unangax̂ regalia and qaspeqs, are just a few examples of Mercedes’ work.

Mercedes sees themselves as part of a “modern renaissance” of young Unangax̂ artists. After learning so much from their own community, Mercedes hopes to find opportunities to teach: “Sharing knowledge is so vital for the survival of this culture.” We can’t wait to see more of Chix̂tax̂ Designs out in the world, and on the runway.

Artist Photos by David Chapa at Cook Inlet Housing Authority; Portfolio by Chix̂tax̂ Designs