Bio
Laurae Hughes (she/her) is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians in southern Oregon. She is Rogue River, Chetco, Tututni, Shasta Costa, and European decent.
Laurae believes that only by keeping culture and tradition alive are we able to honor who we are and where we come from. Much of what she creates closely resembles historical examples from pre and early contact with Europeans. Some of her work was featured in the movie ‘The First Cow’ that portrayed early life along the Columbia River, with historically accurate pieces for tribal members to wear. ‘There is honor in keeping the old ways unchanged, in sharing and teaching in order to continue the history’ she says when asked why she teaches things like brain tanning. Laurae has been teaching classes to the public and tribal members for many years, basketry, traditional gathering, hide tanning, bone tools, stone tools, are just some of what she offers. When asked why she teaches, she responds with ‘to work and to create is part of the human purpose on earth, it fulfills us and brings us joy. When we are removed from our purpose we feel directionless and detached, so by teaching people history that ties us to place and purpose, I am gifting others with the opportunity to reharness some of their own joy and fulfillment’.