Welcome to the captivating world of Wild Yukon Furs, where the artistry of Indigenous-harvested fur jewelry and handcrafted textiles merges seamlessly with storytelling and unforgettable experiences. I, Vanessa am the designer and manufacturer, and I co-own the business with my husband, George; our skilled trapper. Together we embarked on an inspiring journey that led to the establishment of our Skagway store. Join us as we share our story of scaling our handmade jewelry and textiles business, our commitment to supporting Indigenous trapping families, and our dedication to cultural respect and preservation.
At Wild Yukon Furs, our vision extends beyond creating exquisite handmade jewelry and textiles. We are driven by a profound desire to support as many Indigenous trapping families as possible. By reaching a wider audience, we can amplify their stories and showcase the significance of the fur trade in their communities. Our collective goal is to uplift and empower these families, ensuring their traditions and livelihoods flourish for generations to come.
As the winter snow blankets the rugged Yukon landscape, George maintains the trap line every weekend. While George explores the wilderness, diligently trapping and ethically sourcing fur, I find inspiration in the design studio. Together, we merge our talents and experiences to create unique jewelry and textiles that honour the heritage of Indigenous cultures, upon whose land we work, learn, create, and live our lives.
Our work extends far beyond the physical creation of jewelry and textiles. We strive to raise awareness about the importance of the fur trade for Indigenous families, emphasizing its role in cultural respect and preservation. By weaving together contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship, we honor the heritage and stories imbued into every piece. With immense gratitude, we obtained permission from the Skagway Traditional Council to be guests on their land, recognizing the privilege of working alongside the community.
For George, whose ancestral roots trace back to Juneau, Alaska, being part of Wild Yukon Furs is a profoundly personal journey. It's a "closing the loop" experience, allowing him to connect with his great-grandfather's legacy as a fur harvester who went inland to the Yukon to trade. This contributes to the preservation of Indigenous traditions. This endeavor holds deep significance for him and me, as it intertwines his family history with a passion for craftsmanship and cultural respect as well as education.
We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to engage with our community and share the successes of Wild Yukon Furs. Our Skagway store welcomes visitors from around the world, allowing us to showcase the beauty of Indigenous artistry and the importance of cultural preservation. We cherish the gift of time and attention from our readers and customers, as it enables us to further our mission of empowerment and awareness.
As we embark on this remarkable journey, combining Indigenous fur with jewelry and textiles, we invite you to join us in celebrating the extraordinary work of Wild Yukon Furs. Through our Skagway store, we strive to scale our handmade business while supporting Indigenous trapping families and fostering cultural respect. With each piece we create, we preserve traditions, empower communities, and spread awareness. We express our deepest gratitude for your continued support and for sharing in our passion. Thank you for being part of our journey.