Sew Yup'ik

04/22/2025

🌿 Attention OTNC Tribal Citizens in Mamterrilleq (Bethel)

There will be a Tribal Council Meeting Tomorrow 4/23/25
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM
📍 Location: OTNC Building (117 Alex Hately, Bethel, AK)

If you're in town, please consider attending.
Your voice matters—and showing up helps shape the future of our Tribe.

Let’s come together, stay informed, and support each other in community.

04/22/2025

Todays project with my favorite show ❤️

❤️

04/21/2025

Seal skin crossbody bag for sale, complete with a Quyana Chuck Norris sticker! 😎

If you’re interested in purchasing, please send me a message with the bag number you’d like to purchase.

Note: Unfortunately, I’m unable to ship seal skin products to Canada due to the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Thank you for your understanding! ❤️

If you have any questions, please send me a message. I don’t always respond to comments as there are many that come through.

04/21/2025

Tribes are sovereign nations. That means we have the power to create our own laws, bylaws, and ordinances that reflect the needs of all our people—no matter where they live.

Our tribal governments can allow out-of-town citizens to vote. We can create at-large seats on council to ensure that every voice is heard—not just those living in town.

We don't have to wait for permission. As sovereign Nations, the power is already in our hands. It's time to create the change we want to see. It's time to build a government that reflects and represents all of us.

Let’s not leave our people behind.
Let’s move forward—together.

04/21/2025

To be the change we wish to see — we must first be heard.

As out-of-town tribal citizens, we currently have no vote, no voice, no at-large seat, and for the past two months — no access to monthly meetings. Our emails go unanswered. Our concerns go unacknowledged.

We’ve proposed two at-large seats.
We’ve advocated for out-of-town voting rights.
We’ve started petitions.

And still — nothing.

We matter when it comes to federal funding, but we’re shut out when it comes to participation.
We’re not asking for special treatment — we’re asking to be included.

We want to be a part of our tribe.
Because when we work together, we are stronger.

What would you do?

04/20/2025

Here are 18 of my incredible students. We were missing 11 that joined us and finished or started a nasqurrun. Quyana to for making this possible with grant funds. Quyana to the Curyung Tribe arnat who were piluguks on the ground and were coordinating the effort. Quyana to everyone to came and sewed with us and just laughed for 2 days straight.

Warrior power 😂

❤️ # #

04/19/2025

Quyana Alannah for the beautiful ride out to Aleknagik ❤

04/16/2025

If I were to be able to attend the meeting via zoom or teleconference this is what I would share. In the past I have emailed my letters for people to be heard which have been ignored so I turn to social media to share it.

To the Orutsararmiut Native Council Leadership and Fellow Tribal Citizens,

My name is Nicolette Corbett, and I am writing today as an enrolled member of the Orutsararmiut Native Council who is deeply concerned and disheartened by the lack of transparency, accountability, and communication within our tribal government. Over the past year, I have made repeated efforts—through emails, calls, and respectful requests—to engage with our leadership and to get answers to basic questions. And yet, I’ve been consistently ignored.

For over a year, I have been requesting access to meeting minutes—a right protected under our tribal constitution. I’ve received no response.
For the past five months, I have been trying to get a simple enrollment verification. Still, no answer.

I’ve asked about the 2021 federal audit report, and what—if anything—was found and corrected. I’ve asked about the constitutional convention, who is involved, when it will be held, and what changes are being proposed. I’ve asked whether decisions are being made behind closed doors. But again, silence.

I am tired. And I am frustrated. And I know I am not alone.

Why do I have to turn to social media just to get traction? Why do I have to publicly post just to get acknowledgment of my concerns?
Social media should be the last place I have to turn—not the only place I’m heard.

We have a tribal constitution for a reason. Our leaders swore to uphold it—and yet it is being violated.

Article IV, Section 5 of the OTNC Constitution clearly states:

“All meetings of the Council shall be public, except when discussing issues of a confidential or personnel matter. Notice of the meeting shall be posted publicly and online at least three (3) days in advance of the meeting.”
Where are these public notices? The ONC page has been deleted, and the two websites affiliated with OTNC are not updated. Out-of-town tribal members have no way to know when meetings are happening or how to attend.
This is a clear violation of our constitution.

Article IV, Section 6 further guarantees our rights:

“The Orutsararmiut Native Tribe shall, in a respectful way, have the right to review and question the work of ONC, including its records, in compliance with the privacy act.”
Yet when I ask questions, submit requests, and seek basic documentation, I am met with silence. I am not being treated with respect or given access to records. And I am not alone.

What are tribal citizens supposed to do when:

Our emails go unanswered?
Our questions at meetings are dismissed?
We’re shut out of updates on constitutional changes and federal audits?
We have no clear way to attend meetings or participate in tribal decisions?
This has gone on far too long—and it should not be this way.

Leadership should not be afraid of transparency. If decisions are being made for the people, the people should be involved. Every single tribal citizen—whether living in Bethel or out of town—deserves to know what is going on and to have a voice.

I am calling on our leadership to do better. To communicate. To follow the constitution. To serve all of us—not just a select few.

With respect and urgency,
Nikki Corbett
Enrolled Tribal Member, Orutsararmiut Native Council

04/16/2025

Just kidding! After 4 phone calls and the correct information the meeting is NEXT Wednesday 4/23/25 at 5:30pm.

Attention OTNC Tribal Citizens:

There is a monthly ONC meeting next Wednesday 4/23/25 at 5:30 PM at the ONC building.

Please attend and let your voice be heard.

This is your opportunity to speak up and hold leadership accountable. The constitutional bylaws require monthly meetings and public notice — and it’s clear those standards are not being consistently followed.

All tribal citizens deserve access to these meetings — no matter where they live. Denying that right is a direct violation of our tribal constitution.

Spread the word. Show up. Speak up. Our voices matter.

04/15/2025

It shouldn’t have to be this way.

I’m truly exhausted by the fact that I have to keep turning to social media just to be heard by my own tribe. If my emails were being answered, if my questions were acknowledged, if there was a clear and consistent way to communicate with leadership—I wouldn’t be here writing this post.

But here I am again.

Why do tribal citizens have to raise their concerns in such a public way just to get traction? Why does it feel like the only way to get a response is by making noise online? It’s frustrating, disheartening, and it shouldn’t be the norm.

Our people deserve transparent communication. We deserve respect. And we deserve to know: What methods of communication are available to us when no one responds to our calls, emails, or letters?

There has to be a better way.

We are asking to be included. To be heard. To be respected as citizens of our own tribal nation. Quyana to those who continue to speak up—it shouldn’t fall on us, but here we are, carrying this weight together.

04/15/2025

Below is the letter that was sent over to Orutsararmiut Traditional Native Council Leadership and Staff from a collective group of concerned tribal citizens. If you are an OTNC Tribal Citizen and are concerned I would encourage you to ask questions, attend meetings (whenever they are) and to stay informed.

As tribal citizens, we have the right to stay informed, to ask questions, and to hold our elected council members accountable—to ensure they are acting in the best interest of the entire tribe.

Dear OTNC Leadership and Staff,

We are writing once again as enrolled tribal citizens of the Orutsararmiut Native Council to request answers, documentation, and clarity regarding the governance practices currently being implemented. As tribal members, We are exercising our rights under Article IV, Section 6 of the ONC Constitution: “The Orutsararmiut Native Tribe shall, in a respectful way, have the right to review and question the work of ONC, including its records, in compliance with the privacy act.”

We are formally requesting the following:

1. Confirmation of April Meeting

Is there an ONC monthly council meeting scheduled this week?

If so, where and when is it being held?

How is the public being notified of this meeting in accordance with your constitutional obligations?

According to ONC’s own constitutional bylaws, all council meetings must be publicly posted at least three (3) days in advance to allow tribal citizens adequate time to attend and participate. We have not seen any such notice — physical or digital — which raises concerns about whether this constitutional requirement is being followed.

2. Constitutional Compliance with Meeting Access and Participation

Per Article IV, Section 1 of the ONC Constitution:

“All members of Orutsararmiut Native Tribe shall have an equal right to share in the resources of the tribe.”

How are tribal citizens being notified about council meetings if there is no active page or updated website?

How is ONC upholding the right of equal access and participation, especially for out-of-town members?

Are meetings being made accessible remotely (i.e., by Zoom) as previously attempted?

3. Compliance with the ONC Mission Statement

The ONC Mission states a commitment to:

"Promote the general welfare, enhance independence, encourage self-sufficiency/self-motivation, enhance quality of life, and preserve cultural and traditional values of the tribe."

How is ONC currently honoring this mission, specifically for off-reservation tribal members?

What systems are in place to ensure inclusion of all tribal citizens in decision-making?

4. Governance and Documentation Requests

We are formally re-requesting the following documentation:

Meeting minutes for the past 12 months (April 2024 – April 2025)

Documentation or updates regarding the 2021 Financial Audit

Information about the Constitutional Convention process and progress

Status and timeline regarding the three (3) council seats that are up for vote in 2025:

How is this being advertised?

How are tribal citizens being encouraged to apply?

What are the timelines for nominations, voting, and swearing-in?

These items have been previously requested multiple times over the past four months, and have yet to receive a formal response. This continued lack of communication raises serious concerns about transparency and compliance with the ONC Constitution.

5. Request for Response

We are respectfully requesting a formal written response to this email within three (3) business days, as a matter of accountability to the tribal members you serve.

You may respond to all via email. If we do not receive a response, we will continue to escalate this matter to legal and federal oversight bodies, as is our rights as tribal citizens.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Quyana,

04/14/2025

Seal skin crossbody bag for sale, complete with a Quyana Chuck Norris sticker! 😎

If you’re interested in purchasing, please send me a message with the bag number you’d like to purchase.

Note: Unfortunately, I’m unable to ship seal skin products to Canada due to the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Thank you for your understanding! ❤️

If you have any questions, please send me a message. I don’t always respond to comments as there are many that come through.

04/14/2025

All sold Quyana ❤️
Seal skin crossbody bag for sale, complete with a Quyana Chuck Norris sticker! 😎

If you’re interested in purchasing, please send me a message with the bag number you’d like to purchase.

Note: Unfortunately, I’m unable to ship seal skin products to Canada due to the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Thank you for your understanding! ❤️

If you have any questions, please send me a message. I don’t always respond to comments as there are many that come through.

04/14/2025

A gentle but important reminder from a small business owner:

As much as I love supporting our community, I want to set a boundary moving forward. If the only time I hear from your organization, business, or nonprofit is when you’re asking me to donate handmade items, please know that the likely answer will be no.

I pour my time, energy, and cultural knowledge into every piece I create. Donations will be made at my discretion — typically to those who have:

Purchased items from me
Hired me to teach workshops
Supported or guided me in some way
Or to causes I personally believe in and align with

I value relationships, mutual respect, and reciprocal support. Please don’t take it personally — this is simply me honoring the work I do and the energy it takes to create it.

Thank you for understanding, and quyana for supporting Native artists the right way.

04/14/2025

As Tribal Citizens, we all deserve a voice.
We should never be ignored, dismissed, or made to feel like we don’t belong—especially when we’re just trying to be informed and involved.
Our ancestors taught us to lead with love, respect, and care for one another. That includes our elders, our youth, and every tribal citizen—no matter where we live.

It’s time we return to our values and remember:
Asking questions is not disrespect. Wanting to be included is not too much.
Being an active, informed tribal citizen is our right—and our responsibility.

04/14/2025

Let’s Talk About Donations & Small Businesses

As a small business owner, I often receive requests to donate handmade items for raffles, fundraisers, and events. While I love supporting my community and believe in giving back, I want to share something important that many don’t realize:

Donating handmade items is not tax-deductible.

When I donate a handmade item, I can’t deduct the time, labor, or value of the item—only the cost of materials, which is usually minimal. That means I’m essentially giving away hours of unpaid labor with no financial benefit in return.

For small businesses like mine, this isn’t sustainable—especially when we’re already investing so much time, energy, and heart into our work.

If you’d like to support and collaborate with a small business like mine, I encourage you to consider a monetary donation instead. These donations can be tax-deductible (especially if given directly to a registered nonprofit), and they allow me to support causes more strategically—whether through sponsorship, in-kind services, or setting aside budget for future collaborations.

I appreciate every one of you who supports my journey, purchases my work, and values the handmade process. Let’s keep lifting each other up in ways that are sustainable and respectful of small businesses and creators.

Quyana for understanding and supporting small, Native-owned businesses like mine!

04/12/2025

Hey friends and family! 💛🎥

I wanted to share my Sew Cool YouTube channel with you all! ✨
👉 https://www.youtube.com/

If you haven’t already, please go hit that subscribe button, check out my videos, and if something speaks to you—share it with your people.

My goal this year is to monetize my channel. Right now, I don’t make anything from the videos I upload. I create them out of love for sharing our Yup’ik culture, but each video takes a lot of time, energy, and heart.

Monetizing my channel would be one small way I could get compensated for the work that goes into teaching and creating these resources. Every view, like, and share helps!

Quyana for supporting me in this journey! 🧵❤️

Waqaa and Hello! Welcome to Sew Yup’ik! I'm Nikki Corbett (also known as Nikki Nick), a proud Yup’ik and Polish woman originally from Bethel, Alaska, now living on the Kenai Peninsula. I’m the owner of Sew Yup’ik, a cultural sewing business I started in 2015. Through this channel, I share DI...