Christy Ruby is a Tlingit Eagle from the Kéet Gooshi Hít (Killer Whale Dorsal Fin House) in Klukwan, Alaska. She is a Harvester, Fur Artist, and award-winning fashion designer, creating both functional apparel and wearable art. Christy's work is deeply rooted in her cultural heritage and her creations are inspired by the skills passed down by her family.

The process from hunting to a finished project can take six to eight months, with hundreds of hours of labor. "Everything starts with a bone chilling hunt, because winter is the best time to harvest sea otter for their dark brown fur," Christy says. "You must have grit if you're going to hunt on the water in freezing ice and snow."

With the recent closure of North America's last full-service processor, Christy is advocating for building a tannery in Ketchikan to support harvesters and artists throughout Southeast Alaska, and to educate visitors of this traditional craft. Christy shares her knowledge of hunting and processing through demonstrations with Ketchikan Indian Community's Tribal Scholars program and mentoring young harvesters and fur artists.
"My job isn't to harvest more seals and sea otters," Christy says. "My job is to make sure that we keep our traditions alive by sewing handicrafts and apparel and teaching the next generation."