elaine etukeok
| I Agnes Bellinger and Elaine Etukeok at the Optimum Health Institute in San Diego, California - November 2005 |
 In 2001, Clarissa Rizal weaves a Raven
Chilkat robe for Anne Gould-Hauberg (co-founder of the Pilchuck School of Glass in Washington State). |
|
July 8, 1934 - September 23, 2008
Elaine was a Chilkat weaving student during
a class I taught in Juneau in 2000. She and her neice,
Pam Credo-Hayes sat side-by-side as they learned the
intricacies of Chilkat weaving. She always had a patient,
happy attitude with weaving, something that is a real
benefit for all of us weavers - beginners and advanced
weavers alike! Elaine was one of my first beginner weaving
students who smiled even through the most difficult
techniques while learning Chilkat. Unbeknownst to Elaine,
her character inspired me - I practiced being more calm
and patient...and happy.
Elaine is the mother
of drum-maker Beckie Etukeok who was a middle-school
friend back in the 60s - little did I know that they
were related to me, the same clan: T'akDeinTaan Black-legged
Kittiwake, from Hoonah's Glacier Bay.
Elaine Etukeok was born in 1934 in Juneau, Alaska. She
is Raven of the Black-legged Kittiwake (T’akDeinTaan)
Clan and she is Raven from the Raven Nest House in Hoonah.
She graduated from Mt. Edgecumbe High School and married
Robert Etukeok. She worked at the Bureau of Indian Affairs
Social Services, then transferred to Anchorage Office
of Enrollment in 1969.
She loved cedar b ark weaving, Chilkat weaving and Raven’s
tail weaving. She also loved Yupik-style weavings and
many other types of weaving. She loved family and traveled
to many states to see us all.
Elaine was a spiritual being accepting others beliefs
and world views. She participated in Sundance four times
in the Southwest. Many people said she had a graceful
and peaceful presence.
Elaine was preceded by her father John Eldemar, Sr.,
mother Anne Eldemar, siblings: John Eldemar, Jr., Elsie
Credo, David Eldemar, Fred Harris, son-in-law Mark Johnson,
and grand-daughter Elizabeth Johnson.
Elaine is survived by daughter Beckie, grandchildren
Erik and Shoshonna Johnson, sisters Dora Queral and
Lucretia Eldemar, brother Daniel Eldemar, and numerous
nieces and nephews.
Elaine was a member of the Russian Orthodox Choir in
Anchorage, Alaska.
She was a member of the Tlingit and Haida Dancers of
Anchorage for many years. She was also considered a
member of the Eagle Raven Dancers of Juneau and an ANS
member.
Contact Clarissa for permission to use text or images for educational purposes only.