H’Klumaiyat Roberta Joy Kirk

As a young girl, H’Klumaiyat (Roberta) endured her home burning along with all the family treasures — huckleberry baskets, beaded bags, and photographs. Most detrimental for her was the loss of traditional regalia that had been gifted to her mother. Other girls Roberta’s age wore beautiful beaded dresses passed down through their families. Roberta determined she must learn to make them herself and studied her older sister doing beadwork.

“I always saw the girls my age wearing beautiful dresses that were passed down from their grandparents. I’m the grandma I wished I had when I was little. My two granddaughters are always dressed properly when we go to the Longhouse for powwows and ceremonies.” - Roberta (H’Klumaiyat) Joy Kirk

Executive Director of the Oregon Folklife Network Rachelle (Riki) Saltzman nominated Roberta for the CSA.

“I believe it is because of her deep cultural knowledge that Roberta is able to imbue her regalia-making with such spirit and devotion. She embodies the Indigenous values of integrity, community, and generosity. With an eye to cultural continuity, she passes along the knowledge of her art form to the younger generation.” - Riki Saltzman