Betty Marín, Program Manager
On a quiet day in Loleta, a small town in Northern California’s Humboldt County, ACTA Program Manager Aliah Najmabadi and I visited the home of Katie Bowie to witness the incredible artistry that connects her family to their Yurok, Hupa, Wiyot and Bear River heritage. Katie, a recipient of ACTA’s 2023 Living Cultures Grant, has dedicated herself to creating regalia and teaching others the intricate techniques that go into these ceremonial garments.
Katie’s Living Cultures project was deeply personal—crafting a ceremonial regalia dress for her daughter’s flower dance, a coming-of-age ceremony that holds profound meaning for their community.During our visit, her daughter was still processing the powerful experience, and reflected in particular on the intense physical preparation and mental focus it required. This flower dance was a rare event, with Katie’s daughter being only the fourth in her tribe (Bear River) to undergo the ceremony in recent years.
The most important thing we learned as a family was how much work and love goes into creating regalia, how many prayers are included, and how strong the medicine is when you put so much into something for someone you love.
— 2023 Living Cultures grantee Katie Bowie
Beyond the dress, Katie has extended this knowledge to others. Over the past year, she led six necklace-making and beading workshops, including sessions at a local high school’s Native American Club. Through these gatherings, up to 80 adults and 50 youth have learned traditional techniques, reinforcing a sense of identity and belonging through cultural practice.
Reflecting on the project, Katie shared, “The most important thing we learned as a family was how much work and love goes into creating regalia, how many prayers are included, and how strong the medicine is when you put so much into something for someone you love.”
Katie plans to continue offering workshops, passing down these skills and supporting young women in her community who want to create their own regalia. “I hope we see more tribal youth revitalizing flower dance traditions,” she told us.
Support Katie’s work by attending workshops, learning more about regalia-making, or contributing to efforts that sustain traditional arts within tribal communities.
Beaded regalia capes used in ceremony, made by Katie Bowie. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Beaded regalia capes used in ceremony, made by Katie Bowie. Photo courtesy of the artist.
In-progress photos of Katie Bowie's work on her older daughter's ceremonial dress. Photo courtesy of the artist.
In-progress photos of Katie Bowie's work on her older daughter's ceremonial dress. Photo courtesy of the artist.
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