LaRita Laktonen-Ward

Medium: Abalone and Dentalium Jewelry

Born in Kodiak, LaRita grew up in the Native Village of Larsen Bay with her family of six. Their home sat off the main gravel road, accessible only by foot trail, on a hill overlooking the bay with life centered on subsistence living—hunting, fishing, and crabbing throughout most of the year, with summers dedicated to commercial salmon fishing. She reflects with gratitude on the natural beauty that shaped her upbringing: powerful storms, shifting tides, cold coastal air, encounters with bears, and even moments like watching a dog play with a fox along the beach. Alongside her sisters, she spent countless hours exploring the woods and shoreline, building forts from driftwood and old fishing nets, and collecting shells and artifacts. These experiences fostered both creativity and resilience, as life without electricity or running water demanded hard work and adaptability, Alutiiq heritage remained deeply embedded in daily life.

In 1995, she left Alaska to attend Humboldt State University in Arcata. She pursued a degree in Kinesiology with a minor in American Indian Education and a Master of Public Health. A pivotal experience was her involvement in the Indian Teacher and Education Personnel Program, where she studied the educational history of Alaska Native and American Indian communities. This deepened her commitment to honoring her heritage and serving as a positive role model for youth.

In 2003, LaRita began creating Alutiiq jewelry, drawing inspiration from her family and cultural traditions. Her sister’s dedication to revitalizing the Alutiiq language and her father’s success as a carver influenced her artistic path. Her designs reflect the beauty of traditional forms, such as beaded headdresses and woven hunting hats, while incorporating materials like dentalium, abalone, mother-of-pearl, Russian trade beads, glass beads, and sterling silver to add a contemporary touch.

LaRita lives in Anchorage with her husband, Truman and fur babies, and proudly serves as the Director of Epidemiology for the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. She has a beautiful daughter, Ravenna, currently a psychology student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

I have been honored to have my jewelry featured at the Alutiiq Museum. I was fortunate to see the beginnings of the Alutiiq Museum after the devastation of the Exxon oil spill and have both worked and volunteered in its first few years. It brings much pride to the people of Kodiak, both young and old.