A signature of a traditional Tlingit paddle is its open shaft—it allows the puller to see the way ahead clearly, even when paddling hard. The Silver Paddle Earrings and Necklace are a reminder to all who wear it to keep paddling hard and never take your eye off your end goal.

Our Silver Paddle Earring is a collaboration between Louie Gong (Nooksack) and Stephanie Masterman (Tlingit), inspired by Stephanie’s own carved Tlingit paddle. Stephanie would often carve her paddle during her breaks as Eighth Generation’s Retail and Special Projects Manager, and shared her progress with Louie. These stunning earrings and necklace are based off of Stephanie’s paddle.

“Louie and I are both from ocean-going peoples, so it was an important moment to me when he asked if I would be interested in helping him design a paddle earring and necklace,” shares Stephanie.

“Each time I paddle, I am reminded that I need my culture, I need my people,” says Stephanie. “I need the love that comes with sharing meals together, looking out for one another, and encouraging one another, especially during hard times. The yaakw (canoe) isn’t just a mode of transportation: it's a place of healing. When you’re moving through an internal struggle on the canoe, you are never alone: your ancestors are with you. If you begin to feel weak, your people will keep pulling for you. And you’ll do the same for someone else. We are all in this together.”

Read more about Tlingit paddles and Stephanie's experience here.

2.25" x .2"/ 5.715cm x .508cm
55 mm x 5.08 mm
Sterling silver paddles; silver-plated ear hooks
Cast in Seattle
Chain measures 18"
Earrings and necklace sold separately
Includes a silver cleaning cloth (for use on solid sterling silver only: do not use on plated jewelry or pearls)

Care Instructions:

Store silver jewelry out of direct sunlight in a cool, dark place or airtight container
Wear silver jewelry frequently to reduce tarnishing
Use polishing cloth to return you silver piece to its original shine; do not use this polishing cloth on silver-plated jewelry or pearls

Thank you for supporting Inspired Natives™, not Native-inspired.