MENABASH LORE

Menabash (Meh-nuh-bosh) means Beaver Woman in Blackfeet. Their Blackfeet native name was given by their grandmother Patricia Baker-Benally and late father Ashi Circling Eagle Benally. Their Koyukon Dene’ (Athabascan) native name, Hute ghee’nee was given by their late great grandfather Johnson Moses. Their Iñupiat native name Tulugaq meaning Raven was given by their Aunt Ida Ross since their hair is black resembling the dark feathers of the raven. Their Dene’ Navajo name Ahłeenibaa means “She wars in all directions.” Lastly their English name is Navonne Love Benally given to them by their mother Jennifer Adams.

Menabash (they/she) is a multiracial Alaska Native and Native American Two Spirit Woman. They are blessed, honored and empowered to share that they come from seven different tribes. Menabash was born and raised on the Lower Tanana Dene’ Lands in Fairbanks, Alaska. Menabash is an enrolled member of the Allakaket Tribe. Since their tribe is matrilineal they are from the Swan Clan. They credit their artistry to their Iñupiat matriarchs, their late great grandmother Bertha Moses and late grandmother Cora Maguire. Menabash is Koyukon Dene’ (Athabascan) who credits their adaptability to their late great grandfather Johnson Moses who is from the Caribou Clan. Menabash is Navajo from the Salt Clan and credits their resilience to their late father Ashi Circling Eagle Benally. Menabash is also Blackfeet, Mandan, Hidatsa and Chickasaw.

Menabash has a BA in marketing but leans towards their minor in art. They believe their art is an extension/expression of their mind, body, emotions, soul and spirit. They thrive with their innate connection to community, the Earth, our Native Land and water. They are a full time energy artist, professional marketer and fourth generation beadworker based on Dena’ina Land in Anchorage, Alaska. Everything they create contains gentle healing vibes, Indigenous spiritual energy and good medicine. In their spare time you can find them exercising at the gym, sleeping, listening to music, playing video games, drinking boba, collecting beads and watching shoujo anime.