Lisa Morehead-Hillman, a Karuk Tribal member and descendant of the Yurok Tribe and the Shasta Nation, has been named one of six recipients of the First Peoples Fund Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award.

This recognition celebrates Morehead-Hillman dedication to preserving and revitalizing the sacred traditions of Northern California basketry, particularly her work as a ceremonial cap weaver. Her tireless efforts have made her a key figure in the cultural and spiritual restoration of traditional practices that have long been at the heart of her community.

Morehead-Hillman journey as a weaver began in adulthood, when she began attending community classes and retreats that deepened her knowledge of traditional basketry. She has since transformed her passion into a vital part of her community’s cultural revival. After returning to her homeland in 2012 and marrying Leaf Hillman, a Karuk ceremonial leader, she has focused her work on learning traditional weaving practices and passing down her knowledge to the next generation. Her commitment to teaching traditional basketry, particularly cap making, is at the heart of her cultural mission.

In addition to co-teaching weekly basket classes, Morehead-Hillman is dedicated to sharing her knowledge far beyond her immediate community. Through social media platforms, she inspires Indigenous weavers, offering guidance and words of encouragement. Her role as a mentor extends to hosting retreats and workshops, where she combines traditional weaving practices with environmental stewardship to ensure the sustainable harvest of the materials she uses.

As a recipient of the Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award, Morehead-Hillman joins a distinguished group of individuals whose work is central to the cultural and spiritual empowerment of Indigenous communities. This recognition underscores the impact of her dedication to cultural preservation and her role as a guiding force in revitalizing traditional basketry.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award,” Morehead-Hillman said. “This recognition fuels my commitment to ensuring the continued practice of basketry in our communities. Weaving is not just about creating something beautiful; it is about keeping our culture alive and passing it forward. I am grateful for the support of my family, elders, and the community, and I look forward to continuing this work with the next generation of weavers.”