The McKinnon Family: From Basketry to Bowls

Dennis McKinnon is a proud Yurok Tribe member with Tolowa and Yurok ancestry. He spent his early years along the Klamath River on McKinnon Hill and in Klamath, Ca., Del Norte County.

In 1962, the McKinnons moved to Blue Lake, Ca., Humboldt County. Raised by a Yurok father and a Tolowa/Yurok mother, Dennis grew up immersed in Native culture and community.

After retiring from a federal career in engineering and computer science, Dennis returned to woodworking – skills taught by his father. Through segmented woodturning, he creates wood art inspired by traditional Yurok basket designs.

“I appreciate the role the McKinnon Family has played in preserving the Yurok cultural identity, and my hope is that my interpretation of this art and craftmanship contributes to that legacy.” – Dennis McKinnon