Yasakw (Shelly Samuels) comes from a long line of Haida Yakgujanaas Raven Clan women. She is from the Kwiiungliis Grizzly Bear House and her sub crests are Three Fin Killer Whale and Dogfish. Her mother is Maureen Samuels and her Naanii is the late residential school survivor and thriver Audrey Samuels.

Yasakw is also from the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation. Her father is the late master carver Awasatlas, Russell Smith. Her Kwakwaka’wakw crest is Thunderbird and Sea Bear.

Shelly’s Haida name is Guudangaay Tlaatsgaa Jaad which translates to Strong Minded Woman. She received this name because she completed her BSW degree. Her Kwakiutl name is Yasakw, which is a name that belonged to her paternal grandmother. Shelly resides on Haida Gwaii with her family and spends her free time exploring the beaches and creating.

Yasakw favours the use of traditional and natural materials in her artwork such as Copper, Abalone, Cedar, Animal Hides, New Generation Trade Beads, Dentalium Shells, etc. All of which have been used in historical trade and signals Ancestral Wealth.