Colleen Markussen was born and raised in Northern California. She is a California native enrolled in the Yurok Tribe. Her father is of Yurok/Karuk ancestry, and her mother is of Dine/Navajo descent, from Salt/Near Water clan.

 

Colleen is a young, self-taught, artist inspired by the beauty and culture of the Yurok people. Colleen's given name is Wer-Erp Wesona, which means butterfly in the sky. Her projects include paintings, digital art, photography, film, and designing with her artwork.