Skó means “spring of the year” in the native Klamath language. I am from the Klamath (Maklaks), Modoc (Modokni), and Northern Paiute (Yahuskin) tribes—now collectively called the Klamath Tribes—of southern Oregon.
Seeing the struggles of my people, I wanted to help restore our tribe to the self-sufficiency, culture, language, and family ties that were intact only three generations ago. I initially intended to set my efforts as a long-term goal, but realized that I could generate awareness as a part of the gourmet beverage business I sought to start. The efforts didn’t have to be separate; they could be combined, and much stronger for it.
I chose the name Skó, or spring of the year, as it engenders a sense of renewal—of emerging from barren ground to bring forth what used to exist and signifies the creation of something that is generations old, yet entirely new.
Skó seeks to unlock the past, restore lost knowledge, acknowledge both good and bad, and make something exquisite.
Welcome to the renaissance. Welcome to Skó.