Tribe: Navajo Nation

Art form: Jewelry Making

The artist:

I was born and raised in the Navajo Nation until the age of 13, when my family moved to Lander, Wyoming. I am a 5th-generation Navajo jewelry maker. I work for the Food Bank of Wyoming, own a ranch, and run my Navajo-owned Jewelry business. I do my best to be an advocate for Indigenous people and my family. My partner and I have a beautiful daughter and I am supported by them, my parents, siblings, and all my relatives. 

My family is my biggest inspiration. When I first began making jewelry, I was encouraged by my Masani (grandma) and Shima (mom). My mom was the one who pushed me to establish my craftsmanship. My Grandma, Uncles, and Aunts passed on their knowledge, wisdom, and history of our family's tradition with jewelry craftsmanship, silversmithing, and business management. My dream is to promote genuine, handcrafted Native American jewelry. Seeing what my family has created inspires me to carry on our traditions and ensure it will not end with me.

One of the most beautiful experiences of being an artist and business owner is seeing the creations unfold into breathtaking masterpieces.