Why 'Buy Native'

The Native American handmade jewelry we sell is an integral part of Native American economies, allowing for greater self-determination, and a continuation of cultural heritage. We and the artisans are so happy to have you purchase and wear a piece into which they have infused their creative spirit and took extreme care to make.

The jewelry is made to be purchased so the artisans can support themselves, their families, and their communities. When you choose to buy authentic Native American jewelry, you are meeting the definition of sustainability: helping to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is vital that living Native American artisans be supported so we can help protect the future of this original American treasure.

As each of us move through life, we are constantly presented with choices. In ways that are both visible and invisible, our choices impact the world and everything in it. One of the most frequent ways that we modern people affect our world is through the products we buy.

As we shop, we can ask ourselves "What is my social responsibility?" Part of being able to shop in an ethical way is through education and seeing the impact of your choices 

As children, we frequently traveled between where we grew up in Alpine, Utah and where much of the maternal side of our families live on the Navajo Nation. It was and still is very surreal to find oneself in conditions suited to a developing country while in the middle of the United States, after a short car ride of 5½ hours.

The Navajo Nation is a place of tremendous natural beauty and we love our family and our tribal members living there. There are deep spiritual and personal connections to the land and we as Diné people should be able live in our traditional homelands and prosper. However, it is very hard to prosper when day-to-day activities are focused around meeting needs that are both immediate and fundamental.

The jarring differences in areas that typically meet these fundamental needs such as basic infrastructure, weatherproof homes, availability of nutritious food, running water, paved roads, timely police or EMT assistance, and good medical care made a huge impact on our young selves and we resolved to assist our people in some way. Today, we support Native artisans as well as contributing a portion of all our proceeds towards various philanthropic efforts and charitable organizations focused on Native Americans. 

Your Kotah Bear purchase will make a difference in the lives of your fellow citizens and human beings: the Diné (Navajo) people, our Pueblo relatives, and other tribes. Walk with us in beauty and invest in the present and future of Native American jewelry!