| "A Message from The Wheatley Family" Dakota S.W. Traders is all about family. My name is Jim Wheatley Standing Bear. Being raised among the diverse Native American people in Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico I grew up admiring the strong values and work ethic of the Native American people. As I have researched my own Native American ancestry it has strengthened me and humbled me. To be part of a culture that is so committed to continuing the teachings and artistry of their ancestors even after times of immense strife is a great honor. My wife Sherry Yellow Hawk and I were married in May of 1989. On our honeymoon, a trip to the Navajo reservation Sherry too, began a life long love for the Native American people, their culture, and their exquisite craftsmanship. After filling our home with wonderful Native American pieces, friends and family began to ask us to purchase items for them. After word spread, we could not keep up with all the special orders. Dakota S.W. Traders was established in May 2003 as a way to share these authentic Native American items. We have taken many trips during the last 15 years traveling to the Navajo and Hopi Reservations. We also visit many Pueblo People such as the Acoma, San Felipe, Laguna, Santo Domingo, Zuni, and Isleta. It is our desire to know the artists themselves as well as their work. Most of the items are purchased from the living rooms of the artists, on the side of a dirt road, or over dinner with the artist and their family. We have our own Silversmiths handcrafting beautiful pieces. Many will have turquoise, coral, onyx, lapis, malachite, or sugalite stones. Our fire opal in white, blue and green, is also very popular. We are proud to carry horse hair pottery from the Vail family. Hair from the horse's mane or tail is applied while the pottery is still hot to create unusual and one of a kind designs. Another family we are pleased to represent is the Ramone family. Their hand carved Kachina Dolls are spectacular. The entire family, regardless of age, is a part of the process. Clayton Kaniatobe is a young Hopi artist we are fortunate to work with and bring you his intricately carved pieces. These are only a few of the artist we represent. We believe in all of them and are proud they entrust us with their artistry. Whether you are looking for Jewelry, Pottery, Kachinas, Dream Catchers, Artifacts, or Turquoise Skulls, we are pleased you have chosen Dakota S.W. Traders. Our items can be seen annually at the Red Earth Festival in Oklahoma City at the State Fairgrounds. Our family has a booth for you to see everything we have to offer. The festival is a one of a kind experience that happens the first weekend in June each year. From Jim, Sherry, and our son Dakota Spotted Eagle: We wish you health, happiness, and peace. |
