About Us

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Our Story

Yá’át’ééh (pronounced yah-ah-t-ayh)

Shi éí Olivia Franklin yinishyé. Áshłįįhí nishłí, Tódích’íí’nii éí báshíshchíín, Bįįh bitoodníí éí dashicheii, Tábąąhá éí dashinálí.

(Hello, my name is Olivia Franklin. I am of the Salt People Clan, born for the Bitter Water Clan. My maternal grandfather is of the Deer Spring Clan, and my paternal grandfather is of the Edge Water Clan.)

I grew up watching both of my parents work tirelessly to give us a better life. My dad was often on the road and my mom was always busy providing, yet together they showed me what resilience looks like. Moving away from the reservation was not easy, but it was their way of creating more opportunities for our family. Side by side with my mom, I sold jewelry at markets & powwows—learning that every sale carried more than just an exchange. It was about tradition, resilience, and connection. Their example taught me that nothing happens unless you get up, do the work, and make it happen—because nobody else is going to do it for you.

In 2024, when I found myself out of work, I leaned on those teachings: load up, show up, and figure it out. By the end of one day selling jewelry, I had made $500—but what I really found was my purpose.

Dinétah Trading was born from survival, but it has grown from love, legacy, and determination. My grandmother was a weaver and provider. My nalí lady and aunties were jewelry makers who traveled and sold to keep our traditions strong. That legacy continues today in every piece we share.

When you shop Dinétah Trading, you’re not just buying jewelry—you’re uplifting family and community artisans, preserving cultural traditions, and helping create steady income on the Navajo Nation. The more you purchase, the more our community thrives.

We may still be selling out of the back of a car, but every step forward reminds us why we started.

Our purpose remains the same:

• To honor our ancestors.
• To celebrate our stories.
• And to make our heritage wearable.

Thank you for being part of this journey—both on the road and online.

Ahéhee’ (Thank you)