Native Jewelers Kicked Out of Tombstone AZ Native Celebration
Native Jewelers Kicked Out of Tombstone AZ Native Celebration
On December 21st 2019 the historic town of TombStone AZ had their 1st Annual Native American Heritage Day Celebration. Organized by Dennis Nofchissey a “Native American jewelry maker and silver and goldsmith,” who also owns a gallery on 110 South Fourth Street in Tombstone. The celebration opened with smudging and a prayer offered by Nogales Mexicayotl Academy and Azteca community members Luis Fimbres and Mireya Arredondo.
Attendees were blessed by the talented nine-time world champion hoop dancer Nakotah LaRance, who has appeared in “Dances with Wolves”, “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee” and the television series “Longmire,”
“Through the hoop dance, Nakotah represents the beauty of Mother Earth and all the incredible gifts she gives us on a daily basis. Some of the dance designs include the eagle, butterfly, flower, ladder of life and the horse. Watch for these designs as he moves through the dance.” said Steve LaRance, Nakotah’s father.
https://youtu.be/BCWQZf-9Pbs
Nakotah, now 30, has performed all over the world and was accompanied by his brother Cree LaRance and father Steve LaRance, both are involved with the youth and craft bespoke authentic Native American jewelry. Veronica & Herb Thompson (Diné from Kirtland, NM) and James Fendenheim (Tohono Odham) were also among the authentic Native American jewelers that registered as venders and traveled to Tombstone to participate in the Native American Heritage Celebration.
The Thompson’s are very professional, dedicated and talented Diné silver smiths who have sold their craft all over our Country. Being revered, the Thompson’s were invited to vends at the Native American Celebration, even though “most of the event organizers are not Native and there were few Native owned booths.”
After the jewelers arrived and set up their booths, just as Nakotah LaRance was captivating the crowd with his hoop dancing, his father, brother and other jewelers were being told they were not allowed to vend within city limits. They were then told to leave “by several white women wearing buckskin and what seemed to be dress-up moccasins.” Our Cousins were then moved outside of the festival several blocks away. Some Masonic Brethren from King Solomon Territorial Lodge #5 politely provided labor assistance by carrying tables and chairs, in the spirit of support, Brethren purchased well-crafted goods from affected vendors.
Outrage began to spread across Indian country and the feelings of anger mixed with inter-generational trauma began to build. Comments such as “whites taking over our culture”, 
appeared on social media. The focus of this anger began to turn towards Andrew Kline, owner of Arlene’s Gallery. Arlene’s has been in Tombstone for almost 50 years and has been in his family for generations. Appearing as successful, Adam and his family have “worked hard to maintain integrity with pricing both to customers and Native American artisans.” The narrative of this massive miscommunication between vendors and event organizers (which no Arlene’s employees were a part of) began to shift towards “the successful non-native reseller is pushing out authentic Native American Jewelers in order to protect his business.” Unfortunately for Adam, this narrative began to spin out of control to the point that a non-identified male went into his shop and “caused a bit of a disturbance.”
The Global Initiative for Indigenous Advancement was notified of the happenings in Tombstone AZ through a private message sent to Chief Executive, Daniel StrongWalker Thomas (Delaware, Anadarko, OK). Knowing the situation was heating up in Tombstone and wanting to avpid another OK Carrel incident, Daniel StrongWalker Thomas quickly contacted his board members that were around for the holidays Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines (Nipmuc, MA) and Tom Frederick (Chappaquiddick, MA). The decision was made to reach out to all parties involved and calls were then placed to Tombstones Mayors office, chamber of commerce, Masonic hall, and the owner of Arlene’s Adam Kline. Contact was made at all but the Mayor’s office who had already been vocal about his willingness to offer an apology.
While speaking with Adam, it was becoming clear that he viewed himself as a Native American ally and was willing to work with community to make the situation better. With the assistance of GIIA, Adam began to see the impact this miscommunication could have between our cultures. He expressed his sadness by sharing his thought “this supposed to be a celebration of different cultures uniting.”
With nothing to apologize for, but being a business leader in town, Adam began to ask what he could do to make sure this never happens again. He agreed to the following proactive actions in order to lead the way towards unity:
Statement by: Adam Kline, Owner of Arlene’s Tombstone, AZ
“On December 21, 2019, a Native American Celebration event was held in Tombstone in which, along with several other businesses Arlene’s was a sponsor.
While this was an exciting event with many traditions and cultures representing various tribes and pueblos., There was an unfortunate development. Some Native American artisans were told to relocate their booths to different locations.
NO ARLENE’S REPRESENTATIVE WAS INVOLVED WITH THE PLANNING OR ORGANIZATION OF THIS EVENT & NONE OF MY EMPLOYEES WERE INVOLVED WITH ANY OF THESE ACTIONS
While Arlean’s has done nothing wrong and has nothing to apologize for, as sponsors and a community business member for almost 50 years, we feel the need to be a leader in assuring this will NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN, and that next year’s Native American Celebration will be a great success. In order to continue my family’s longstanding resolve as allies to the Native American community:
- I will be lobbying the mayor’s office to reevaluate the peddler’s policies currently in place.
- Veronica & Herb Thompson, Steve La Rance, Cree LaRance, and James Fendenheim you are cordially invited to vend within Arlene’s as featured artists, it would be an honor to show you hospitality.
- I look forward to sponsoring next year’s event as the organizers have assured improved
- Respect
- Improved communications and with vendors
Arlene’s is a family owned business that has operated with integrity and fairness since 1978. We have always promoted the city of Tombstone, and Native American artwork, in a positive way. This is an important part of the history of Arizona and the Southwest. We have always strived to represent the Native American artwork that we sell properly, truthfully, and fairly priced. We were a member of the Indian Arts and Crafts Association, which promoted and protected Native American artwork. Any further questions about this should be directed to the local organizers of the event, U Scream Ice Cream on 4th street in Tombstone, or The City of Tombstone.
My family has invested almost 50 years to building not only this business and the beauty of Native American artwork, but the town of Tombstone. We will continue to do so, thabn you for allowing our entire community to grow from this learning opportunity.
The names mentioned personally above can reach me directly at info@arlenesgallery.com.
Thank you to the Global Initiative for Indigenous advancement and everyone who reached out to assist,
Adam Klein
Owner, Arlene’s”
GIIA board members DOT NOT believe we can speak for all the people. We know this does not takes away the pain or anger, it is not for us to say if this is a good opportunity. Those affected and the people as a whole can decide if this is the beginning of healing or the end of the Native American Heritage Celebration in Tombstone AZ. I Daniel StrongWalker Thomas, one voice in our large indigenous community, I say bridge building is a good use of our hearts and hands.
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