Navidad....An Endangered Specie

This morning I found that my "Navidad", a Native American Folk Art Doll, was featured on Etsy in Night Sky Jewelry's wonderful Green Me Up Scottie Treasury.

I was excited! I was delighted! Navidad (you can see her smiling there in the second row) has a spotlight for what could be her final days. It saddens me to know that come February, 2009 her life could well come to end when CPSIA goes into effect.


Thank you Sharon for giving Navidad what could well be her final curtain call.


Navidad has many sisters. They are made entirely by hand by Wolf Clan Seneca and Mohawk doll artist, Peggy MacKenzie. There are no buttons or moving parts that could create choking issues. They are merely fabric, polyester fiberfill, ribbon, non-toxic paint and are filled with Peggy's love and tribal history.


Peggy's dolls have been sold by us on the Pow Wow trail and on Etsy to the delight of our customers. They are historic, sweet and could in no way compromise the health and well being of anyone. But we can not afford to the testing required by CPSIA. So Navidad and her sisters may well be at the end of their run.


Doll making is a part of all cultures. These crafts should be preserved, protected, and perpetuated rather than being endangered by a government who is blind to the value of the arts and crafts to a country and its culture. Shame on you Congressman and Senators if you allow Navidad and her sisters to become endangered species!

Help Save Our Native Arts and Crafts

As of February 10, 2009 new laws go into effect that will drastically impact my work and that of many others in the arts and crafts industry. In fact, it will destroy us. This law requires expensive testing and certification of all items for the use of those under 12 years old. As you know, we make and sell many items at Pow Wows and on-line that are intended for this age group.

Native children purchase our children's jewelry and toys. Their relatives purchase our bead work for the regalia of their young people. In other sections of this blog, I have posted photos of young girls proudly wearing my barrettes, earrings, etc.

Our land was taken. Our streams and the air we breathe were polluted. We were forced to lands we did not choose. Now, they want to take our ability to protect, perpetuate and promote our culture through our crafts as well. Please vote by clicking above, add the widget from the site if you choose, write your government officials, notify your friends. PLEASE HELP SAVE OUR ARTS AND CRAFTS!