The Navajos at Deer Valley

Deer Valley is a prestigious resort up a side canyon from Park City, frequently ranked #1 in the nation, where the rich, and I mean deep-pocket rich, come to ski. Too bothered to carry your skis to the lift? Don't worry someone will take care of that for you, probably blow your nose, too. Got the idea? Okay, so I can't afford to even think about skiing here, but I can take a few bucks and support the Navajos as they come to show and sell their beautiful rugs. I knew I couldn't afford a rug (the one I really liked was $5000), but I had a $20 in my pocket which bought me earrings.

Wanted to take some pics, but asked a volunteer. Yes, if you buy one of their rugs.

Okay, I'll just pull a media picture from the net. Aren't these ladies beautiful? They're tiny, like talk to my belly-button tiny. Their art is giant. These elders live in remote locales in Arizona, sometimes w/o modern conveniences, and this money from selling their craft is vital to the family. One lady held up her hand showing five fingers (didn't speak English). Only $5? Her granddaughter asked for $10. I gave her my $20.


One of the volunteers was going around w/a big bag full of reading glasses making sure that these ladies got a pair or two. They would just nod their head at whatever was given to them as the volunteer tried to get them the right power. I had to laugh because later when I made my rounds they were wearing their reading glasses, working their wares and not one had taken the sticker off the lens.