Non-Indians can make Indian style merchandise but cannot make Indian merchandise.
We carry some items which are not made by Native American Indians. These pieces are clearly represented as non-Indian items. Everything else we sell is made by, and can be traced to, Native American Indian craftspeople.
Our ultimate goal is to enhance both tradition and creativity among Indian artists. This concept allows for the use of new techniques as well as embracing tried and true methods of crafting. It is our belief that an Indian artist should be able to use technology to improve his ability to creatively enhance his artwork. Just as metal knives came to replace flint blades, the use of offset prints, pre-cut stones, spin cast feathers and commercial canvas have contributed to the craftsman's ability to survive in a competitive marketplace, while retaining his or her cultural values and beliefs.
It has always been our belief in business that we work as an agent for the crafts people to market their wares and also as an agent for our customers on the reservations representing them in the buying process.
We adhere to the philosophy that "if it isn't good for everyone, it isn't good for anyone."
Explanation:
If the Indian artists and craft persons do not get paid a fair price for their work they will be forced to make a living another way or to produce inferior goods.
If we as agents don't make enough to stay in business then the artists must spend most of their time looking for a buyer instead of creating. This means you, the customer, would have access to only a limited range of product.
If you, the retailer, can't make a reasonable profit then you have no choice but to sell something else.
If the ultimate consumer doesn't receive value for his dollar he will simply quit buying.
We all have a responsibility to each other.
Deer Track Traders was started May 1st, 1975 by Alpine and Sue Rodman. It was a tiny company with a simple philosophy; value, service and quality.
Alpine had already been buying, selling and trading Indian goods since the age of twelve. He is an accomplished silversmith and stonecutter. He has a passion for making new friends making him a natural for business. He has written several articles about Native Americans and their arts and crafts. Many of these articles are about the items Deer Track Traders sells. Alpine also enjoys writing poetry.
Sue while more reserved, has an artistic background. She has always been an artist. Sue attended college majoring in graphic design and jewelry and metal smithing. A thirst for knowledge has been fueled over the past twenty-nine years by constantly doing research on all aspects of Indian culture and crafts. A knowledge she has shared by writing numerous articles on sand painting, jewelry, beadwork, dolls, baskets, Navajo weaving and various aspects of Native American life. Her book 'The Book of Contemporary Indian Arts and Crafts' includes some of these articles. Sue has also written several short stories and articles for children on various subjects.
Several years ago it became apparent that Deer Track needed more help, preferably from someone with a knowledge of Indian crafts and culture. Alpine's parents, Bob and Verna, sold their business and joined the ever growing Deer Track staff.
Connie, Alpine and Sue's daughter, had been raised feeling the business was her sibling. She has spent almost her entire life in a love-hate relationship with the business, being dragged from one end of the country to the other, from reservation to reservation, from show to show. After all this and graduating college with a degree in Performance Theatre, she managed an Indian/Western store for a while. She recently returned to Deer Track bringing with her twenty-five years of experience in the business and an abundance of enthusiasm and ideas.
With the help of our extended business family; John, Nancy, Donna, Carol, Graham, Barbara, Glen, and Freya, we face the future with confidence and optimism.
Given our broad range of products and knowledge we are well prepared to face the challenges of an ever changing industry.
By making Deer Track Traders a vital link in your chain, you are assured the Indian crafts-people are being treated fairly and you are receiving quality product at a competitive market price.