Weavers

Marie Nez


Yá’át’ééh. I am Near Mountain Clan. Born for the Red Streak Running Into Water Clan. My parents are Desbah and Fred Dedman. My name is Marie Nez. I live in Nazlini, Arizona on the Navajo Reservation.

I was born up at our summer camp. My mother was a weaver and an Herbalist. Growing up, we used traditional herbs, medicines, and ceremonies for healing. I still follow these ways. I am the youngest of 10 siblings. Now there are only 4 of us sisters.

I remember the stories of my great grandparents. They were forced to go on the Long Walk. Food was used as bait. They were captured because people would tell them there was free food in Chinle. When the people got to Chinle, they would be kidnapped.

I never went to school. I never learned to speak English. I had no teaching. I learned things just by watching. That’s how I learned to weave rugs.

I was abused a lot growing up. I was kept up until one in the morning to card and spin the wool to make rugs. I never had a store bought toy. I never really was allowed to play. I had to work to help support the family.

One of the toughest challenges I had in taking care of my family, was hunger. There were times when we didn’t have anything to eat. I wish I was still strong and young. I wish I could do more things myself again.

Thank you for buying my rugs. It helps me a lot.