John D Kennedy

I am a third-generation Indian Trader. My family history spans over 100 years in the business of which I spent 38 years before retiring in 1995. Most of my time, I was exclusive supplier of American Indian arts & crafts to Disney and many national park operations. I served from a presidential appointment to the Advisory Board of the National Park Service and founded the Indian Arts & Crafts Association. The IACA existed for 48 years. While in business I handled over 30,000 pieces of Indian jewelry each year and 6,000 Navajo rugs. My dad created the market for piñon nuts in 1936 and we handled as much as 3 million pounds per year. I have written four books on my experiences and family history. Only two people ever dealt with all 250 Navajo trading posts – my dad and me. I traded with tribes and traders throughout North America and Alaska.