Alliyah Yazzie

Alliyah Yazzie comes from a long line of talented Navajo (Diné) silversmiths. Alliyah is the oldest daughter of Veltenia Haley and granddaughter of Ruby Haley, both accomplished silver bead makers. Alliyah, along with her brother Hayden and cousin Faith, are the sixth generation in their family making handmade silver beads (commonly called Navajo Pearls), using the same traditional techniques for all those years.

Alliyah was born July 11, 2003 in Gallup, New Mexico. She lives with her mom, five
siblings, and her grandparents in the original homestead of the Haley family in New Mexico.

Alliyah began helping her mom and grandmother by stringing the beads, and then she went on to filing, then doming, polishing and sanding the beads. She found she had a knack for the tradition and enjoyed it. After years of apprenticeship, she began creating her own necklaces from start to finish.

She attended Tohatchi High School, where her favorite subject was English. She loves basketball and baking.

Alliyah is a wonderful young woman with high ideals and holds love for her family and ancestors.