Haley Yazzie

Haley Olen Yazzie was born on June 11, 2002 in Gallup, New Mexico. Named after his mother’s family name, he comes from a lineage of Navajo pearl makers. He is the eldest of six children of jeweler Veltenia Haley and the grandson of jewelers Ruby and Benjamin Haley. At just 10 years old, he began helping his mother by polishing and cleaning beads. Silver beads are a way of life for the Haley family. 

He graduated from Tohatchi High School near Twin Lakes, a school known for its strong basketball program. During his time there, he was a standout player and part of a team that advanced to the state level.

After high school, Haley decided to enlist in the United States Navy. Following strong exam performance, he entered the Navy and was stationed in Japan for two years, with additional deployments throughout Asia, including South Korea. He also spent six months in San Diego and two years in Seattle. His military service provided opportunities to travel, meet new people, and gain both physical and mental strength.

He returned home in December 2025. He had missed his family and the culture of living near Gallup, and he says it feels great to back. While home, Haley reconnected with his roots of making hand made silver beads, and he is quite the artist. While he still hopes to travel more in the future, he finds joy in his work and continuing the artistry and heritage of handmade Navajo pearls.