STATEMENT REGARDING THE NATIVE AMERICAN EVENT IN TOMBSTONE, AZ ON DEC. 21, 2019

On December 21, 2019, a Native American Celebration event was held in Tombstone in which, along with several other businesses, Arlene’s was a sponsor.

While this was an exciting event with many traditions and cultures representing various tribes and pueblos, there was an unfortunate development. Some Native American artisans were told to relocate their booths to different locations.

NO ARLENE’S REPRESENTATIVE WAS INVOLVED WITH THE PLANNING OR ORGANIZATION OF THIS EVENT & NO ARLENE’S EMPLOYEES WERE INVOLVED WITH ANY OF THESE ACTIONS INVOLVING ARTISANS

While Arlene’s has done nothing wrong, and has nothing to apologize for, as sponsors and a community business member for almost 50 years, we feel the need to be a leader in assuring this will NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN, and that next year’s Native American Celebration will be a great success. In order to continue my family’s long standing resolve as allies to the Native American community:

1. I will be offering to work with the mayor’s office to reevaluate the peddler’s policies currently in place.
2. Veronica & Herb Thompson, Steve LaRance, Cree LaRance, and James Fendenheim you are cordially invited to vend within Arlene’s as featured artists in the future, it would be an honor to show you hospitality.
3. I look forward to sponsoring next year’s event as the organizers have assured improved
   1. Respect.
   2. Improved communications with vendors.

Arlene’s is a family owned business that has operated with integrity and fairness since 1978. We have always promoted the city of Tombstone, and Native American artwork, in a positive way. This is an important part of the history of Arizona and the Southwest.

We have always strived to represent the Native American artwork that we sell properly, truthfully, and fairly priced. We were a member of the Indian Arts and Crafts Association, which promoted and protected Native American artwork.

Any further questions about this event should be directed to the local organizers of the event, U Scream Ice Cream on 4^th street in Tombstone, or The City of Tombstone.

My family has invested almost 50 years to building not only this business and the beauty of Native American artwork, but the town of Tombstone.  We will continue to do so.

Thank you for allowing our entire community to grow from this learning opportunity.

The names mentioned personally above can reach me directly at info@arlenesgallery.com.

Thank you to the Global Initiative for Indigenous Advancement and everyone else who reached out to assist.

Adam Klein

Owner

Arlene’s