Cynthia Atkinson Hale
Nava Hopi Trading Post
Cindy was born several years after the store opened, and early in life was raised with Diné (Navajo) caretakers whose husbands were silversmiths for Nava-Hopi Trading Post. Growing up, she also worked in the store, helping people try on moccasins and pick out Native jewelry.
Stephens College and UCSB
Cindy graduated from Stephens College and the University of California in Santa Barbara with a degree in History, studying the American West and revisionist history, writing her thesis about its impact on Native people
Museum Curator
After graduation, Cindy worked in Washington DC, and later, drawing upon her family history, began her museum career, working with Native art collections at the Denver Art Museum (pictured), Gilcrease Museum, and the Five Civilized Tribes Museum.
Appraiser
After 25 years in museums, Cindy shifted in the industry to become a credentialed art appraiser, and changed the family business to Native American Art Appraisals, Inc. She was an accredited member of the International Society of Appraisers for 20 years, working with hundreds of collections, before retiring in 2019.