About Us

Ellis Tanner Trading Company History

 

The Navajos have honored Ellis Tanner with the name "Aye'hee' Yazzie" which means "Little In-law." In the Navajo way "Little In-law" is a great honor and great responsibility that Ellis Tanner takes very seriously. He works very hard to do what he can to help his "in-Laws" and to carry the Tanner tradition. Over the years he has built a good reputation of being a fair and honest businessman.
Ellis Tanner is fourth generation trader in business continuously since 1967, that holds the best quality Native American art and jewelry.

Ellis' great grandfather, Seth Tanner, came West with Brigham Young who sent Seth to scout Arizona, and he started settlement there. The Navajos called him "Hosteen Shush" which means "Mr. Bear" Ellis Tanner's grandfather Joseph Baldwin Tanner was also honored with a Navajo name; he was called "shush Yaz" which means "Little Bear." He was highly respected trader and a very good friend of Chee Dodge, the first Chairman of the Navajo Tribal Council. Ellis Tanner's parents, Ruel Lehi and Stella Tanner were well respected traders and they had stores in several areas of the reservation.