Meet Desiree
As a multifaceted artist, designer, and cultural advocate, Desiree Belone has made it her life's work to honor and preserve the rich legacies of her diverse heritage—rooted in the Ponca tribe, the Dine' (Navajo) Nation, and her maternal Japanese lineage. Raised in the vibrant community of Boyle Heights, California, Belone draws inspiration from her deep connection to her ancestry and the bustling urban landscape that has shaped her identity. Through her art, she seamlessly blends traditions of her Indigenous roots with contemporary forms of expression, creating a unique narrative that resonates with both cultural significance and modern aesthetics.
A fourth-generation resident of Boyle Heights, Desiree’s upbringing was steeped in the knowledge and practices of regalia making, a tradition passed down through her family and community. Her passion for crafting wearable art, particularly in the form of breastplates—an art form that embodies both beauty and sacred symbolism—has propelled her to the forefront of Native American jewelry design. Each piece she creates is imbued with the philosophy of “good medicine,” where natural elements such as shells, crystals, and fur are thoughtfully incorporated to honor the Earth and its healing powers.
Beyond her jewelry, Desiree is deeply invested in the preservation of cultural traditions. She has remained an active participant in tribal gatherings, traveling to White Eagle, Oklahoma, and the Navajo Nation, where she maintains vital connections with her family and the larger Indigenous community. Her profound bond with her maternal grandfather, a Nisei born in a Japanese internment camp during World War II, further informs her work and the personal narratives she weaves into her art, connecting past struggles with present-day resilience.
Desiree’s artistic vision extends into her dedication to holistic wellness and environmental stewardship. As a member of the Los Angeles County Bee Keeper Association, she works tirelessly to educate her community about the vital role that honey bees play in the ecosystem and the preservation of Mother Earth. She also embraces daily practices such as yoga, holistic remedies, and the philosophy of food as medicine—habits that reflect her commitment to health and well-being, both for herself and the planet.
Through her art, her commitment to community, and her tireless advocacy for cultural preservation, Desiree Belone remains a powerful voice in the modern Indigenous art world, weaving together the timeless threads of her heritage with the vibrancy of contemporary life.
Awards
August 2025 Orange County Fair, Costa Mesa, CA
3rd Place Jewelry Beading
"Eʼeʼaahjí Tónteel" (West Coast Ocean in Navajo)
2nd Place Jewelry Beading
"Gourd Dance" (Blessing the Water. Honoring our Warriors/Veterans, past, present & future)
August 2024 148th Ponca Nation Powwow, White Eagle, OK
2nd Place Ponca Nation Powwow Arts & Crafts Fair
“LA Love Letter” Necklace & Earrings Set
May 2024 Los Angeles County Fair, Pomona, CA
1st Place Jewelry, Other
“Modern Love” Breastplate
2nd Place Beadwork Jewelry
”Californication War Dance” Necklace
August 2023 147th Annual Ponca Nation Powwow, White Eagle, OK
1st Place Ponca Nation Powwow Arts & Crafts Fair
"Josephine” Hand crafted Concho Belt