Article written by Maureen Connolly

Ernie Apodaca (Blackfeet Indian Tribe) has 30 years of upholstery experience. He knows the best foam for lasting and feel, the best leather company to help him cover that foam in splendor, and the best artists and toolers to make his custom-made furniture creations unique and beautiful. Apodaca's furniture designs have reached the interiors of homes, casinos and offices throughout the United States and in many forms. Apodaca was wise enough to recognize the miracle that occurred in his life and to act on it. Eight years ago, Apodaca's successful upholstery business was burned down by an arsonist. Like a phoenix, Apodaca rose from the ashes of his store. Motivated by the devastation of losing the business and an overwhelming desire to change his lifestyle, Apodaca sought out help from his elders, and in the next few years, he overcame the many problems that had traumatized his life.

During this period of spiritual quest. Apodaca had his vision of making Native designed furniture to develop and carry on the quickly disappearing tribal arts and craftsmanship of the Native Americans. Northwest Native Designs grew with outstanding speed from this vision to the reality that it is today. Apodaca notes the significance of the fact that this vision came to him on Aug. 20, 1994, the same day Miracle, the white bull was born.

As a team, Apodaca and his colleagues create the best leather furniture on the market. There are a few secrets behind this kind of success. "It's what you can't see that is important when it comes to furniture." Apodaca explains on his Website (www.nwnative.com), "Our pride in Northwest Design's craftsmanship begins with the heart of our furniture foundations. Our frames are constructed by using kiln-dried hardwood assembled with life-lasting glue and screw fastening. And our individual hand-tied coils assure the best in comfort, year after year. Collapse restraint, high-density foam is utilized on all of our seat cushions and backs. Additionally, they are protected by durable fiber materials." Each of these "unseen" components, combined with the skill of a designer craftsman like Apodaca and the touches of his artists, lead to a unique creation that fits the personality of the buyer.

There is a varied display of pieces on the company Website. Most are made with leather and fur, however some are the featured new additions to Apodaca's inventory, the Tananka Collection. These pieces are designed from buffalo skin. They give off a rich, luxuriant feel and an imperial look with fur draped over the backs of the chairs and couches. The leather pieces are designed to the liking of the buyer. They may include colorful, hand-painted designs, leather tooling and/or carving on the displayed wood.