Dana is an enrolled Cherokee and a native of Oklahoma. She retired early from her position as administrative assistant in the Tulsa Indian Health Clinic to spend more time with family. After retirement, Dana, a master quilt maker, continued her long history of quilt making. Realizing that basket weaving is a special tradition and continues to have special meaning to the Cherokee and other tribes relocated to Oklahoma, she began learning the techniques of Cherokee and SE and began teaching and demonstrating basketry.

To further promote basketry, she joined the Oklahoma Native American Basketweaving Association. She participates in shows sponsored by the Cherokee Nation where she demonstrates basketry.