The Burke Museum set the stage for a powerful evening focused on Indigenous Representation in Sports and Business, drawing a diverse group of attendees passionate about equity, inclusion, and cultural visibility. The event provided valuable insights and actionable steps to foster a more inclusive world.
The highlight of the evening was a compelling panel featuring leaders working to elevate Indigenous voices across various industries. The panellists included:
- Leslie Cherry-Knight (Bank of America), VP of Community Relations and Segment Chair for the Native American Professionals Network (NAPN).
- Tiyanni Mahi (Salesforce), Manager of Recruiting Coordinators and Global EVP of Indigenousforce.
- Natalie Welch (Seattle University & Rise Above), Assistant Professor and Executive Director of Rise Above, supporting Native youth leadership.
Moderated by Dani Carbary and Tara Buchan of TaDa Partners and DEI Co-Chairs for WISE Seattle, the panel explored pathways for Indigenous inclusion through mentorship, community partnerships, and increasing visibility in both sports and business. Panelists provided actionable strategies to dismantle barriers, foster belonging, and drive meaningful change. The Burke Museum backdrop beautifully tied together cultural heritage and the need for a more inclusive future.
Panel Takeaways for the Workplace
- Create space for Employee Resource Groups focused on Indigenous employees and encourage active participation from allies. Share Employee Resource Group (ERG) success stories publicly, align ERG objectives with company goals, and provide sufficient resources for their activities.
- Ensure policies reflect cultural sensitivity and competency, including representation in DEI metrics.
- Implement mentoring programs that support career growth and foster mutual learning—partner with Native-focused organizations to offer culturally specific resources and role models.
- Break out of the silos and collaborate with other individuals and organizations focused on inclusion and belonging, such as WISE Seattle and Collabor8 Employer Collective, in addition to connecting with folks doing this work like our speakers: Leslie (LinkedIn), Tiyanni (LinkedIn), and Natalie (LinkedIn).
- Collaborate with your internal recruitment team and Tribal Colleges and Universities to recruit Indigenous talent. Consider flexibility in hiring, such as waiving four-year degree requirements for skills-based roles and promoting remote work to maintain connections to Indigenous communities.
- Integrate Native-owned businesses into supplier diversity programs to strengthen economic ties.
- Collaborate with Indigenous communities to draft meaningful land acknowledgments, moving beyond symbolism to provide tangible support for Native initiatives.
Panel Takeaways for Cultural Competency and Expanding Awareness
- Educate Yourself About Indigenous History and Cultures
- Read works by Indigenous authors and research local Indigenous groups to understand each’s diverse cultures and histories.
- Learn about the land and recognize the Indigenous peoples who have lived there. Participate in Indigenous cultural events and listen to Indigenous leaders to gain insights into lived experiences.
- Support Indigenous art and media to better understand stories.
- Collaborate with Indigenous groups focused on education, rights, and social justice. Support Indigenous initiatives through volunteering or donations.
- Use mindful language, such as using specific tribal names. Avoid cultural appropriation and misuse of sacred symbols or practices.
- Reflect on personal biases and engage in ongoing learning about Indigenous issues and perspectives.
Attendees left feeling inspired to get involved, amplify Indigenous voices, and create pathways for equity and representation. The evening underscored the importance of preserving history while advancing Indigenous visibility and advocacy in business, sport and the greater community. For folks who’d like to learn more about, support, or get involved with Rise Above, visit https://nativeyouthriseabove.org/
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