Building Bridges: How Cultural Awareness, Land Acknowledgments, and Strategic Initiatives Uplift Alaska Native Communities | Bloom Communications

Welcome to Bloom Communications! Whether you're a new subscriber or follower, I'm excited to introduce myself and share the heart behind my work. As an Alaska Native woman, my journey has shaped the mission of Bloom Communications, where we focus on bridging cultural divides and supporting professional growth in Alaska Native communities.

"Our work is more than just professional expertise—it's deeply personal." – Charlene Ostbloom, Founder, Bloom Communications

About Bloom Communications: Merging Expertise with Cultural Connection

At Bloom Communications, we merge strategic communication with a lived understanding of Alaska Native culture, driven by a commitment to create meaningful connections between businesses and Native communities.

Our services include:

1. Corporate Culture Camps: Two-day camps exploring Alaska Native history, cultural traditions, and the complexities of working in rural Alaska.
2. Cultural Awareness Training: Tailored sessions that foster inclusive, respectful workplaces.
3. Strategic Communication: Targeted messaging that resonates with Native communities and stakeholders.

Learn more about our services

Recent Projects and Initiatives

Global Autonomous Systems Conference (GASC)

On August 15, 2024, I had the privilege of moderating a panel titled "Autonomous Air Mobility (AAM): Nurturing Tomorrow's Drone Workforce" at the Global Autonomous Systems Conference in Anchorage.

Key highlights:

• Explored job opportunities in AAM
• Discussed education and experience needs for the next generation
• Featured high school students from the T3 Alaska Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks showcasing work in rural Alaska

Panel Experts:

• Michelle Egan, Chief Communications Officer, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company
• Gabriel Low, Community Engagement Lead, University of Alaska Fairbanks - T3 Alaska Program
• Millie J. Johnson, Vice President of Shareholder Development and Relations, Chugach Alaska Corporation

This panel was a powerful reminder of the far-reaching impact AAM can have on Alaska's future, particularly in creating new opportunities and shaping a skilled workforce in rural Alaska for years to come.

View the entire panel presentation

Read a news story about the conference

Alaska Native Land Acknowledgments

We’ve been leading efforts to promote meaningful Alaska Native land acknowledgments. I'm excited to share that we’re finalizing a comprehensive checklist that will be available next week. This tool is designed to help organizations craft respectful and impactful acknowledgments that recognize and honor the deep connection between Alaska Native peoples and their lands.

If you’d like to explore this topic further, check out my previous article on the complexities of land acknowledgments in Alaska, where I dive deeper into what makes these acknowledgments truly meaningful—and the pitfalls to avoid.

See below to sign up for our newsletter and to learn when the checklist will be released.

Cultural Awareness Training

Our evolving cultural awareness training equips businesses with invaluable insights into Alaska Native cultures. These customizable sessions address specific needs and priorities, ensuring that cultural gaps are bridged in meaningful ways.

Request a custom training session

Upcoming: Native Women RISE Program

I'm thrilled to share that we're in the process of developing Native Women RISE, a program close to my heart dedicated to elevating our journeys as Alaska Native women in our careers. We're designing this initiative to tackle the unique challenges we face and create pathways to leadership and success.

Topics we plan to cover include:

• Balancing work, life, and cultural expectations
• Navigating unique challenges Native women face in the workplace
• Strategies for career advancement and leadership development
• Networking opportunities explicitly tailored for Native women

We're excited about the potential impact of this program and look forward to sharing more details as it develops. Keep an eye out for exciting announcements about the launch of Native Women RISE!

Join the waitlist for Native Women RISE

Why I Do This Work

Everything we do at Bloom Communications is driven by a single goal: to uplift Alaska Native communities through understanding, respect, and opportunity. As someone who has walked this path, I know the challenges—and the incredible potential—within our communities.

Did you know? There are 12 Alaska Native regional corporations and 174 village corporations. According to the ANCSA Regional Association, these corporations play a crucial role in managing their lands for the benefit of their shareholders.

What's Next: Continuing Our Mission

We're just getting started! Looking ahead, we're excited to expand our reach with new initiatives that continue to uplift Alaska Native communities. Stay tuned for:

• Insightful blog articles and resources
• Upcoming events
• Launch of the Native Women RISE program

Our mission remains clear: to continue building bridges and creating opportunities for Alaska Native communities.

Get Involved: Your Ideas Matter

Your voice is crucial in shaping the future of Alaska Native communities. We invite you to:

1. Suggest topics for Native Women RISE
2. Share ideas for future blog articles
3. Explore collaboration opportunities with Bloom Communications

What challenges have you faced in balancing work, life, and cultural expectations? We’d love to hear your story.

P.S.: If you found this update helpful, please share it with others interested in career development for Native women and cultural awareness initiatives. Watch for our next post, where we'll dive deeper into how to avoid the pitfalls of land acknowledgments at Bloom Communications!

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