Embracing Resilience: Navigating the Workplace as a Native Person

As Native people, resilience is an integral part of our identity, shaped by our history, culture, and shared experiences. In the professional world, this resilience is often tested as we face unique challenges: balancing career goals with cultural responsibilities, managing the expectations of representing our culture, and navigating environments that may not fully understand or respect our values.

According to a 2021 report by the Diversity Gap Initiative, less than 0.1% of C-suite positions in Fortune 500 companies are held by Native Americans. This stark underrepresentation highlights the importance of discussing our unique experiences and challenges in the workplace, as well as celebrating our successes and resilience.

In this article, we'll explore how our inherent resilience helps us navigate these complexities and offer practical steps for thriving in the professional world.

Resilience in the Workplace: Personal Experiences

Navigating Workplace Challenges

Challenges can manifest in various forms in the workplace. I once faced a situation where colleagues questioned my hire because I was Native. They didn't think I was qualified or deserved to be there. At the time, I lacked the skills and tools to address the situation effectively, which led to prolonged stress and anxiety.

If I had better skills and more tools in my toolbelt, this situation would not have been as drawn out as it was, nor would I have experienced as much anxiety about it all. This experience taught me valuable lessons: the importance of being aware of my rights, documenting instances of unfair treatment, and speaking up for myself. No one can advocate for you better than you can. It's crucial to recognize these situations and address them proactively.

Navigating Cultural Obligations and Workplace Policies

One of the most challenging aspects of being a Native person in a non-Native workplace can be balancing our cultural obligations with professional expectations. This became clear to me when my great-great grandmother passed away.

As a new employee still on probation, I couldn't take time off unless there were specific circumstances, like the death of an immediate family member. My supervisor interpreted the HR policy literally, stating that I couldn't take time off because the policy only mentioned grandmothers, not great-great grandmothers.

This situation highlighted the disconnect between Western workplace norms and our cultural values. In our communities, the loss of an Elder, regardless of the exact familial relationship, is a significant event that requires our presence and participation in funeral rites and potlatches.

Feeling torn between my cultural duties and work obligations, I made the difficult decision to escalate the issue to HR. Thankfully, the HR representative sided with my interpretation of the policy, allowing me to attend the funeral and potlatch. This experience underscores the importance of advocating for our cultural needs and educating our employers about the depth of our familial and community connections.

Practical Steps for Building Resilience

As we navigate the complexities of the workplace, it's essential to develop strategies that help us maintain our resilience and cultural integrity. Here are some practical steps that have helped me and other Native professionals:

1. Recognize Your Cultural Strengths: Reflect on the values and teachings from your family and community. Thinking about my ancestors, grandparents, and parents grounds me. It tells me if they can do it, I can do it too. These cultural strengths can be powerful sources of resilience in work settings.

2. Plan Ahead for Cultural Practices: Anticipate important cultural events or obligations and plan accordingly. Open communication with your employer about these needs is crucial.

3. Build a Support Network: In every company I've worked for, I've made it a priority to build a support network. Start by seeking guidance from experts or those with the most experience in their fields. These relationships often develop into mentoring or coaching relationships. Remember, these should be reciprocal—be prepared to offer your own insights and support in return.

4. Understand Your Workplace Resources: Familiarize yourself with workplace policies, including leave policies and employee assistance programs. Knowledge is power when it comes to navigating workplace challenges.

Cultural Lessons on Resilience

Growing up in Nulato, Alaska, our Koyukon culture prepared us for challenges in ways I'm still discovering. One of my earliest and most profound lessons in resilience came from a community tragedy. When I was young, we lost a child—a classmate of one of my younger brothers—in a shocking incident that shook our tiny community to its core.

This loss wasn't just a family's tragedy; it was a loss for every one of us. It taught me the immense power of community in times of hardship. I witnessed firsthand how a community could come together, hold each other up, and find strength in unity, even in the face of unimaginable pain.

This experience shaped my understanding of resilience. It's not just about individual strength, but about the collective power we have when we support each other. I try to apply this principle in both my personal and professional life, recognizing that we are stronger together than we are alone.

As I mentioned in last week's blog post about the importance of community, these cultural lessons of unity and mutual support are invaluable in the workplace. They remind us that we're not alone in our challenges and that our community can be a source of strength and resilience.

Sharing Our Culture

Being able to share my culture with my friends and co-workers has been a rewarding and enlightening experience for me. I remember a humorous incident when discussing traditional foods with a non-Native coworker who was already a picky eater. The look on her face was priceless when I described some of the animals we eat and how we prepare them!

These moments of cultural exchange, even when they lead to surprise, confusion, or humor, are valuable. They open doors to understanding and appreciation of our diverse backgrounds. I always encourage my friends and colleagues to ask questions, especially when in doubt. It's through these conversations that we build bridges and create more inclusive environments.

Our Resilience Is Our Strength

Resilience for us isn't just about surviving workplace challenges; it's about finding ways to thrive despite them. By drawing on our cultural teachings, the strength of our ancestors, and the power of our communities, we can navigate professional spaces while staying true to who we are.

Remember, every time you advocate for yourself, educate a colleague about your culture, or find innovative ways to balance your professional and cultural obligations, you're not just building your own resilience—you're paving the way for future generations of Native professionals.

Reflection Questions for Native Employees

• Think about a time when you faced a challenging situation at work. How did your cultural background influence your response?

• What aspects of your Native culture do you find most challenging to maintain in a professional setting? How might you address this?

• How can you use your experiences to educate and create more understanding in your workplace?

By sharing our stories, supporting each other, and staying true to our values, we honor the resilience of those who came before us and inspire those who will follow. Let's continue to embrace our resilience, share our experiences, and create workplaces that truly value the unique perspectives we bring as Native employees.

Join Native Women RISE

Native Women RISE is a new membership program designed to support and empower Native women throughout their career journeys. RISE (Reach, Inspire, Support, and Elevate) offers a supportive network, resources for navigating workplace challenges, and opportunities for professional growth.

Together, we can create positive change in our workplaces and communities.
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For Employers: Creating an Inclusive Environment for Native Employees

While this article is primarily aimed at Native professionals, it's crucial for employers to understand how they can support and create inclusive environments for their Native employees. Here are some key considerations:

1. Flexible Scheduling: When possible, offer flexible work arrangements to accommodate cultural practices and family obligations.

2. Cultural Awareness Training: Provide training to help non-Native colleagues understand and respect the values and traditions of Native communities.

3. Open Dialogue: Establish channels for open communication where employees feel comfortable sharing their cultural needs without fear of judgment or discrimination.

4. Review and Adapt Policies: Regularly review HR policies to ensure they are inclusive and considerate of diverse cultural needs.

Reflection Questions for Employers

To foster a more inclusive environment for Native employees, consider the following:

• How familiar are you with the cultural practices and obligations of your Native employees?

• Do your current policies accommodate the unique needs of Native employees? If not, how can they be adapted?

• How can you create opportunities for cultural exchange and education within your organization?

• What steps can you take to ensure Native employees feel valued and their voices are heard in decision-making processes?

• How can you support the career advancement of Native employees in your organization?

If you need guidance on addressing these questions or implementing inclusive practices in your organization, don't hesitate to reach out to  us at Bloom Communications.