An Open Letter to Alaskan Employers on Indigenous Peoples' Day

Tomorrow marks Indigenous Peoples' Day, a day that should resonate deeply within our state. As an Alaska Native woman, a business owner, and someone with over two decades of experience in corporate environments, I feel compelled to use this platform to share an open letter to Alaskan employers. This letter is not just to commemorate a day but to start a meaningful conversation about the value and perspectives that Alaska Native people bring to our workplaces every single day.

Dear Alaskan Employers,

Tomorrow marks Indigenous Peoples' Day, a day that should resonate deeply within our state. As an Alaska Native woman, a business owner, and someone with over two decades of experience in corporate environments, I write this letter not just to commemorate a day, but to start a meaningful conversation about the value and perspectives that Alaska Native people bring to our workplaces every single day.

Alaska is unique. Our economy is significantly influenced by Alaska Native corporations. In fact, 16 of the top 20 companies in Alaska’s Top 49ers list are Alaska Native Corporations, as recognized by Alaska Business Monthly.

Alaska Native Corporations employ over 15,000 people in the state and 55,000 globally, demonstrating the vital economic role Alaska Native people play in our state Alaska Business Monthly, October 2024.

Alaska Native people bring invaluable strengths to the workplace—strengths that aren't just beneficial, but essential for the growth and success of businesses across the state. Our perspectives, rooted in both tradition and adaptability, are exactly what businesses need to navigate today's challenges.

We bring with us:

• A deep understanding of sustainability and long-term thinking, rooted in millennia of living in harmony with the land.
• Strong community values that enhance team dynamics and corporate culture.
• Unique problem-solving skills honed by navigating both traditional and modern worlds.
• A rich cultural heritage that can drive innovation and creativity in untapped ways.
• Resilience and adaptability—traits that are crucial in today’s rapidly changing business landscape.

Yet, too often, these strengths go unrecognized or underutilized. The statistics paint a stark picture:

• Native women earn only 58.9 cents for every dollar earned by their white male counterparts in full-time roles, according to the Institute for Women's Policy Research and US Department of Labor.
• The unemployment rate among Alaska Natives is 10.5%, compared to the state average of 5.8%, with rates even higher in rural areas Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development and US Census Bureau.

These numbers aren’t just data points—they represent missed opportunities for businesses and our communities alike.

As we observe Indigenous Peoples' Day, I challenge you to go beyond performative actions. While social media posts and posters are a start, they only scratch the surface. Instead, I urge you to:

• Evaluate your hiring practices: Are you actively seeking out Alaska Native talent?
• Assess your workplace culture: Does it genuinely welcome and value Indigenous perspectives?
• Review your leadership pipeline: Are you providing leadership and growth opportunities for Alaska Native employees?
• Engage with our communities: Are you building genuine, mutually beneficial partnerships with Alaska Native organizations?
• Educate your teams: Are your employees aware of the rich contributions of Alaska Native peoples to our state’s history, culture, and economy?

Indigenous Peoples' Day is an opportunity to reflect, but our value isn't confined to a single day. We are here, we are essential, and we are ready to contribute to the growth and success of your organizations every day of the year.

I invite you to contact me directly to discuss how I might help your organization better integrate Alaska Native perspectives and talents into your workplace. Let’s move beyond recognition and work toward true partnership and equity.

Let’s work together to ensure the future of Alaska’s business landscape reflects the strength of its Indigenous peoples. Contact me to start the conversation.

Sincerely,
Charlene Ostbloom
Alaska Native Business Owner and Advocate