NextGen Native

Mark Trahant joined NextGen Native to discuss a wide-range of issues. When we spoke, the Congress was in the midst of considering the recent healthcare bill. Mark delved into health care policy and in particular Indian health care policy several years ago, and it is now an ongoing part of his journalism. It's remained relevant for several years.

We also discussed his emerging interests, including elections, and the era of disruption in Indian Country. He discussed how he likes to focus on the countless stories that are not the headline grabbers, but are important and impactful. Mark is somewhat a technophile, and we discussed the rise of social media for events like Standing Rock to organize Indian Country.

Official Bio

Mark Trahant is an independent journalist and a faculty member at the University of North Dakota as the Charles R. Johnson Endowed Professor of Journalism.

Trahant reports and comments on events and trends on his blog at TrahantReports.Com and on Facebook, Twitter (@TrahantReports) and other social media. He does a weekly audio commentary for Native Voice One. And, every day for nearly a decade, Trahant has written a 140-character rhyme based on a daily news story (@newsrimes4lines).He's been a reporter for PBS' Frontline series. The Frontline piece, "The Silence," was about sexual abuse by priests in a Alaska native village. He also has been editor-in-residence at the University of Idaho in the spring of 2011 and again in 2012. He taught courses on social media, the American West and editorial writing. In 2009 and 2010 Trahant was a Kaiser Media Fellow writing about health care reform focused on programs the government already operates, such as the Indian Health Service. He was recently the Atwood Chair of Journalism at the University of Alaska Anchorage.Trahant is the former editor of the editorial page for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer where he chaired the daily editorial board, directed a staff of writers, editors and a cartoonist. He has also worked at The Seattle Times, Arizona Republic, The Salt Lake Tribune, Moscow-Pullman Daily News, the Navajo Times, Navajo Nation Today and the Sho-Ban News. Trahant is a member of Idaho's Shoshone-Bannock Tribe and former president of the Native American Journalists Association.

"Because of that one choice, so many other possibilities came up. They were already there…" Warren Montoya of Rezonate Art and Rezilience on finding new perspectives.

Warren Montoya is the founder of Rezonate Art. He appeared previously on NextGen Native to discuss the company's beginnings and goals. He returned to discuss what he's been up to recently.

Warren pivoted his work with Rezonate after realizing he wanted to change the way his business worked. He described in this conversation (and our previous conversation) that part of his goal with the company was to build a sustainable business that could eventually support other artists. Warren realized that he could change his business model so that he did the support and education directly, rather than use his profits through selling merchandise.

The pivot required skills that we all should develop. This includes the ability to be honest with yourself and mindful of your emotions, ambitions, challenges, strengths and weaknesses. Out of this reflection, Warren and a group of others created Rezilience, a day long event focused on contemporary Native art in different forms.

In the second year, Warren and the team is building Rezilience to be a platform for other artists and organizations. I think the idea is great, and I am excited to see how the event continues to grow over the years.

This year Rezilience occurs April 30 in Albuquerque, the same weekend as Gathering of Nations. If you are heading to ABQ for GON, make sure you take time to check out Rezilience.

"If you want to do great things, then you should concentrate not on what you want to be but on what you want to do. You don't have to be anything specific thing to impact issues you care about…[assess] those things you want to impact, and then go do it."

Keith Harper (Cherokee) is a partner at the law firm Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton. In January 2017 Keith completed his appointment as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Council. Harper also served as one of the lead attorneys in the Cobell class action lawsuit. He appeared previously on NextGen Native to discuss his work, and he returned to share some conversation now that his post as Ambassador concluded.

Like every episode, my goal is to celebrate the success of those on the show, and make their success relatable to others. With Keith, my goal remained the same but I really wanted to ask him questions about how he thinks about career development, growth and more from the perspective of someone that already achieved significant accomplishments in his career. I think we are used to hearing these conversations amongst peers, but I am curious about how people that already achieved great results think about growth and their career progression. i

I asked what he learned about himself during his tenure, and what lessons he believes tribes (and anyone, frankly) can take away from his experience on an international stage. His insight is clear, concise, and actionable.

Keith's career already includes several significant achievements that few others have in Indian Country, let alone the legal profession generally. We are fortunate that Keith is willing to share his time on the show, because I think his insight is valuable to anyone that wants to grow and develop, or wonders how they can make a difference.

"Look for those opportunities that may not be obvious to you."

Gabe Galanda is a member of the Round Valley Indian Tribes. Galanda is also a partner at the law firm Galanda Broadman. He joined NextGen Native previously to share his personal journey. If you haven't heard his story, I recommend listening to his personal journey. It's a perfect example of how one can overcome challenges to succeed in your own personal way, at a high level. His personal journey is prologue to his work for clients facing disenrollment.

Through his law practice, Galanda emerged as one of the most vocal critics of disenrollment. For several years, he has represented clients fighting disenrollment. During that time he experienced many trying moments and challenges in his fight for his clients. At the time, not many people in Indian Country were openly discussing disenrollment, let alone fighting against the movement. But the tide may be turning. We spoke not too long after a #stopdisenrollment day of action and also following the decision by the tribal council for the Robinson Rancheria of Pomo Indians to re-enroll members that were previously disenrolled. Now, you're seeing people speaking out against disenrollment, and taking action against it, in larger numbers. Much of that can be attributed to the work of Galanda and others who took on the fight several years ago.

We discussed the fight against disenrollment, how Gabe managed the challenging battles on a personal and professional front, and what's next in the fight. This includes an upcoming symposium called "Who Belongs" at the University of Arizona Rogers College of Law. The event includes a list of heavy hitters that will attend including tribal leaders and leading legal minds.

This is a huge topic of the moment for Indian Country, and it's one of the most heavy and intense topics, too. But this podcast creates space to discuss these issues in an in-depth, nuanced fashion, even if the fire still burns hot. This is one of those conversations, and I hope it sparks more across Indian Country.

"If I am going to bet on anybody, I'm going to bet on myself."-Jaclyn Roessel

Jaclyn Roessel returned to the show to discuss some big changes in her life. For the last decade or so, Jaclyn did amazing things at the Heard Museum, which she described as her dream job. So I was amazed to see a headline that she was leaving the museum. It was time to grow up, or rather time to Grownup Navajo.

Jaclyn Roessel shared with me (and You!) how she arrived at the decision to leave her dream job, and what she plans to do with Grownup Navajo. Her transition isn't just about leaving her work to pursue her own projects, she also moved from Phoenix to New Mexico. Most people would be slow to make one of those decisions, the fact that Jessica dove into both changes at once is a bold step. It also shows that it is possible.If you feel like you are on the verge of doing something different, take a listen and draw upon the inspiration that Jaclyn shares throughout the episode!

Jaclyn Roessel shares a bit about what we can expect from Grownup Navajo in the coming year. She spoke about the various collaborations she has planned, and some broad strokes about other projects she plans to undertake.

We discussed a variety of topics, including how "esperar" in Spanish means both "hope" and "to wait" and what that means for taking action. If you've listened to previous episodes featuring Jaclyn, you'll know that she is about ACTION. We also discussed FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and what that means in Indian Country, being on "the front lines," refilling your metaphorical cup, and how each person can play a role no matter where they are in their life.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of our conversation. And that's why I always enjoy these conversations with Jaclyn. She brings a perspective, energy and commitment to Indian Country that is refreshing. It's also a rare combination, in my opinion. Have a listen, and be inspired.

"I'm eternally hopeful. Seeing [bad] things around me made me think that things can be better and should be better."

I speak with people across Indian Country that share their stories and do amazing, interesting things on a daily basis. Their energy is fiery, resistant, forward thinking or any combination of those emotions. Jessica Begay (Navajo), has an awesome story. But her energy was different from some of the other people I speak to, but it's end goal is the same. And it is refreshing. And we need more of it in Indian Country.

Jessica is a social worker at a tribal pre-school in Phoenix. During college, she realized that her interest and energy aligned with that of social workers. Her hopeful energy is not bound in the usual "we will endure" message, which is needed and powerful. It is based upon the knowledge that we can make our communities a better place. And from Jessica's work, it is done through creating healthier social environments.

Our conversation included a discussion of Brene Brown (start with her TED Talk), social and emotional development, and quizzes to test one's emotional intelligence. The bigger idea than just sharing these ideas generally is about how we can spread these ideas throughout Indian Country. For whatever reasons we may not be well developed to express, understand and be comfortable with emotions, I think it is something we need to reclaim. It seems to be an under-explored part of our work in Indian Country, at least in a way that is positive and healthy.

We discussed a variety of other issues, too (parenthood, running, discipline, Patagonia and bucket lists, and more) that made for a fun and well rounded conversation. It energized me in a way that I have not been energized in a while. And it's exactly why I do the podcast.

"We have to show up and we have to apply for things outside [Indian Country]. There is no one better than us to than to represent at the national level."

Chelsea Wilson (Cherokee Nation) works at All Native Group, a division of Ho-Chunk Inc. She is active in the DC chapter of the New Leaders Council a member of the executive committee and is a previous fellow with the organization. If a full-time job and a one organization was not enough, Chelsea Wilson also chairs the Frontrunners Committee of the organization She Should Run.

Chelsea Wilson describes herself as a giver, and if you cannot tell, she puts that into practice through the work she does personally and professionally. That character trait pays dividends back to Chelsea through the mentorships she's developed over the years. And each mentorship helped Chelsea develop and find new ways to give back. It's a classic story about how hard work, mentorship, and networks come together to provide opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

Chelsea worked for the Cherokee Nation where her boss mentored her and gave her projects to stretch her development. Eventually that led her to DC. I knew Chelsea's boss at Cherokee Nation and she mentioned to me Chelsea's interest in moving to DC. When I ran into her at a reception, that a "pushy friend" forced her to attend, I mentioned that I was looking to hire someone for my team.

After living in DC, Chelsea found her path through NLC and She Should Run. It's refreshing to have someone that can articulate that their interest to serve in public office comes from a genuine place of giving. Many people say it, and for many people it's true. But with Chelsea, you can feel her desire to serve.

In this conversation we discuss finding finding mentors the right way, growing professionally, and being willing to fail by trying. Chelsea Wilson combined each of these into her current work and others are starting to take notice.

Jim Gray is the former Principal Chief of the Osage Nation. Jim returned to NextGen Native for a conversation that I wanted to have since the day I started the podcast. Jim inspired the conversation with a "simple" Facebook post. When I read the post, I knew we had to connect again to dive into it.

So what was the post? It was only 25 words. "I think it's time we recognize there's a change in our world and we need to make room for new voices in the great debate."

When I read that, Jim took me back to why I started the podcast initially: how do young people grow into leaders, gain experience, and share that experience. It's not a simple question, and I struggled with ways to discuss it without sounding like a Young Turk.

Jim provided some background with what inspired him, and we spent an hour talking about this single issue, more or less. Within that conversation, however, we swing from the very abstract to the very specific. We discuss how it applies to water protectors at Standing Rock, how experienced leaders find a new way to lead and follow, and how to translate events that coalesce people into lasting action.

Jim's the perfect person to discuss this issue. He's a former tribal leader and national leader. He works as a tribal administrator. And he watches as his daughter emerges into her own leader participating in events like those at Standing Rock.

I think this is just the beginning of this conversation. When I first conceived this idea, I knew there were young people with energy and ambition and a commitment their communities. Many of them are emerging into new roles, or growing within their roles today. It's a never ending transition, but I agree with Jim that we are in a moment of larger change. Where it leads us I am not sure. But I am excited.

Chris James is the President & CEO of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED), a role he recently stepped into. He grew up in Cherokee, North Carolina in the heartland of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Chris is busy preparing for the National Reservation Economic Summit (RES) that is quickly approaching in March. But he carved out time to share stopped by to share his story with NextGen Native.

Chris' story is one that rings familiar to me. It's not only because our professional paths are similar, or that we've known each other personally and professionally. It rings familiar because it's a story of personal and professional growth, that is based in a service to community. It's the story of many NextGen Natives. We each face the challenge of how do we serve our community, even when that means moving away from home, growing and evolving into new roles, or finding new ways to live that purpose.

Listening to Chris' story, I reminded myself that much of the growth we experience comes in two ways. First, we often discount our own experience. When Chris worked for his tribe at the Sequoyah Fund, someone shared a job opportunity with him for a position in DC. He thought he'd never get the chance to actually work in DC. But he got the job and found himself adjusting to life in a new city. He doubted himself even when others encouraged him to take a chance. So often others see the potential in ourselves that we cannot see.

Second, if you look at Chris' story, eight years ago he worked for his tribe, and now leads a national tribal organization. In between he worked for the Department of Treasury and the Small Business Administration in senior positions. It may seem a steep trajectory, and one that cannot be duplicated. But if you dig into what Chris shares, you learn that each step along the way was simply one step beyond his previous experience. Each step leveraged his career to the point it is today, but nothing was a huge risk for him, it was a logical step.

After thinking about our conversation, I wondered how many people in Indian Country are standing at a similar leverage point. By taking one step, then another, then another, where will each of us end up? It's exciting and daunting. It's exciting to think about all that can be accomplished. It's daunting because it forces us to realize that it can be accomplished. I am forming an opinion that the things that make us most uncomfortable are the things we can reach if we try, but it's scary to think about achieving that goal. The things that make us most uncomfortable are often the things we should pursue with the most passion.

I'm excited to see what Chris will accomplish in his new role. I'm excited where his next small, yet leveraged, step, will take Indian Country. Where will your next step take your community?

Jackson Brossy is the Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Washington Office. He appeared on the show previously and returned for another conversation.

Since this was the first episode I recorded in 2017, I asked Jackson about whether he makes any resolutions. He doesn't, but he did share one of his goals for the year. Through his work, he wants to acquire property to open an embassy for the Navajo Nation in Washington, DC. We talked about where the idea came from, building upon others' ideas, and finding projects that are both big picture and the next step in a process.

The conversation made me think about work done in Indian Country generally. I think much of what we do as young professionals focuses on building upon the work of those that came before us. It isn't different, or better, or "new" necessarily, but we may be able to take on projects and initiatives now because of the work that others did before us. Conversely, people that are bringing new ideas, or trying to take on a goal that's failed before doesn't mean they think they are better than those that came before them, it's simply that their experience is different, the resources available may different, or any variety of reasons.

We also talk about what we've been reading recently. For Jackson, it's Andrew Carnegie's autobiography, for me I highlighted an article about palliative care and how it's making me think not about the end of life, but about living life to the fullest.

I had fun catching up with a friend I've known for 10 years now. We discussed a bit about moving through different stages in life. The last 18 months I've had a lot of new things in my life, all good, too! But it's definitely made me think about where I am currently, and it's hard to imagine knowing people that I met after college for a decade already. Anyway, these are the kind of conversations Jackson and I have when we get together, hopefully you enjoy it!

Also, hit us up if you have good fiction for us to read...