Bridging Identity and Professionalism

In Indian Country, we understand the meaning of “Urban Natives,” individuals whose lives and identities are shaped by their experiences in urban settings, away from their ancestral lands. Similarly, the term “Corporate Natives” reflects a different context—not where we were raised, but where we work. It describes Indigenous professionals navigating the structured and often isolating frameworks of Fortune 500 companies.

Corporate Natives often find themselves as the sole Indigenous voices in spaces where their cultural perspectives are not well understood. This isolation can lead to experiences of microaggressions, a lack of culturally aware mentors or leaders with shared experiences, and questions of identity, such as not feeling “Indian enough.” Some may struggle with or actively work toward reconnection with their communities, while others maintain strong cultural ties despite the challenges of corporate life.

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) designed for Indigenous professionals can serve as crucial anchors. They provide spaces of belonging and learning, fostering personal and professional growth while educating companies on Indigenous perspectives. These groups also play a pivotal role in helping organizations build meaningful relationships with Native communities, advancing efforts to close the wealth gap—the most significant in the United States—faced by Indigenous peoples.

Through ERGs and collective efforts, Corporate Natives can leverage their positions to create greater economic equity, inspire cultural understanding, and ultimately empower their communities. This is not just about succeeding in corporate spaces; it’s about redefining those spaces to be more inclusive and aligned with the values of mutual respect and equity.