Companies Continue To Miss The Mark With Inclusivity For The Native American Community by Kylee Carter

With 5.2 million Native Americans in the U.S., the Native American community accounts for millions in economic contribution every year. For instance, the Chicksaw Nation contributes $2.5 billion to the regional economy annually, and employs over 12,000 people. On the Moapa River Indian Reservation, the Eagle Shadow Mountain Solar Farm in Nevada is set to have enough capacity to power over 18,000 homes. However, while their contributions to the economy and the business world are mounting, there continues to be an unfair representation of the Native American community in workplaces today, contributing to another hidden epidemic within the Native American community. With most DEI campaigns and policies severely lacking (or eliminating) Native Americans, businesses are missing the mark when it comes to a key labor market and being truly inclusive.

Diverse Applications Are Up, But Unconscious Bias Still Prevails In Recruiting

One of the most outstanding points in the ongoing lockout of Native Americans in the workplace inclusivity conversation is the lack of information on appropriate inclusivity strategies. This includes recruitment and retention models for Native American workers. With little or no information on how to appeal to Native American workers or include them in the conversation, businesses are left woefully ignorant of what to do. 

Unless businesses expand their support strategies to include Native Americans in the workforce, businesses will continue to miss the mark when it comes to driving and supporting a diversified workforce which fully includes all workers regardless of disabilities, ethnicity or gender. For instance, the Navajo language is the most spoken Native American language. Furthermore, 24 percent of Native Americans have a disability, according to the U.S. Census. However, many companies do not have accessibility tools to help Native Americans access training manuals/policies in their native language or for those with disabilities. Finally, by partnering with Urban Indian Centers and Tribal Rights Organizations, employers can provide sensitivity and inclusivity training to better understand the cultural norms and differences that come with Native American employees.

Native American Entrepreneurial And Employee Resource Groups Remain Unsupported

While some companies like AT&T have employee resource groups that are dedicated to recruiting and tackling issues unique to Native American employees, it is still not a widespread practice. For the businesses that do not have in-house employee resource groups, very little is done to publicize external partner associations that offer advice and assistance for Native American employees. For instance, the Bank of America’s Native American Professional Network partners with the United National Indian Tribal Youth, a non-profit with representation in 36 states. This gives members (and their employees) access to useful career development skills, and also a higher bargaining power to have their voices heard in the workplace. 

Unemployment Rates Continue To Soar And Hinder Better Workforce Representation

According to data from the Current Population Survey, the unemployment rate for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN) is 6.6 percent. For Native Americans, the unemployment rate has topped 12 percent, almost double the national unemployment average. For the community, the continuous circle of unemployment and poverty experienced by Native Americans has only worsened the chances of true inclusivity being achieved. 

Native Americans have the highest poverty rate amongst all minority groups. The ensuing consequences have meant that 29 to 36 percent of Native Americans end up dropping out of school, while many others struggle to compete equally in the job market. Help for those who want to further their education or upskill is limited as well. For instance, a recent USA Foundation report showed that while philanthropy efforts in the country have risen steadily, contributions to non-profits aimed at the Native American community still account for less than 1 percent.

For businesses to truly include Native Americans in their inclusivity efforts, they must first recognize the disparities being faced by the community. These cultural and economic differences help to shape and define the path of many Native Americans. Without the right support, companies have no hope of attracting and retaining valuable Native American talent. So while the conversation on workplace inclusivity is much needed and long overdue, there is still a very long way to go for the Native American communities.

By Kylee Carter