Honoring and connecting our global Indigenous and First Nations community

Every November, the United States (US) recognizes Native American Heritage Month. So, as a proud member of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, this is a special time of the year for me and my family.

This time of the year became even more significant as Adobe has expanded that celebration globally to recognize the contributions and importance of Indigenous and First Nations people from around the globe. I am honored to lead these efforts as the new Executive Sponsor of Indigenous/First Nations at Adobe, an employee network designed to support a community representing the oldest living cultures in the world.

From grassroots to global efforts

After 20 years at Adobe, one of the things that I appreciate is the diversity of people from all walks of life and regions who honor and celebrate our heritage year-round.

During International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples in August, Adobe employee Natalie Contreras shared her perspective as a descendent of Indigenous nations in Mexico and the importance of preserving and amplifying the voices of Indigenous Peoples around the world. I had the life-changing opportunity to share my story at Adobe’s annual inclusion building event, addressing how I have embraced my identity as part of the Shawnee tribe and how my experiences have impacted my life and leadership in tech.

My colleagues around the world are increasing cultural awareness through training and empowering employees to be confident allies to the Indigenous and First Nations community. Activities include Adobe Australia’s partnership with Evolve Communities, an organization driven to inspire 10 million allies via highly interactive Cultural Awareness, Reconciliation and Allyship Training programs. And in Canada, we’ve partnered with the Legacy of Hope Foundation, co-hosting a Residential School Learning Session where employees learned about Canada’s history with Indigenous Peoples, how to be an ally, and how to raise funds to support their mission.

During Adobe MAX, our annual creativity conference, Tailyr Irvine, National Geographic Explorer and photojournalist, addressed the power of visual storytelling to represent and amplify the voices of Indigenous communities.

And, aligned with Adobe’s commitment to participate in social impact opportunities, the Adobe Foundation is donating funds to the First Nations Development Institute to amplify the great work this organization is already doing. I look forward to partnering with this non-governmental organization and establishing inroads with other community-focused non-profit groups.

Inside Indigenous/First Nations at Adobe

The Indigenous/First Nations at Adobe employee network focuses on enabling, empowering, and connecting Indigenous and First Nations people and allies. We aim to increase awareness and advocacy, recruit and retain talent, amplify voices, and celebrate the heritage of Indigenous and First Nations people around the world.

We are thrilled to engage the 800+ employees worldwide who expressed interest in joining our community.

Saala no'ki kenoole. That means "see you again” in Shawnee, my tribe’s language. Because this is just the beginning. I’m incredibly energized by the journey ahead and the progress we’ll share with our community of supporters inside and outside of Adobe.