InnoNative
Creating Inclusive Economies
June 8, 2022
Written By: Greta Seitz
“We are what we imagine. Our very existence consists in our imagination of ourselves. Our best destiny is to imagine, at least, completely, who and what, and that we are. The greatest tragedy that can befall us is to go unimagined.”
-N. Scott Momaday
We begin this session of the Essential Conversation by imagining. What kind of world do we imagine and want to create for ourselves, our children, future generations? People shared that they imagine a world where everyone wants to lift the spirit of others, w world of love and joy and connectedness, where our communities coming together, caring for one another, always lifting one another up. At CPL, our vision is “A just, inclusive, and interconnected world - a world that works for all.” One of the ways we seek to do this is by inviting everyone into the circle, hearing from all the voices, listening, and learning. This week, we were joined by the amazing Chad Poitra. Chad is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, Mr. Poitra currently serves on the Board Directors for Native Americans in Philanthropy, Greater Twin Cities United Way, Childrens Minnesota Foundation, Social Enterprise Program Related Investment Review Team for Venn Foundation and in an advisory role with the Emory University Minority Venture Fund (Learn More).
Chad started by sharing a bit about himself and his work, specifically at InnoNative Consulting which seeks to create inclusive communities and economies, some of the ways they do this is through strategic planning around board development, communication strategies, etc. Chad also talked about pushing back on notions about just funding programs and instead focusing on mission-driven over program-driven support for Native communities. Chad also spoke a bit about Launch Kit, a software he worked on to help BIPOC groups when it comes to credit or collateral for starting a business because he believes that everyone is worthy and everyone who is courageous and willing to take the risk in order to create something better for themselves or their community is worthy of starting a business.
We currently find ourselves in moments of empowering BIPOC and minority communities in order to achieve a more equitable, equal, and inclusive world but there is still much more work to be done. Today in the Wisdom Circle, the group was asked “Do we want to turn this moment that we are in, into an era? I think we are ready for it. How do we turn this moment into an era” In hearing from all the voices in the chat or verbally sharing with the group there was discussion of holding others accountable, actively diversifying board rooms and leadership teams, not just “checking boxes” but seeking authentic and effective change, creating environments that are both receptive and welcoming. One person had a wonderful point,
“One of the ways we can begin a new era is by elevating and backing the plays of American Indian Leaders in business and economic development like Chad who are established and reputable change agents out there. Another is to support our leadership in State Govt. who are pushing back on the status quo and supporting changes that support our BIPOC business & entrepreneurs.”
This is the root and reason for Essential Conversations. It’s an opportunity to hear from other voices, learn about the important issues afflicting our communities today, and make a commitment to action. One resource for furthering education, as recommended by Chad, include reading some of the works of Edgar Villanueva, author of “Decolonizing Wealth.” In closing, Chad shared reminded, this is not about revenge for BIPOC communities, this is a movement for equality through authenticity and engagement. This is an ongoing healing process and change can will be uncomfortable for those who have benefitted from power and privilege for so long. This is a journey of work, we cannot expect a check to solve all of our problems. As allies, we must defer to the BIPOC community and listen to what they have to say or what they need in order to best support and not do further harm.
Reflecting on Chad Poitra’s EC and question: Do we want to turn this moment that we are in, into an era? and the CPL Vision: A just, inclusive, and interconnected world - a world that works for all.
What is the dominant narrative or story you are living in and is it big enough?
A narrative or discourse becomes dominant when it is the primary framing through which expectations and explanations about behavior, emotions, and thoughts are determined.
Essential Conversations
Mondays: 8:00-9:30 AM CT US
9:30-9:45 AM CT US : we invite you to stay for the “afterparty”!
