Testimonials

Upon viewing Larry Yazzie’s presentation of the Meskwaki people, music and dancing, and panel discussion, I cannot help, but realize how essential it is for all government and industry partners to understand their impacts and contributions to the cultures and peoples surrounding the engineering profession. This unforgettable presentation sparked emotional connection to those in attendance, provided valuable information needed in future decision making opportunities regarding cultural considerations, and was a pinnacle point that set this industry day apart from others. In addition, the panel discussion was paramount to building collaborative participation among attendees and enforced the mission and vision of SAME by identifying solutions to complex issues, developing future leaders, and leading engineering professionals as they serve our nation.

The Museum of Science and History in Jacksonville, Florida is quite proud to express our ongoing support for the operations and outreach endeavors of the Native Pride Dancers. We have enjoyed a rapidly deepening relationship with Mr. Larry Yazzie, Creative Director of Native Pride Dancers, for nearly one year and we are excited about future collaboration with them! Not only has it been a unique and joyful learning experience for our guests to attend the performances that Native Pride Dancers coordinated at our venue, but Larry and Shawna Yazzie have been vital partners and advisors to the Museum in the development and planning of other cultural education programming and also for Concept Design of culturally–focused exhibitry for our MOSH Genesis project (building a new Museum here in Jacksonville). Mr. Yazzie, as well as the guest artists and performers he organizes for each event, are incredibly generous in sharing their talents and their knowledge of their cultures and history, but they are also open, welcoming professionals who actively encourage engagement and curiosity. Their performances and conversations around their performances educate about Native American cultures in a manner that creates an inviting and gracious learning environment.

The Native American Cultural Awareness & Policy Updates presented and moderated by Shawna Newman of the NDN Companies, with support by Larry Yazzie and Jacqueline Melcher, at our recent Panama City Post Industry Day made a significant contribution to industry understanding and should be an essential component to Industry Government Engagement within all chapters of Society of American Military Engineers (SAME). I was fortunate enough to see a similar presentation by them two weeks earlier at the Emerald Coast Post Industry Day also. I was able to feel and see two different dances by Larry Yazzie as he discussed the Meskwaki people, the importance of music and dancing, and panel discussion. These unforgettable presentations sparked emotional connection to those in attendance and provided valuable information needed in future decision making opportunities regarding cultural considerations.

During several sessions at then Joint Engineer Training Conference (JETC) this past week, there were points made of how we need to understand other cultures, whether professional perspective (contracting business and technical execution) or culture of the peoples we are working with (different nations overseas), and my mind went back to those dances and the discussion points of those panels. The Opening Keynote speaker, talked about how we need to pay attention to the various indicators and improve our inter–stove pipe awareness of our culture or fail at our own peril. This presentation helps set a level of understanding so those gaps can be crossed to improve communication.

JETC sessions focused on understanding cultures different from ours in locations across the oceans. After attending the sessions at these Industry Days, it is apparent to me that it is also essential it is for all government and industry partners to understand their impacts and contributions to the cultures and peoples surrounding the engineering profession that reside within the US boarders also. The presentation and the panel discussion were key components of building collaborative participation among attendees and reinforced the mission and vision of SAME by identifying solutions to complex issues, developing future leaders, and leading engineering professionals as they serve our nation.

I encourage all Posts and National SAME to find ways to present Shawna’s discussion panel and Larry’s demonstration at events that increase member awareness. The NDN Companies, and several other Native American firms provide funds to help get the presentations to the SAME membership, but the organizations must put them on the agenda first. This presentation is a great benefit to the membership and has my highest recommendation.

My team at the Los Angeles Region of the American Red Cross had the pleasure of experiencing this enlightening program on working with Indigenous populations and was extremely impressed with the content and quality of the presentation. 

The program they delivered was unique and unlike previous cultural competency training sessions, we have experienced. Specifically, we were engaged by the personal perspective, relevant content relating to how this impacts our disaster responders and community preparedness teams directly, and the entertainment value. They addressed matters relating to Indigenous communities and individuals but also brainstormed with our team through issues and challenges we face and how we may overcome those in practical and obtainable ways.  

Some of the attendees stated, “this training was timely and relevant given the wildfire responses over the past years that impacted tribal lands.” Also, “I really appreciated Larry’s transparent and frank answers on how we should approach working with tribal leaders.” 

I am thrilled to provide my highest recommendation to any organization seeking a quality DE&I training and competency program that is impactful and highly rated by attendees.  

Thank you to Shawna Newman of the NDN Companies, Larry Yazzie, and Caroline Harland of Harland Resources for your time and quality presentation. 

As VP of Programming & Education at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, I would like to highly recommend Larry Yazzie and Native Pride Dancers for your Education and Cultural Programming. Native Pride lives up to its mission of inspiring, motivating and educating all audiences through entertaining and engaging performances.

Native Pride has been a part of the Ordway artist family for many years through our Flint Hills Family Festival and Education Series. I have personally engaged with Larry and Native Pride on numerous projects over the years and find Larry’s integrity, vision, and creative spirit inspirational. His love of dance and storytelling comes through in his performances and teaching, delighting audiences and uplifting Native culture and communities.