Lydia Grijalva (00:02):
Professionalism is a loaded topic for natives and oppressed people. Usually it means cis men of the dominant culture, maybe with short hair, maybe even a man bun. It can be an upsetting topic based on the history of what is considered professional and what is expected by the dominant culture of native people. Many of us have navigated code switching or changing the way we speak at work to be less other and more professional.
Lydia Grijalva (00:33):
We know the feeling of looking for representation and having our heart drop when we see images implying that we’re extinct, but that is changing thanks to the culture keepers who worked tirelessly to keep our cultures alive and to the ancestors that experienced violence and even lost their lives to protect ceremony when they were illegal. Thanks to plenty of decolonization work, including the work that you had to do to make it this far. This story is changing. You being here today is part of that, which begs the question, how do we be unapologetically native and still maintain a sense of professionalism? Tommy Pico describes going to the red carpet with reservation dogs and how they wanted to represent. Tommy took a favorite res outfit, basketball shorts, and high socks and made it glam with Gucci shorts, which they joked they didn’t even check the price tag on, and that’s how they knew they made it.
Lydia Grijalva (01:22):
Some best practices do choose clothing that is clean and cared for. Consider starting with solid colors and accessorizing be true to yourself. If you’re not comfortable in gendered clothing, go for something more neutral and just for the occasion, maybe you can get away with more going to a bipoc networking event than you can meeting with a banker or investor research what looks work best for you. You’ll be surprised how many native artists have put themselves out there in the last year. Lastly, be prepared. Think about what the person you are meeting with will need to understand your ask. Your demeanor will speak just as much as what you wear. Know about the organization you’re talking to and how your ask fits in with their mission and you better look good cuz you represent now
Speaker 2 (02:10):
<laugh>.