While conversations and efforts to create a culture of equity, inclusion, and anti-racism support powerful core values, it is crucial to recognize a world of nuances and unique experiences among our many marginalized and minoritized identities. The representation of Indigenous Americans in consumer media has a disturbing and misunderstood history, such as the false stereotypes of alcoholism and addiction perpetuated through a culture of colonialism and systemic racism.
This session brings together four women to discuss stories and solutions that celebrate collaboration and cultural empowerment among indigenous peoples within the hospitality and alcoholic beverage industries.
With Charlotte Big Canoe, Chockie Tom, and Shyla Sheppard. Moderated by Dr. Rose Miron, Director of the D’Arcy McNickle Center for American Indian and Indigenous Studies at Newberry Library.
Charlotte Big Canoe has over 10+ years in hospitality and is the Partnership & Membership Director for The Full Plate, a hospitality worker focused non-profit. Charlotte is a Chippewa woman living in Toronto, and outside of her roles in hospitality, she works full time as an Inclusion Specialist for a national youth-serving nonprofit. Charlotte focuses her work in hospitality on creating spaces that celebrate Indigeneity, and reflects on our unique relationship to the land through food and wine.
Dr. Rose Miron (moderator) is the Director of the D’Arcy McNickle Center for American Indian and Indigenous Studies at Newberry Library in Chicago. She received her Ph.D. in American Studies at the University of Minnesota. Her scholarly work focuses on how Native peoples use tribal archives to claim authority over the creation, assembly, and use of their historical materials. Centering on the Mohican Nation of Wisconsin, Dr. Miron shows how Native activism through the creation of archives enables tribal members to craft their own historical narratives and to intervene in public representations of their history. At the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition in Minneapolis, she worked closely with tribal leaders to raise awareness about the intergenerational trauma resulting from experiences at U.S. Indian boarding schools. In her public-facing work, she emphasizes amplifying the voices of Native Americans and confronting historical violence.
Shyla Sheppard (Mandan, Hidatsa & Arikara Nation) is the Founder, President, and CEO of Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. an almost six-year-old brewery and beer hall specializing in wild, sour and Southwest-inspired beers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and a satellite taproom in the Four Corners. Before starting B&A, she spent nearly a decade as a social impact investor in the Southwest US. She also serves as a board member for United Way of Central New Mexico and the First Nations Development Institute. Shyla was born and raised on the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota, where she is a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa & Arikara Nation. Growing up, she recalls her Grandmother working in her garden, making their traditional foods and sharing stories of their Mandan/Hidatsa/Arikara people. These experiences ingrained in her an appreciation for the bounty of the land, its connection to a way of life and its history. With a love of funky and sour beers and the Great American Southwest, Shyla enjoys bringing a diverse perspective to the craft beer industry.
Los Angeles born Chockie Tom is an award winning bartender and brand ambassador, currently in London. Connecting her Pomo and Paiute heritage with her advocacy work, she brings a unique perspective to an industry lacking in Indigenous presence. Chockie is best known for her innovative cocktail building techniques, beautifully designed brand and event art, advocacy for cultural empowerment and Indigenous visibility within the spirits industry. She is a founder of Doom Tiki, an internationally recognized pop-up series that tackles the issues of appropriation in Tiki subcutlure and fundraises for communities that are still dealing with the effects of colonization. She has been featured in PUNCH, NBC NewsMagazine, The New York Times and was recently featured as one of Imbibe 75 for her work.
THIS SESSION IS SUPPORTED BY:
ERIC JOHNSON + ANISSA LISTAK