SIG: Allies in Alaska Native HR (May 2026)

SIG: Allies in Alaska Native HR

An Evening to Connect: Getting Together for Thinking Outside the Box

Join colleagues for the Special Interest Group (SIG): Allies in Alaska Native HR, hosted by ASHRM Member, Tamrit Howell.

Mission:

Our mission is to unite HR professionals across Alaska in a shared effort to understand, honor, and integrate Alaska Native cultural values into modern workplaces. We believe all Alaskans, Native and non-Native, share a responsibility to preserve and strengthen Alaska’s living cultures. Through dialogue, mentorship, and collaboration, we aim to build bridges between organizations, communities, and people, ensuring that inclusivity and cultural awareness remain central to HR practice statewide. 

Framework:

Allies in Alaska Native HR is a relationship-driven discussion and networking group centered on trust, shared experiences, cultural awareness, and practical workplace support.

Rather than operating on a fixed curriculum, the group evolves through conversation, community needs, and participant experiences. Meetings are designed to create space for HR professionals to gather, connect, learn from one another, and explore ways to strengthen genuine allyship in Alaska workplaces and communities.

To support authentic relationship building and meaningful conversation, meetings are intentionally held in person only. The group values face-to-face dialogue, trust building, community connection, and creating a space where participants can engage openly and collaboratively.

Meeting Structure

    •    Gather and connect
    •    Workforce support and networking
    •    Cultural awareness conversations
    •    Reflection on previous key takeaways
    •    Workplace takeaway development
    •    Collaborative group project work

The group is currently working on Project Bridge Builder, an initiative focused on supporting youth in rural Alaska communities through workforce readiness, mentorship, exposure to career pathways, and workplace preparation.

Future group projects will continue to evolve based on discussion, workplace needs, and opportunities to support Alaska communities through HR partnership and outreach.

The title “Allies in Alaska Native HR” represents an inclusive and balanced network of HR professionals committed to shared learning, collaboration, and cultural stewardship. The group welcomes participation from:

• HR professionals working in tribal-affiliated organizations
• HR professionals not working in tribal-affiliated organizations 
• HR professionals who identify as Alaska Native
• HR professionals who do not identify as Alaska Native

By intentionally bringing together voices across these categories, the group fosters diverse perspectives that reflect Alaska’s unique cultural landscape and interconnected communities.

Note: A SIG is a special interest group within the ASHRM community for dual SHRM and ASHRM Members. SIGs are a member benefit that bring together individuals with a shared interest or situation. Being small enough to enhance the experience of belonging requires that the gathering be limited. You will be waitlisted if you miss the count.