What started out as an idea in 2018 turned into the launch of my very own consulting business – Cooley Consulting, LLC – incorporated as of February of this year, 2022. Based on my previous experience of community organizing, facilitation, and event planning, I thought to myself, “You’re good at this, why not start a business?” And after the support, feedback, and prayers from my family and friends, my dream has become a reality. So my message to you all, “Do not give up on your ideas and dreams, seek advice and guidance from your family, friends, mentors, and colleagues, be persistent and patient, and lastly, stay true to who you are!” And with that, below are a few projects that I have facilitated during the pandemic. Stay tuned for the launch of my business website, which will provide more information on services offered, rates, and ongoing projects.
Native American Land Rights Gathering (2022)
The Sierra Club’s Wildlands & Wilderness Team hosted the Native American Land Rights Gathering on October 1st, with a welcome on September 30th. The Gathering focused on how Sierra Club activists can build and sustain partnerships with Tribes in all contexts of Sierra Club’s work. Participants gained concrete ideas and inspiration for how to work with local Indigenous communities on common projects, as well as build upon their understanding of fundamental concepts around sovereignty, co-management/co-stewardship, and Indigenous conservation and land management. Access to recordings and resources will be available soon!
National Tribal & Indigenous Climate Conference (2022)
The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals is excited to host the second Biennial National Tribal and Indigenous Climate Conference (NTICC) which will be offered as a hybrid event to ensure that our relatives from across turtle island can join us whether in-person or virtually. My role for this year’s NTICC is to facilitate weekly planning meetings, review submitted proposals, assist with development of the virtual platform, assist with promotion & conference updates on social media, and lastly, assist with facilitation and coordination during the in-person conference sessions. To learn more about NTICC and to access recordings, visit: nau.edu/NTICC
INHABITANTS (2021)
As a Native Impact Producer for a five-part Panel Discussion Series of INHABITANTS, my role was to assist with coordination, facilitation, outreach, and promotion for Impact Screenings and five Webinar events featuring the film subjects. INHABITANTS is a feature documentary that follows five Native American Tribes across deserts, coastlines, forests, and prairies as they restore their traditional land management practices. To learn more about the film, to host a screening, or to access the recordings from Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 Webinar events, visit the INHABITANTS website. Stay tuned for Part 5!
Protecting the Little Colorado River (2021)
As an advocate for the protection of the lands & waters we are surrounded by, I was previously involved in a project “Protecting the Little Colorado River” and my role was to facilitate virtual & in-person meetings between Project partners, facilitate and/or participate in virtual conversations with community members, review & provide feedback on draft documents, and provide guidance on the project structure to ensure full transparency & cultural sensitivity.
Anti-racism DEI Training (February 2021)
I co-led a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training for an outdoor hiking/backpacking company that was interested in working towards more diversity & inclusion. Topics, terms, and discussion included: intersectionality, Native appropriation, implicit bias, structural & systemic racism, white supremacy, microaggression, barriers to participation, and ways to be an ally in the outdoor industry.
Beyond the Pandemic panel series (2020-2022)
An effort that I started in June 2020 in response to the statements and momentum around Black Lives Matter/Indigenous Lives Matter and the injustices against people of color, this panel series features Black, Indigenous, and People of Color as they provide their insights on Indigenous sovereignty and diversity, equity & inclusion in the outdoors. Access to Part III recording is now available to watch on YouTube.