Insight in Indian Country Podcast
Trusted Expertise to Serve Tribal Nations
Our celebration of Women’s History Month continues with Hattie Mitchell, a senior manager in client advisory and accounting services. Hattie shares her journey as a professional and member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation with REDW National Tribal Practice Leader and show host, Wes Benally. She discusses the inspiration she drew from her family’s involvement in tribal finance, and talks about her involvement in the Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council (GASAC) and the unique reporting needs of tribal governments.
Chapters
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 00:28 – Hattie’s Background and Inspiration
- 07:06 – Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council
- 12:26 – Finance Certificate Program and Teaching
- 19:00 – Dealing with Stress and Challenges
- 20:29 – Advice for Young Professionals
- 22:20 – Closing Remarks
Get connected to expert insights for Tribal Nations. Subscribe to the Insight in Indian Country Newsletter.
References
- 2024 Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council (GASAC) Technical Agenda Prioritization – For Tribal Leaders and Tribal Financial Professionals – The GASAC is seeking feedback from members in prioritizing the GASB’s Technical Plan. Provide your responses by Monday, April 8, 2024.
- GASAC April 15-16 Live Meeting Info – Available by webcast. If planning to observe a meeting, please provide notification no later than 48 hours before the meeting. Find details here.
- Contact Hattie Mitchell by email.
- 2024 Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention – The largest gathering of tribal leaders and casino executives in the country, the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention is now in its 31st year and continues to deliver the insight and strategies needed to succeed in the competitive gaming industry. REDW Gaming Operations Manager Kandi Link to Speak in The Smart Casino: Embracing Technology and the Modern Gaming Floor.
Meet Your Host
Wesley Ryan Benally, CPA
REDW Principal and National Tribal Practice Leader
As the leader of REDW’s National Tribal Practice, Wes is committed to improving financial literacy throughout Indian Country and hosts the Insight in Indian Country Podcast. He oversees audits of a wide range for Native American communities, state and local government agencies, and non-profits, nationwide, is a member of the Arizona State Board of Accountancy’s Peer Review Oversight Advisory Committee and serves as an instructor with Arizona State University’s American Indian Policy Institute. In addition, as a Board member for a tribal gaming entity that operates in two states, Wes keeps up with regulatory issues important to tribal gaming operations. Wes is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.
More from Insight in Indian Country
- ASCPA’s Virtual Governmental Accounting Conference to Present Key Tribal TopicsTribal topics are now on the agenda of the ASCPA’s Governmental Accounting Conference in 2026, a full-day, virtual event open to members and non-members alike.
- Tribal Gaming Industry Outlook 2026: Managing Margins in an Uncertain EconomyFor tribal gaming CFOs and casino management teams, understanding these trends now is critical to maintaining financial health and competitive positioning.
- How Much Should Your Casino Invest in Cybersecurity—and Where Should Those Dollars Go?Cybersecurity Economics for Tribal Casinos: Key Takeaways from Our Webinar If you’re leading a casino in Indian Country, you’ve likely asked yourself: “How much should we really be spending on… Read more: How Much Should Your Casino Invest in Cybersecurity—and Where Should Those Dollars Go?
- 340B Rebate Model Pilot: What CFOs and Controllers at Nonprofit and Tribal Health Systems and Clinics Need to Know for 2026 and BeyondA pilot program shifts from upfront discounts to a rebate model for certain high-cost drugs. For CFOs and controllers at nonprofit and Tribal health systems and health clinics, understanding these changes now is critical…
- Don’t Miss Federal Cybersecurity Grant Funding Again: How Tribal Nations Can Prepare NowWe work with Tribal governments year-round to build the documentation, governance, and strategic plans that make grant applications successful.
