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
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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
- REDW to Speak at the 2026 WEWIN National ConferenceREDW is heading to Tulsa for the 2026 WEWIN National Conference, where Jessica Goodfox and Taryn Reynolds will lead a workshop on confidence, boundaries, and voice for Indigenous women in leadership.
- REDW to Exhibit and Present at the 2026 Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) ConferenceREDW will exhibit and present at the 2026 OIGA Conference, July 20–22 in Oklahoma City. Visit Booth #517 and join Kandi Link’s panel on casino accounting and audits.
- Oklahoma’s Hiring Demand Is Up Nearly 19%. What Does That Mean for Tribal Employers?By Taryn Reynolds, MSL, THRP II, REDW Senior Human Resources Consultant,and Jessica Goodfox, THRP, TMP, HRC Business Partner, REDW Oklahoma’s labor market is among the fastest-growing in the country —… Read more: Oklahoma’s Hiring Demand Is Up Nearly 19%. What Does That Mean for Tribal Employers?
- REDW to Present and Exhibit at the 2026 UNITY National Conference for Native YouthREDW is proud to participate in this year’s Conference in Oklahoma City, July 10-14, supporting Native youth leadership and financial literacy through an interactive workshop and on-site engagement.
- 2026 Northwest Indian Gaming Conference & ExpoREDW is proud to exhibit at the annual Indian Gaming Conference hosted by WIGA, June 15–17 in Shelton, WA. Visit us at Booth #423 to connect and explore insights shaping the future of tribal gaming.
