Insight in Indian Country Podcast
Trusted Expertise to Serve Tribal Nations
In this episode, REDW Principal and National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally interviews Colaine Curtis, a senior manager and client advisor. Colaine shares her journey as a Diné woman in the accounting profession, discussing her early career working for tribal organizations, transition to public accounting, and the rewards and challenges of her work. She offers advice for those considering a career in accounting and emphasizes the importance of indigenous representation in the field.
Chapters
- 00:00 – Introduction and Background
- 04:03 – Early Career and Experience
- 06:23 – Working in Startups and Tribal Organizations
- 09:03 – Transition to Public Accounting
- 10:41 – Motivation and Rewards in the Field
- 21:50 – Decrease in Enrollment and Indigenous Representation
- 28:18 – Closing Remarks and Appreciation
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References
- Careers at REDW – REDW has served Sovereign Tribal Nations for over 40 years. Our team members understand and respect tribal sovereignty and culture and have become deeply invested in the financial well-being of tribal communities. Learn more about our current career opportunities at redw.com/careers.
- OTFC Spring Conference – The Oklahoma Tribal Finance Consortium (OTFC) Spring 2024 Conference is almost here! We’ll see you March 27th – 29th at Indigo Sky Casino Resort in Wyandotte, OK. Register or learn more at oktribalfinance.com.
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
- 2025 Tribal Leadership ConferenceFrom June 23-26, 2025 in Las Vegas, REDW will be joining with tribal leaders nationwide to share knowledge and insights on ways to ensure a prosperous future for tribal communities.
- Watch: Ransomware: Are You on a Hacker’s Hit List?Join the Cybersecurity experts from REDW for an interactive webinar that offers five critical defense strategies for safeguarding your Tribal organization, plus our free Cyber Incident Response Playbook.
- NAFOA 43rd Annual ConferenceFrom April 28-29 in New Orleans, REDW will be joining with tribes, state and federal government officials, and leading industry experts to discuss the latest economic issues in Indian Country.
- The true cost of reactive internal controls in tribal gaming operations.As tribal casinos handle more cash than most banks, proactive security measures have become crucial for protecting assets and communities.
- Oklahoma Tribal Finance Consortium 2025 Spring ConferenceAs a proud supporter and sponsor of the OTFC, REDW will be both speaking and exhibiting at this event.
