Insight in Indian Country Podcast
Trusted Expertise to Serve Tribal Nations
Wesley Benally welcomes Taryn Reynolds, MSL, THRP II, to the Insight in Indian Country Podcast. Taryn is a proud member of the Osage Nation and Human Resources Consultant at REDW Advisors & CPAs. With a rich background spanning 13 years in tribal government, she shares her unique perspective on blending traditional values with progressive governance in tribal organizations.
In their conversation, Taryn emphasizes how protecting sovereignty extends beyond language preservation into organizational policies. Taryn illustrates how tribal communities can be both progressive and traditional, challenging the “that’s how it’s always been done” mentality while honoring cultural values. Her message resonates with a powerful truth: Native communities aren’t just surviving – they’re thriving and creating sustainable futures for generations to come.
Chapters
- 00:00 – Introduction and Personal Background
- 03:19 – Cultural Identity in Professional Practice
- 08:27 – Understanding Tribal Sovereignty and HR
- 14:31 – Progressive Approaches to Tribal Governance
- 19:44 – Sources of Inspiration and Mentorship
- 25:14 – Vision for Future Tribal Leaders
- 28:08 – Reflections on Native American Heritage Month
- 30:17 – Closing Thoughts on Ambition and Leadership
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REDW Advisors and CPAs is proud to bring you the Insight in Indian Country Podcast, covering important advisory, accounting, and finance topics that impact Tribal Nations and business affairs. Thanks for listening!
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 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & ConventionBe our guest! Stop by REDW’s Booth #1612 at IGA 2025, the largest gathering of tribal leaders and casino executives in the country.
- Lessons Learned from the Impact of Recent OMB Guidance on Tribal, Governmental and Nonprofit ServicesRecent guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is poised to significantly affect Tribal, governmental and nonprofit services.
- “We’re still here, we’re thriving.” 🌟 Native American Heritage Month with Taryn Reynolds, MSL, THRP IITaryn emphasizes how protecting sovereignty extends beyond language preservation into organizational policies. Taryn Reynolds illustrates how tribal communities can be both progressive and traditional, challenging the “that’s how it’s always been done” mentality while honoring cultural values…
- “We did it for the People.” 💫 Native American Heritage Month with Sean McCabe, CPAWesley Benally welcomes Sean McCabe, CPA and Controller of the Navajo Nation, for a powerful discussion about building a meaningful legacy in tribal finance…
- Seeking Input from Tribal Leaders to Present at November GASAC MeetingREDW Tribal Consultant and GASAC member Hattie Mitchell is seeking input from Tribal leaders ahead of the next GASAC meeting on November 12, 2024.
