“People are keeping a close eye on HR in Indian Country.” Navigating Employee Voice & Cultural Competency

Insight in Indian Country Podcast

Trusted Expertise to Serve Tribal Nations | REDW National Tribal Practice

Episode 52 – “People are keeping a close eye on HR in Indian Country.” Navigating Employee Voice & Cultural Competency with Taryn Reynolds & Jessica Goodfox

Employee voice is transforming HR practices across Indian Country, creating both opportunities and challenges for Tribal organizations. This episode, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally welcomes Taryn Reynolds, MSL, THRP II, and Jessica Goodfox, THRP, TMP, from REDW’s Human Resource Consulting team to discuss the heightened focus on HR accountability, proper documentation practices, and the unique cultural considerations that shape Tribal workplace policies.

From developing bereavement policies that honor four-day traditional burial practices to managing investigations in close-knit communities where “everyone knows everyone,” Taryn and Jessica share practical insights for HR professionals navigating these complex dynamics. They also preview their upcoming presentations at the NNAHRA Conference, including executive coaching for HR practitioners and compensation clarity sessions.

Whether you’re a seasoned HR professional or a new manager dealing with employee relations for the first time, this conversation offers valuable guidance on documentation best practices, cultural competency, and leveraging external expertise when needed.

Chapters

• 00:00 – Introduction and Welcome
• 02:04 – The Rise of Employee Voice in Indian Country HR
• 07:17 – Top Three Things for New Managers
• 10:22 – Cultural Competency Beyond Buzzwords
• 13:21 – NNAHRA Conference Experience and Networking
• 16:38 – What to Expect at NNAHRA 2025

Takeaways

• Employee needs and investigations are increasing across Indian Country, requiring proper documentation and legal compliance
• HR professionals should document employee interactions immediately and avoid promising complete confidentiality during investigations
• Cultural competency in Tribal HR means aligning policies with traditional practices, such as four-day bereavement periods for burial ceremonies
• The NNAHRA Conference provides transformative networking opportunities and professional development for Tribal HR professionals
• External HR consulting can help remove bias and provide objective investigation services in close-knit Tribal communities

Resources

• Learn how to design effective compensation strategies amid ongoing financial uncertainty in our latest blog, Navigating Compensation: Creative Strategies Amid Uncertainty.
• Download our FREE white paper, Addressing Pay Compression: Strategies and Best Practices.

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.

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.

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