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.
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- REDW Hosts the 2026 Tribal Leadership & Management (TL&M) ConferenceREDW is proud to host the 2026 TL&M Conference, October 14–15 at South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas — bringing together Tribal Elected Officials, Administrators, Enterprise Management, and Indian Country leaders for two days of connection and insight. Register early and save with code REDWPOD26.
