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
- 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.
- Oklahoma’s Minimum Wage Increase and Tribal Employers: What SQ 832 Means for Your WorkforceOklahoma’s SQ 832 would raise the state minimum wage to $15/hour by 2029 — but for Tribal employers, the more important question isn’t whether it applies. It’s what rising wages mean for competitiveness, pay compression, and long-term compensation strategy.
- GASB 103: Key Changes and First Implementation Dates for Tribal Governments and State & Local GovernmentsGASB 103 is here—and for many Tribal, state, and local governments, the first implementation deadlines are fast approaching. This article outlines the key changes, who’s affected first, and what finance teams need to do now to get ahead of the new requirements.
- “Tribal Finance Is Much More Than Just Budgeting.” Inside OSU’s Tribal Finance & Accounting Certificate with Lindsey RayWhat does it take to truly prepare a professional to work in Tribal finance and governance? For Lindsey Ray, Senior Tribal Programs Manager at Oklahoma State University, the answer started with a needs assessment, a gap in the market, and a partnership that grew into something much bigger than anyone expected.
- 3rd Annual Tribal Leadership ConferenceREDW is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the 3rd Annual Tribal Leadership Conference, June 1–4, 2026, in Chandler, AZ. Join our National Tribal Practice team in the exhibit hall and at four expert-led sessions covering technology, audit, HRstrategies for tribal leaders.
