Avoiding Performative Acknowledgements with Charlene Ostbloom and Angela Gonzalez

Smart Talk Series

This season, we've learned that cultural strategy is essential, but approaches can feel hollow and performative without collaboration and authentic engagement with the cultures being recognized. In this season finale, Melissa speaks with Charlene Ostbloom, the founder of Bloom Communications and Angela Gonzalez, the communications manager for Chugachmiut, a tribal consortium. They dig into bridging cultures between business and Native communities, the missteps around Cherokee Barbie, and the incorporation of Native Land Acknowledgements.
About Charlene:
Charlene Ostbloom, founder of Bloom Communications, is dedicated to bridging cultures between businesses and Alaska Native communities. With decades of experience and deep roots in Nulato (noo-LA-Toh), Alaska, she offers Corporate Culture Camps, training, coaching and facilitation services. Charlene is also developing Native Women RISE, an innovative program that will celebrate the unique professional journeys of Indigenous women.
About Angela:
Angela Gonzalez is Koyukon Athabascan originally from Huslia, Alaska, and lives in Anchorage, Alaska. She is a communications professional, writer, and bead artist living in Anchorage, Alaska. She is currently the communications manager for Chugachmiut, a tribal consortium.
Visit Bloom Communications' website.
Connect with Charlene on LinkedIn.
Read Angela's blog, Athabascan Woman.
Follow Angela on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.
Topics covered:
- Learning from Mattel's missteps from the Cherokee Barbie
- Creating representation with Fish Camp Barbie
- Native Land Acknowledgements
- How Native Land Acknowledgements can be problematic
- How to increase respect for Native cultural expressions and practices
Resources mentioned:
- World Eskimo-Indian Olympics
- "Mattel Missteps With Cherokee Barbie"
- "Barbie releases Juan Gabriel-inspired doll to honor the Mexican icon's legacy"
- "Viral ‘Fish Camp Barbie’ celebrates Alaska Native heritage"
- First Alaskans Institute
- "The Love/Hate Dilemma of Alaska Native Land Acknowledgments: A Call for Authenticity"
- PRSA Counselor's Academy
- Athabascan Woman Blog
- "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know"
- MVW Communications