Bloom Communications

I'm Back and Excited to Reconnect! After a few transformative months of traveling and engaging with incredible communities across Alaska, I’m excited to reconnect with you all and share my journey. New Blog Post: "I'm Back and Excited to Reconnect with You All!" In this latest post, I reflect on the experiences and insights gained from my recent travels, including virtual training for organizations making their first trip to Alaska and engaging with diverse Indigenous communities. It’s been an enriching journey that reaffirms the importance of cultural awareness and respectful engagement. I’m committed to providing insights into Alaska Native cultures and ways to engage respectfully and effectively. It’s crucial to honor and value the rich heritage of Alaska Native communities. Join me in celebrating the leadership and resilience of Indigenous women and discovering more about Alaska’s Indigenous cultures. 🌺Read the full blog post here: https://bit.ly/4f353dE Join the Journey with Bloom as Your Guide: Learn about our cultural training workshops and consulting services designed to help organizations connect with Alaska Native communities. Thank you for your continued support! Your engagement and feedback are invaluable. Let’s continue building bridges and creating lasting, mutually beneficial relationships. Stay tuned for more updates and stories! #Reconnect #AlaskaNativeCultures #IndigenousWomen #CulturalEngagement #Leadership #BloomCommunications #BloominAK

Happy Friday! Here in Fairbanks, Alaska, it is snowing and a comfortable 28-degrees F. I’m excited to share five of my favorites for the week. First, black-capped chickadees. I know it’s crazy, but there is something about these amazing birds that fascinate me. They live in the harshest climate year round, have interesting food storage practices and have a complex language system. Check out this video I took this morning of a chickadee grabbing its morning meal. My second favorite thing is family. Last Sunday, we celebrated Easter at a family gathering. It was a beautiful mix of 4 generations of crazy, loud and really good people. I always walk away feeling so good after a few hours with them. Do you have the same experience when you are with your crew? My third favorite thing for the week is my pair of Crocs. Never did I think I’d ever wear them, let alone go out in public. 😂 Let me tell you how comfortable and easy to slip in and out of they are. I made a recent road-trip to Tok and they made the drive far more comfortable. My fourth favorite for the week is the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). This professional organization serves the communications community and offers a variety of resources to assist members throughout their careers. If you’re in the PR and communication fields, then you should check out the benefits of membership. It’s worth it! My fifth favorite thing for the week is a post I published on Sunday for the final day of Women’s History Month about the lessons I learned from my grandmas. They were resilient, loving and inspirational women. Check out the post here: https://lnkd.in/g-TrQ7Xu. What are your favorites for the week? What made your life easier or inspired you? Comment and let me know.

Happy April 1st! No April Fools jokes here. I just came across an article discussing the use of the word "tribe" and how it can be seen as offensive. As an Alaska Native and a member of a federally recognized Tribe, I understand the complexities of this issue. While I have used this word to describe my close-knit community, I recognize that it may not be appropriate in other contexts. As an Alaska Native, I am constantly learning and striving to be more culturally sensitive, including with my own. What are your thoughts on this? #NativePerspective #WordUsage #CommunityOpinion

Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate women's achievements and contributions and honor those who paved the way for equality. As we close out March, I would like to pay tribute to my grandmothers, who have profoundly impacted my life. Growing up in the small Koyukon Athabascan town of Nulato, my younger siblings and I were fortunate to have our grandmothers nearby. They were strong Athabascan women who lived and exemplified Alaska Native values. I am forever grateful for the love and wisdom they shared and the lessons they taught me and others. What lessons did you learn from your grandmother(s)? Share your stories and keep their wisdom alive.

FRIDAY'S FAVORITE FIVE   Hi everyone, welcome to my Friday’s Favorite Five! I’ve created another list that I hope you find helpful, useful or even entertaining. Let’s jump right in.   The Anxious Achiever Podcast – It's not easy to deal with anxiety. This has been a problem for me at times, which is why I appreciate podcasts like The Anxious Achiever. The author discusses leadership, mental health, and real-life stories from people who have been there and done that. https://lnkd.in/giVAFiWV   iPhone Focus Setting: Staying focused in a world full of distractions is a constant struggle! I've found that diving into my iPhone's Work Focus mode has been a game changer. Plus, you can customize your screen and apps to stay focused. I recommend giving it a try as it can be a great way to stay on track with your goals and be productive. You can find instructions here: https://lnkd.in/g2upeEvt.   LinkedIn – The more I use LinkedIn the more I love it; it's a professional playground! In addition to job searches, it's a place to network, learn, and explore. My favorite feature of the site is the ability to join interest groups tailored to your preferences. It's like discovering your community online! www.linkedin.com   Chom Chom Roller Pet Hair Remover – The ultimate solution to the eternal problem of pet hair on furniture. However, this roller can save the day! It’s simple, portable, and an effective device. It has been a game-changer for my furniture. https://lnkd.in/g5e_h_-U   Shogun: Do you remember catching bits of the original Shogun back in the day? I don't know about you, but I didn't quite get it or understand what the fuss was all about. Granted, I wasn't in double digits yet. What about the new series on Hulu? It's a whole different ballgame! The story, the scenery, the characters—it's like being transported back in time. It's worth checking out. https://lnkd.in/gGNRXPYU   There you have it, my Friday’s Favorite Five. Let me know if you check any of these favorites. Cheers to an amazing weekend!

Friday's Favorite Five: Every Friday on LinkedIn, I share my "Friday's Favorite Five" - a list of resources, tools, and life’s favorites that have been helpful or inspiring that week. This week's favorites include a variety of what I’m currently loving, from favorite March events in Fairbanks to a long-time book favorite. • March in Fairbanks – March is a tremendous time in Fairbanks for critical meetings for the larger Native organizations, including the Tanana Chiefs Conference Annual Convention, Fairbanks Native Association’s annual meeting, potlatch and pageants, Doyon, Limited Annual Meeting, plus the Open North American Championships (sled dog races) and several basketball tournaments. These annual events bring hundreds of Alaska Natives from rural Alaska to Fairbanks to convene to discuss issues most important to the people they represent. • Todoist – I use Todoist to help me keep track of my tasks, including action items captured from my emails. It is a great resource for prioritizing and tracking work. • Two Old Women – This is my second read of Velma Wallis’s book, and it resonated more with me this time around. Certainly, it is because of my age and looking at life through a different lens than when I first read this gem. Wallis' first release was in 1993, and an annual edition in 2013. This beautiful story tells of two elderly women who fend for each other to survive the brutal realities of Alaska. • ANCSA Regional Association – A fantastic resource for anyone wanting to learn more about ANCSA (Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act) and the 12 Alaska Native Regional Corporations. • Longer Days! – I hope you’re enjoying the longer and warmer days as much as I am. Are you taking time to go outside? What’s on your Favorite’s list this week? 

Hey LinkedIn community! As an Alaskan who once walked the halls of a well-funded school in Nulato, I’ve experienced the transformative power of education. Those early experiences shaped my path and ignited my passion for learning. But let’s talk about the reality facing Alaskan schools today. Funding constraints persist across the board, affecting both urban and rural communities. And in our remote corners of Alaska, the challenges are even more pronounced. High living costs, limited job opportunities, and geographic isolation create additional hurdles for our rural schools. The Opportunity: Businesses can be catalysts for change. By investing in education, we don’t just write checks; we invest in our state’s most precious resource—our children. Here’s how: Community Engagement and Reputation: ➡ Supporting rural schools isn’t just about dollars; it’s about commitment to our communities. ➡ School-sponsored events bring everyone together, fostering unity and pride. Workforce Development: ➡ Investing in education creates a pipeline of skilled workers. ➡ Imagine students discovering their passion for science, technology, or the arts—our future workforce. Talent Retention and Attraction: ➡ By supporting schools, we retain local talent. ➡ Aligning with community values attracts new talent. At Bloom Communications, we believe in the power of education. Our team is passionate about bridging gaps and creating brighter futures. Learn More: Explore ways to enrich the lives of rural Alaska’s youth on our blog: https://lnkd.in/gnMU9Phq Now, let’s kick off a conversation! Share your ideas on how businesses can contribute to enhancing student experiences in rural Alaska.

Representation isn't just about awards—it's about visibility, empowerment, and breaking barriers. The Oscars may have concluded, but Lily Gladstone's story is just beginning. Her presence matters on a grand scale for other underrepresented people NOT just in Hollywood. Let's celebrate Lily's journey and amplify diverse voices!

Honoring Indigenous Women: A Tribute for Women’s Day On this Women’s Day, let’s celebrate Indigenous women's strength, resilience, and wisdom. Our contributions have shaped our communities and enriched our lives. Today, I want to highlight one remarkable woman who embodies the spirit of empowerment: Lily Gladstone. Lily Gladstone’s Historic Achievement: Lily Gladstone, a proud member of the Blackfeet and Nimíipuu nations, has made history as the first Native American woman ever nominated for a Best Actress Oscar. Her roles echo a commitment to educating through authentic portrayals of Native history. But her impact extends beyond the screen and is also my ✨Friday’s Favorite Five✨. Why Lily Gladstone’s Nomination Matters to Alaska’s Indigenous People: ✅ Representation Matters: Lily’s nomination is monumental for Alaska's Indigenous communities. It says, “Our stories matter. Our faces deserve recognition.” Seeing her on that global stage resonates deeply. ✅ Breaking Barriers: By stepping onto that red carpet, Lily breaks down barriers that have long excluded Native voices from mainstream media. Her nomination is a victory for all Indigenous creatives. ✅ Educating Through Art: Lily’s commitment to authentic portrayals educates audiences about true American history. Her roles in “Killers of the Flower Moon” and other productions challenge stereotypes and amplify Indigenous narratives. ✅Inspiring the Next Generation: Young Indigenous girls across Alaska now have a role model. Lily’s journey inspires dreams of breaking barriers, pursuing passions, and making history. ✅Cultural Resilience: Lily Gladstone’s journey reflects the resilience of Indigenous cultures. Despite historical erasure, she stands tall, reminding us that our stories are worth telling. Let’s celebrate Lily Gladstone’s nomination and honor all Indigenous women who’ve paved the way. Please share your own stories, amplify their voices, and continue the legacy of empowerment. #IndigenousWomen #WomensDay #RepresentationMatters #BloomCommunications #AlaskaNativeCultures #NativePride #IndigenousExcellence #LilyGladstone

As a passionate advocate for Alaska Native engagement and effective communication, I believe that understanding cultural nuances is essential. Let’s explore why cultural sensitivity matters in our interactions and how it can transform our professional relationships.