We had the good fortune of connecting with Autumn Blackdeer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Autumn, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m originally from a small town in Arkansas! I was raised in a tight knit urban Native community right across the Oklahoma border. We would all pack up and drive over for tribal events, powwows, and family gatherings. I am such a community grounded person that I really think of the collective in everything I do. I want us all to win. In a world that presses hyperindividualism, I cherish being community made and sustained.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am proud of the path I’ve carved, the tools I provide, and the resources I’ve crafted to help other underrepresented and marginalized folks move throughout our ever-changing world. I try to share my experience to push back on what we are often expected to grin and bear as professionals. It has not been easy but I can always rely on my loving community to hold space for me when I need to step back and focus on healing, or to kick me back into gear when need be, and everything else in between. I would not be here today without the love and support of so many Internet pals. I think I want people to know that there is another way. I always get asked what its like to always be going against the grain and pushing for change, and my response is always, Why does this have to be the grain? Who decided? And are we okay with that? Because from where I’m standing, it doesn’t look like a lot of people are doing great under the current system. We have to build new systems that support us all thriving. Our ancestors had that and I know we can have that too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would obviously start the morning at Dutch Bros — I’m a blended carmelizer with soft top kinda gal. My partner always gets a surprise Rebel and they’ve never failed her if you need a little energy boost. From there we’d probably take the drive up to Mount Blue Sky (weather permitting obvi) and I’d get to tell them all about how my tribe was part of the process to rename the mountain from the previous colonizer energy. The next day we’d probably have to go do the little hike around Red Rocks, maybe take a yoga class. Afterwards we’d grab lunch at Rosie’s Diner — its such a cute spot and the food can’t be beat. And maybe for the last day we could go thrift shopping at a few of the different ARC stores and Goodwills around town. There’s always a great find around!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my late mother Rechenda BlackDeer. She was the best cheerleader, rock of wisdom, and always there with a cheesy Chicken Soup for the Soul quote. She was a strong prayer warrior and woman of faith and I miss her every single day and honestly? I’m still figuring out how I’m meant to be in the world without her.

Website: https://www.drblackdeer.com

Instagram: @DrBlackDeer

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drblackdeer/

Image Credits
Leah Nason Photography
Shawn Poynter at Poynter Photo Co.
Iris Manning Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.