In the face of political opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, many business leaders are reconsidering their commitments. Some, like Jori Miller Sherer of Minnetonka Moccasin Company, emphasize that DEI is central to their businesses’ missions. At SXSW, Miller Sherer discussed efforts to reconcile past cultural appropriation by collaborating with Indigenous artists and prioritizing community engagement. This approach highlights that true DEI involves not just financial compensation but amplifying the voices and contributions of those from affected communities, reshaping business culture in the process.
For the Indigenous designers Minnetonka works with, "it isn't just about sending a check or having a royalty payment, which of course we do; it is about really giving them the microphone and giving them the spotlight."
Miller Sherer noted, "One of the first things that we did was get to know people in our local community and just listen and learn from them."
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