Native American Heritage Month celebrates the history and contributions of the Indigenous communities in the United States. By honoring their traditions, languages and rich cultures, we can keep their histories alive throughout future generations.
Empowering Native American employees
SRP engages in cultural awareness through one of its Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), Native Americans Together In Vision & Empowerment (N.A.T.I.V.E.). Most members of N.A.T.I.V.E. share a common identity and serve as a bridge between SRP and the Native American community.
One of the many ways this ERG has impacted the community is through their nonprofit partner Native Health of Phoenix, which provides a wide range of programs that support medical, dental and behavioral health.
To honor Native American Heritage Month at SRP, N.A.T.I.V.E. hosts a variety of employee events including a Navajo taco sale and an open discussion about Native taboos that exist in our present-day culture.
N.A.T.I.V.E.’s Vice Chair, Tyson Yazzie, began his career with SRP nearly 20 years ago and has moved throughout the company since.
Supporting local tribal communities
Yazzie grew up in Holbrook, Arizona, and began his career with SRP in 2004. Starting in an entry-level position at Navajo Generating Station (NGS), he was promoted throughout the years until reaching his current role as Manager of Mechanical Construction and Maintenance.
When he found out about N.A.T.I.V.E. through co-workers, Yazzie was amazed at their involvement with local tribes in the community. Through his career at SRP, he’s watched the company’s involvement with the Native American communities increase through volunteerism.
“Being a part of the ERG is a good networking opportunity for me internally at SRP, getting to meet a lot of the ERG members in different departments, but also outside of SRP, I get to meet the tribal leaders in the Valley and talk to them to see what their needs are and how the ERG can help them.”
Tyson Yazzie, Manager of Mechanical Construction and Maintenance
Son I’m so Proud of You!! I didn’t really know you were involved with the tribal leaders that is good. Keep up the great job & being a role model is what we need for the younger generations.