Native American Heritage Month 2025: Honoring ancestry, identity and community

For many Indigenous societies, the future is guided by the lessons and resilience of those who came before. This Native American Heritage Month, Kyndryl and our NATIV KIN (Kyndryl Inclusion Network) celebrate “Embracing Our Future” — an invitation to imagine what’s possible when heritage, identity and community inform each chapter of one’s life journey.

Here, five Kyndryls reflect on what their Indigenous roots have taught them about perseverance, leadership, connection and the power of carrying culture forward.

How do you stay involved with your community?

For over 15 years, I’ve engaged with my tribal community by serving on Tribal Council, launching a tribal business, running Pow Wow kitchens (fry bread tacos included!) and maintaining the land. It’s about being present and making an impact.

How does your Indigenous heritage shape who you are — both personally and in your professional life?

Although I didn’t grow up on a reservation, I’ve made it a priority to learn about my community and reconnect with the culture, ceremonies and people. Understanding our traditional knowledge and its contributions to science is a real source of pride and it encourages me to approach problems and solutions with a different perspective.

What guidance would you share with your younger self about navigating life and identity?

Don’t compartmentalize who you are. Your career, family, tribal and social selves all influence one another, so it’s important to embrace them as a whole.

What does your Indigenous heritage mean to you, personally and professionally?

I am Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation from Saskatchewan. As part of a nomadic Nation with many communities, I’ve carried that spirit of movement into my career, traveling across Canada to serve customers.  The Seven Generations teaching guides my choices, thinking seven ahead while honoring those who came before. When I met with Indigenous business leaders on a recent trip to Saskatoon, I learned the word miyo-wahkohtowin, which means “good relationship” or “kinship” — echoing the words kin and tendril in Kyndryl. I feel at home here.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment?

Being selected for the Heart of Kyndryl award by one of Kyndryl’s senior leaders was a wonderful moment. This honor recognizes top performers who embody our company’s values and culture and reflects the success of our teams in earning the trust of our customers.

How do you stay connected to your community?

I co-chair the Indigenous Canada KIN and mentor through Indigenous Tech Circle. This year, I spoke at the AISES Canada National Gathering on cybersecurity careers and supported Indigenous youth through CyberSci competitions. I also work toward economic reconciliation through partnerships and serve on the Advisory Circle for the Centre for Indigenous Corporate Partnership.

What does your Indigenous heritage mean to you?

Discovering my heritage through a genealogy service made me feel more whole — like I uncovered another piece of myself. It helped me understand why I’ve always felt so connected to Pow Wows here in the U.S., and why nature has always called to me.

What professional milestone are you most proud of?

My proudest moment was completing the IBM apprenticeship program in 2019. After experiencing a traumatic head injury earlier that year, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to finish, which made achieving it even more meaningful.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I’d tell my younger self to follow whatever your heart pulls you toward. Don’t be afraid of failing because every setback teaches you something and helps you grow.

How do you stay connected to your community? 

I stay connected to my Indigenous roots by reading articles and books about my heritage (with a focus on the Lenni-Lenape peoples) and by participating in Pow Wows and seasonal get-togethers.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment?

I am the first in my family to attend and graduate from college and I earned my CPA license afterward.

What advice do you have for others?

Do the right thing, treat others as you would like to be treated and enjoy the journey — everything will work out in the end.

How has discovering your heritage shaped you?

Learning about my Métis roots deepened my connection to First Nations communities and strengthened my desire to understand the progress and challenges that Indigenous communities face today. This inspired me to reach out and connect with friends and acquaintances from my youth to understand how I can play a role. It’s also encouraged me to help Kyndryl’s engagement with Indigenous communities.

What professional achievement are you most proud of?

Gaining a deep understanding of myself, what drives me and how I embrace change and growth. This awareness has allowed me to take bolder steps in my career, discover new passions and make meaningful impacts for my team, leadership and company.

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions, seek mentorship in every aspect of life and always keep moving forward.