In this episode, our guest is Dr. Len Necefer, Ph.D., CEO & Founder of NativesOutdoors – a native-owned athletic and creative collective. The company began as a social media project in March 2017 by Len Necefer (Diné), highlighting stories and photos of Native people in outdoor recreation and addressing the lack of representation of Indigenous people in the outdoor industry. The organization has expanded to providing advisory and consulting services to the outdoor industry on topics within the intersection of tribes, public lands, and outdoor recreation. NativesOutdoors is working directly with tribal governments, community organizations, and individuals on increasing access to outdoor recreation and connecting resources and opportunities within the outdoor industry.

Dr. Necefer holds a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and a Doctorate in Engineering and Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University. Previous to founding NativesOutdoors, Len has worked for the U.S. Department of Energy and, most recently, the University of Arizona. 

The Channel Mastery podcast is brought to you by Verde Brand Communications, a consumer-centric brand strategy and communication agency serving the outdoor recreation industry.  Your host is Kristin Carpenter, Chief Strategy Officer, Founder, and Chair at Verde Brand Communications. Channel Mastery is sponsored by our partner Life Time, Inc., owner of the Sea Otter Classic and producer of the Sea Otter Classic Summit outdoor recreation executive gathering.

Discussion points:

• Len’s impactful career and path to entrepreneurship with NativesOutdoors
• News roundup - Len presenting at the Sea Otter Classic
• Biden’s policy changes in 2021 to empower first nations
• Co-management and conflict at ancestral sites
• Native interest in living and working in their community
• Opportunities for teaming up in outdoor rec
• Impactful wins empowering native communities
• Getting involved - investing in the pipeline from Native communities for talent

News Articles Mentioned:

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/photo-booth/the-extreme-cyclists-of-the-navajo-nation
https://www.kauffman.org/currents/opportunity-awaits-native-americans-and-entrepreneurship/
https://santoantoniodopinhal.lumiar.co/5-sets-of-challenges-native-american-entrepreneurs/

Resources:

Dr. Len Necefer Website
Dr. Necefer LinkedIn
NativesOutdoors
Farmington, NM
John Yazzie Bikepacking Co.
Bears Ears National Monument
Unbranded Documentary
Sea Otter Classic Summit, April 2023
Kristin Carpenter on LinkedIn
Verde Brand Communications